Online Learning
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Are NADL students required to take state mandated tests?
According to state law, students who do not pay tuition for online courses (which means the courses are state-funded) are required to take state mandated testing for their grade level.
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Are the classes the same as those offered in a traditional school?
NADL courses appear on a transcript just like any other FUSD course. The program is open entry/open exit. Students can set their own schedule to work toward course completion. It is recommended students spend at least one hour per weekday (Monday - Friday) per course to complete the course on time if the course enrollment period is for 18 weeks. The amount of time required per day to complete the course by the end date depends upon the length of enrollment in the course.
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Can my child take courses through NADL as a homeschooled student?
Northern Arizona Distance Learning is a publicly funded program. A child enrolled in a publicly funded distance learning or virtual school program is classified by law and the program as a public school student, and therefore cannot be classified as a homeschool student. For more information, contact your county superintendent of schools.
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Can students go at their own pace? Can they "get ahead" so they can graduate early?
Yes. However, parents and students should keep in mind that NADL courses are full semester courses, designed to be completed in 90 hours.
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Do I have to complete all of my work using a computer online?
Yes. Distance learning students will need a Windows or Macintosh computer and an Internet connection. Students use word processing software to complete homework assignments in all courses.
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Do the courses count for high school credit?
Our high school courses count for high school credit in many school districts. Contact individual school districts for more information. If you are currently enrolled in a school outside of Flagstaff Public Schools, you will need to check with your counselor to ensure that course credits from NADL will be accepted for graduation. Some schools limit the number of transfer credits accepted for graduation.
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Do the courses follow a set curriculum?
Yes. All courses are aligned Flagstaff Unified School District curriculum, Arizona State Standards, and national curriculum standards where applicable.
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Do you offer courses for grade replacement?
Yes, but the original grade remains on the student's transcript. The grade received from NADL will be recorded in addition to the first grade for the course.
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How are absences handled in the online setting?
Online learning is an attractive option for many students because of its flexibility. Because students can set their own schedule, attendance is not taken in the same manner as the traditional classroom. Students are expected to log in weekly and make regular progress in their online course(s). Students who will be unable to log in for a week or longer due to illness or vacation can be placed on extended absence status. The link to manage extended absences is accessed from the parent page. Please note that placing a student on extended absence status does not change the course end date. However, it does prevent a student from going inactive in a course, and alerts the teacher that the student will not be logging in.
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How do my grades transfer?
NADL records grades on transcripts just like any other district school.
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How do students get help?
A highly-qualified, certified teacher is assigned to each course. Teachers monitor student progress and interact with students through an internal messaging system. Teachers may also offer phone and online supports. Technical support is available by phone during the day or by e-mail on evenings and weekends.
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How is student progress monitored in a course?
Parents receive weekly progress reports and are able to view student progress and grades online through a secure parent page.
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How long do I have to finish?
Students typically have 18 weeks to complete a course, but then length of enrollment may vary depending upon individual circumstances.
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What do I need to know about attendance for full-time distance learning students?
Parents can ensure that students log a minimum of five hours per week per course. That means a full-time distance learning student who is taking four courses should be logging a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Student attendance (shown in the timesheet calendar) is automatically updated at midnight, reflecting the previous day's work. Because automatic attendance entries use the time a student is logged in, the timesheet calendar does not reflect time spent working offline (reading, studying, doing lab work, bowling, etc.). Offline time may be added by selecting the date and time (use the arrows) in the timesheet calendar then clicking the 'Send' button. Parents of full-time distance learning students are asked to confirm attendance each week by clicking on a link in their Progress Report e-mail.
Parents may continue to monitor student attendance through the Parent page or through Monday progress reports. For more information, click on the 'Learn More' button in the timesheet calendar.
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What if I already attend high school full time?
If you attend school full-time, you may register as a dual-enrolled student. Dual-enrolled students need to see their home school counselor for advisement before selecting distance learning courses. FUSD counselors will advise dual-enrolled students, help them select appropriate courses, and complete the online course approval form. This form must be sent to the NADL registrar BEFORE Flagstaff Public School students submit the NADL online registration form.
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What if I do not attend a Flagstaff Unified School District school?
NADL is a distance learning program that provides courses to students from around the world. All students are welcome to register.
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What if I do not finish on time?
Students are eligible for one 30-day course extension. Students are expected to complete all course work and take the final exam by the end date. Future course extensions are available for a fee.
NCAA guidelines for course enrollments prohibit prospective NCAA athletes from receiving any course extensions. Other restrictions on course extensions may apply.
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Where does my student take the final exam, and how is it scheduled?
In order for earned course credits to have value, the school must ensure that the student did the work and gained knowledge and skills. Since online coursework is often completed away from the school granting the credit, midterm and final exams should be administered in a monitored environment. Exam proctors are used for this purpose. Some students will take the final exam in the NADL office, while others may be able to take the final exam at a school in their district.
The student must complete all course requirements before requesting a midterm or final exam. When the student is ready to request a midterm or final exam, they should click on the "request final exam" link from the Lesson Checklist within the course. Final exams are not requested by calling the NADL office.
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Who is a good candidate for distance learning?
Taking courses online sounds like an exciting alternative to traditional face-to-face classes, however, online classes are not right for everyone. Online classes are very different from traditional classes in terms of the presentation of materials and the overall learning experience. Even excellent students in traditional classes may find online classes are not compatible with their learning style. Some students may lack the essential computer skills to take courses online. Before enrolling in any online classes, students should make sure that online learning is right for them.
Qualities of successful online learners:
1.Self-disciplined – the ability to work independently and not be easily distracted.
2.Self-motivated – doesn't rely on stimulus from other students or face-to-face interaction.
3.Time management skills
4.Willingness to commit time and effort to online courses (at least five hours per week per course)
5.Good writing and communication skills
6.Good reading skills
7.Study skills to get the most from course study materials, such as note taking skills
8.Ability to use teacher feedback
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Will credits from my previous school transfer to your program?
Your school counselor must first approve credits applied toward graduation. District guidelines for credit approval apply. All credits must come from an accredited institution. Students transferring from charter schools may not receive credit for all courses. Life experience, religious courses, or community summer programs do not qualify for credit approval. If you have additional questions concerning credit transfer, contact our registrar.
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Will my diploma be accepted by a university?
Colleges and universities accept our courses, however, it is always recommended that you check with the college you are interested in attending. Arizona Universities do accept the NADL diploma.