Terri Conrad, the chief strategist for learning design for GISD, said out of 125 students who showed interest in the program, 50 students began virtual learning for the regular program as well as 15 students for the enhanced virtual leaning program by enrolling in Richarte High School.
GISD is partnering with Pearson Connexus for the main program, according to Conrad. Pearson Connexus is a virtual learning platform that partners with schools through program management support that gives schools a digital platform to make successful virtual learning possible, according to the website.
Elementary and middle school students in the virtual learning program will remain enrolled in their main campus while in the virtual program, and students will have access to Pearson teachers, live tutors and special education support through Teleteacher, Conrad said.
According to Conrad, all elementary students will continue with regular grade-level classes; however, middle school students will be contacted by their school about chosen electives.
Classes will be taught by Pearson teachers, so elementary student grades will be standard letter grades, as opposed to the standards-based report cards given for in-person learning, Conrad said.
The decision to offer a virtual learning program came after the signing in the Texas Legislature of Senate Bill 15, the bill that allows funding to school districts for virtual learners.
GISD returned to fully face-to-face learning for all its students in September; however, the school board passed a resolution on Sept. 20 to consider virtual learning as a way to give families a virtual learning option.
