Online classes are on way to Putnam City

The Putnam City School Board approved an agreement with Pearson Virtual Learning to provide online classes to middle and high school students.

BY TRICIA PEMBERTON | Published: April 9, 2011 Comment on this article

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WARR ACRES — Middle and high school students in the Putnam City School District could begin enrolling in online classes by May.

The Putnam City School Board on Monday approved an agreement with Pearson Virtual Learning for online courses.

Enrollment in the courses is expected to begin May 9, said district spokesman Steve Lindley. Courses include core subjects, world languages, electives, honors and 14 advanced placement courses

The cost to the district is $225,000, but classes will be free for students, Lindley said.

“This is something we’ve been looking into for the past several years in considering what would work best for our students,” Lindley said.

There are a lot of benefits to the program, he said.

Each year there are 60 to 70 students who transfer out of Putnam City because the district hasn’t provided virtual classes, he said. Online classes also can help bolster students who are at risk of not graduating because they are having trouble in a core subject or facing failure on one of the state’s end-of-instruction tests. Area homeschooled students also can be helped.

“All schools have students who may be nontraditional learners,” Lindley said. “They have to find different ways to serve them.”

The virtual classes conform to Oklahoma state curriculum standards, Lindley said. Plus, the certified teachers leading the instruction will schedule contact with students at least once a week, and they will be available for help seven days a week.

Families wishing to enroll students in May should call the district’s enrollment office at 491-7631.