KEYNEWSKEYNEWSKEYNEWSKEYNEWSKEY Julie Young | Continued
mean that during these economic times many of the schools have cut back on the course offerings to save dollars, so we can fill those gaps and provide those courses for the students in those schools. We provide advanced placement, honors, and anything a student needs to graduate. We fill gaps and try to enhance what our schools are doing. So if a student has a scheduling conflict, or is home bound or ill, we provide for them. If they are accelerating and trying to graduate early, we work to help them accomplish that.
GD How is a program like this funded? JY It actually is funded through the same funding mechanism as our school districts. We are a statewide school district that is funded on performance. If our students are not successful in the courses, we are not funded.
GD So the funding is coming from the state level? JY Correct. We put forth our allo- cation and predications the same way the school districts do each year. Tere is a budgetary amount of dollars set aside for Florida Vir- tual School in the same way as any school district. GD Can students find out about your available classes through the actual school they are attending? JY Yes. Teir counselors and ad- ministrators do know about Florida Virtual School and have in- formation on the free courses we offer to all students in the state of Florida.
GD Is there a limit as to how many classes a student can take? JY Some schools, districts will actually limit the number of courses that a student can take,
but there is not a state law that limits the number.
GD What is the class range of the courses you are offering? JYWe offer K-12 classes, but the majority of our students are in middle school and high school. Te state mandated full-time pro- grams at the K-8 level a few years back, so we do partner with Connections Academy to provide full-time programs for K-5 and Grades 6-8.
GD: When was the school established? JY It was funded through a grant in 1996 and then in 2001 it was satisfactorily identified.
GD Do you know how many Monroe County students are participating in your school? JY As of right now, there are 308 students that live in Monroe County.
GD As far as proportions go, is it spread evenly through the grades? JY It’s probably two-thirds high school and one-third middle school.
GD Are you getting a lot of in- quiries when you are out promot- ing and marketing the idea? JY Yes, we really are. Te economy is challenging us all, and I think schools throughout the state and the country have to look at what they offer and how they offer it. Te class size amendment has cer- tainly affected how we do our busi- ness as educators. Creative administrators are really looking for good programs that they can use to offset what they have had to cut or cannot offer.
GD How are the available courses Continued on page 15
10 KONK Life
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