Press Release
iNACOL Webinar Features Course Access: Improving Student Access to Advanced Coursework
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2017) – On Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) will host a webinar to explore how course access programs can provide students with more access to advanced coursework and extended educational pathways.
Every student deserves access to the courses she or he needs for success in college and careers. However, too many students, and in particular those from traditionally underserved backgrounds, face significant inequities. According to the U.S. Department of Education:
- Only 50% of U.S. high schools offer calculus and only 63% offer physics.
- Black and Latino students make up 37% of high school students but only account for 18% of students passing an AP exam.
- Amongst high schools with the highest percentage of black and Latino students, one quarter do not offer algebra II, and one third do not offer chemistry.
A promising solution is course access. Course access provides public school students with expanded course offerings across learning environments from diverse, accountable providers. It is a statewide program through which students can gain equitable access to a variety of courses in a programmatic effort to increase access, quality and equity in public education.
This webinar will share a national perspective on course access programs and policies, and highlight promising practices and lessons learned from the Louisiana Supplemental Course Academy and the Rhode Island Advanced Coursework Network. In addition, the presenters will discuss new opportunities under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which allows significant flexibility to states and districts to use federal funds “to improve student access to advanced courses and a well-rounded education.”
iNACOL CEO Susan Patrick said, “By offering students access to courses that might not otherwise be available in their schools, course access can help close the opportunity gap and increase access and equity to a quality public education.”
This webinar is free to attend — participants are invited to register here for final details and login information.
Webinar Title: Course Access: Improving Student Access to Advanced Coursework
Presenters:
- Dave Lefkowith, Louisiana Department of Education
- Steve Osborne, Rhode Island Department of Education
- Maria Worthen, iNACOL
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About iNACOL
The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to catalyze the transformation of K-12 education policy and practice to advance powerful, personalized, learner-centered experiences through competency-based, blended and online learning. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focusing on research, developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access, developing quality standards for emerging learning models using online, blended, and competency-based education, and supporting the ongoing professional development of school and district leaders for new learning models. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on twitter.