APEXLearning

APEX Learning:

APEX Learning Dinora Mendoza Azusa Pacific University EDCO 549 Professor Block 1

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2 Apex Learning was started in 1997 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen on the idea that online courses and test prep could be applied to K-12. The original focus of the company was providing online Advanced Placement courses and test prep, and AP remains a core part of Apex Learning's business. In the company’s first full year, Apex Learning served 200 students. In 2002, Apex Learning introduced new web-based products addressing credit recovery, remediation, classroom teaching, and alternative schools. History of APEX Learning

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3 Apex Learning, Inc. is a privately-held provider of e-Learning solutions for K-12 education, offering online courses in mathematics, science, English studies, social studies, Romance languages, the fine arts, health and physical education, and Advance Placement. Regardless of whether the need is original credit or credit recovery, whether the student is ready for advanced coursework or requires basic skills development, or whether the school is virtual or brick and mortar, Apex Learning digital curriculum can be integral to navigating the path to success for all students. What is APEX Learning?

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4 How is it useful? Credit Recovery – Helps students to accelerate through the required course material to earn those final credits they need for graduation. It helps students that need to make up several classes. Some students find it challenging to make up a lot of credits, especially when they have to repeat the same course in the same traditional format as the first time. Unit level diagnostics allow students to move quickly over material they have previously mastered. Distance Learning – Students can work on their APEX class outside of the classroom. They have access to their course through any computer with an internet connection. APEX Learning provides certified teachers to deliver online instruction, but the school can choose to use their own local teachers to do this for a distance learning program.

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5 Dropout Prevention – Students drop out for many reasons. Some are not successful in the one-size-fits-all model of the traditional classroom. This offers a non-traditional program that provides personalized learning experiences that gives them the opportunity to be successful. Students can work on their own pace. Direct instruction incorporates multimedia along with instructional text to provide students with multiple representations of concepts as well as address their different learning styles. Students have foundations, core and literacy advantage courses to help them master rigorous content and earn credit toward graduation . How is it useful?

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6 English Language Learners – APEX offers online courses with extensive scaffolding for students who are not proficient in English. Instructional text may be read aloud in English and in Spanish for some courses. Foundations courses provide structure remediation focused on developing reading, writing, and math skills and strategies appropriate to grades 3 to 8, preparing basic and intermediate level ELL’s for grade level academic content. Literacy Advantage courses provide embedded literacy scaffolding. It helps ELL’s at the basic or intermediate level in comprehending grade-level academic content and progressing in high school courses required for graduation. APEX Learning Core courses also offer benefits for ELL’s. They are for intermediate or advanced level ELL’s who are capable but may still not be achieving to their potential in their academic coursework because they are not fully proficient in English. How is it useful?

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7 Exceptional Learners – APEX Learning is based on the Universal Design for Learning, a framework that aims to reach the greatest number of students at their individual learning level. APEX Learning implemented: Multiple methods of content presentation (audio, videos, illustrations) Multiple modes of student expression (media-based assignments) Multiple ways to engage students (online discussions, games, activities) Ability to self pace Audio Assistance Formative Feedback Stepping Out (Smaller steps for big assignments) Study Assistance How is it useful?

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8 Middle to High School Transition – Math Foundations courses were developed to provide remediation of required math skills for students ages 13 and older. English Foundations courses offer structured remediation and practice in reading and writing to prepare students for grade-level high school courses. Students that are below-proficient readers have the opportunity to take Literacy Advantage courses to have that extra support. The more proficient readers will benefit more from the Learning Core high school courses. Summer School - A summer school distance learning program can be implemented when local teachers are not available or if a district can’t implement a summer school program due to budget constraints. How is it useful?

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9 Foundations Courses - meet the needs of high school and transitioning middle school students who are not prepared for grade level academic challenges. They help develop skills and strategies in math, reading, and writing with the goal of raising achievement to a high school level. These courses are designed to be age-appropriate with respect to content, illustrations, and examples for students ages 13 and older. Each semester offers approximately 70-90 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. Exam Prep Courses - High School State Exam Prep courses align to each state's test blueprint and are designed around each state's unique test architecture. (California High School Exit Exam, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, Arizona American Institute of Musical Studies) They also offer the AP Exam Review. This is an online study resource that prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement exams. What kinds of courses are offered?

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10 Literacy Advantage Courses - standards based general studies courses that meet the needs of students who are reading below proficient. They have Literacy Advantage courses in math, science, English, and social studies. Each semester is 60-80 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. Core Courses – standards-based general studies courses (math, science, English, social studies, world languages, fine arts, PE/health and life skills) that meet the needs of a range of students as they endeavor to master rigorous content and earn credits toward high school graduation. Each semester course offers 70-90 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. What kinds of courses are offered?

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11 Honors Courses – standards based general studies courses (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, and World Languages) that meet the needs of motivated students seeking to accelerate their learning and deepen conceptual understanding. Each semester course offers 90-120 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and robust enrichment with integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. Advanced Placement Courses – they are authorized by the College Board and meet higher education expectations of college-level courses and prepare students to demonstrate achievement through success on the AP exams. Courses target highly motivated students who are reading at grade level or above and who have a track record of success in high school coursework. Each semester course is approximately 120-150 hours of direct instruction and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. What kinds of courses are offered?

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12 Interesting Facts and Examples Since 1999 Apex Learning has served: 1,000,000 students 3.7 million enrollments 4,700 school districts 50 states 72 countries In Florida, there was a student who wanted to take Spanish, but it didn’t fit his schedule. He didn’t want to wait another year to take a foreign language, so he enrolled in the Spanish APEX course offered at another school. Another parent in Florida felt that her son was receiving poor instruction and that other children were “out of control,” so she took her son out of the public school and enrolled him into a virtual school. Her son has been successful in all his APEX Learning courses.

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13 References http:// www.apexlearning.com/Home.htm http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apex_Learning Martin, Annie. (2011, June 6). Virtual schools showing real growth. The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved from http:// www.newsjournalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/06/06 /virtual-schools-showing-real-growth.html