TRUMBULL COUNTY Internet school interests pupils

Officials will decide if they should start their own academy next year.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The initial success of an Internet-based instruction program in Trumbull County has school officials planning to continue the venture in one form or another next year.
Virtual Learning Academy got its start in the county in January and enrolls 18 pupils from 10 area schools districts.
Operated jointly by the educational service centers in Trumbull and Jefferson counties, VLA provides qualified pupils in seventh through 12th grades with another option to traditional instruction.
Vicky Giovangnoli, assistant superintendent of the TCESC, said the program has been well received, with the first pupil signing up for classes within days of the academy's startup.
"It's been successful," she said. "We are looking to renew it for next year. In some fashion, the VLA will be available next year for students."
Trumbull County made the move to join Jefferson County's program -- operated by the company Laurel Springs, which is based in California -- after Trumbull County Superintendent Tony D'Ambrosio attended a presentation on it.
Local districts participated with Jefferson County for the remainder of this school year to save initial startup costs. Jefferson County ESC already had the site licenses and software.
Local officials are still debating whether to operate their own version or stay with Jefferson County, Giovangnoli said.
Requirements
Pupils willing to participate in the program contact the principal or a counselor of their home school and if they are accepted, the home school district pays a $1,500 licensure fee, a $100 per-pupil software fee and an additional per-pupil, per-course fee of $300.
Pupils must have their own access to a computer linked to the Internet, or one may be provided by the home school. Coursework is monitored by certified and licensed teachers via e-mail.
Coursework is available to pupil 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They set their own pace and can enroll for one to five classes.
Pupils delinquent in only a portion of a traditional class can also enroll to make up work, say for one nine-week period, Giovangnoli said.
She said that while pupils are forced to become self-reliant and ensure they dedicate the required time to complete the course work, VLA is an option that appeals to a wide variety of pupils.
"There are probably more students enrolled now than we thought we'd have," she said. "It just opens up so many doors and options for school districts and students."
Giovangnoli said of the pupils now enrolled, some use the program as a way to earn extra credits for early graduation, while others are looking to make up delinquent work to stay on track with other classmates.
Keep kids in school
Marty Santillo, superintendent of Girard City Schools, said VLA has been a great benefit to pupils from his district who were struggling in a traditional school environment.
The district has nine high school students enrolled in VLA.
"Generally, these are students who would normally leave school," he said. "They struggle in a traditional classroom, but now they are staying in school and finishing."
Santillo said the district pays the costs for students to attend VLA, which is not much different than paying for students who attend a charter school.
Statewide, school districts are awarded about $2,300 per pupil in state money toward education. If pupils leave their home school for another educational option, the district must give that money to the school they attend, as well as cover any shortfall for the pupil's tuition.
So far, Santillo said, VLA is proving to be cheaper for his district than a charter school.
But that's not the sole reason VLA seems to work, he said. "So far, it's been a very positive experience for us."
Larry Prince, superintendent of Liberty Schools, has two pupils enrolled. A third pupil was enrolled but has already completed the coursework.
"Our initial reaction is that it's been very positive," Prince said.
He said the Liberty school board agreed to participate this year because it was one more way the district could offer the best in education to its pupils.
"We saw it as another educational option for students," he said. "A number of students can use it for a number of reasons. It opens up a wide range of options."
Other participating school districts are Howland, Hubbard, LaBrae, Lakeview, Maplewood, Mathews, Newton Falls and Southington.
Giovangnoli said all districts in Trumbull County will have a chance to participate next year.
slshaulis@vindy.com