What is Ashland Connect? 

The Ashland School District is excited to announce a new option for Ashland students that will allow more flexibility with the time and direction of their education. The foundation of this program is flexible on-line instruction that students can master at their own pace, without the requirement of synchronous learning and the opportunity for hybrid experiences. Students will have in time teacher support from an on-line instructor, as well as Ashland School District staff that provides pathway planning, consultation to the family to supporting the learning, and a space to get work done with the help of an educational professional throughout the school day.

The hybrid option allows students to come in person at TRAILS Outdoor School for electives, after-school activities, lunch, recess, and more. The Ashland teacher will support you in keeping your student on track academically and connecting them to the “in real life” opportunities that exist in the school district and our community. As a student in the Ashland School District, they will have access to high quality education, athletics, activities, clubs and more. All of this with the flexibility of deciding what time of day, and the length of time each day that your student will spend on school. 

What curriculum does Ashland Connect provide? 

Edgenuity® (also called Imagine Learning) is a leading provider of K–12 online learning solutions, partnering with schools and districts throughout the country to provide the tools and support they need to maximize learning and improve student success. 

What is the benefit of using this online provider with the Ashland School District rather than homeschooling?  

The benefits are numerous! For example, a team of dedicated school district employees are available who can connect you to other resources that are within the district. We provide weekly or biweekly check-ins to answer any questions and to be an extra extension of support outside of Edgenuity teachers. The ability to connect to your community through outdoor extracurricular activities with covid-19 safety protocols is another extension of this program. Access to material resources are also provided by the school district. Ashland Connect students also have access to specialists, resource teachers, and school counselors as needed.  We also recognize and meet all needs for 504 and IEP plans, hold regular meetings, and assign students with these needs to our resource teacher for extra support.

How does Attendance work? 

Students should be logging on to Edgenuity and making progress every school day. We track attendance through “activity” on Edgenuity. That might not necessarily mean completing progress in every subject as students may want to focus on one subject per day. However, it is a benefit to follow along with the pacing Edgenuity has laid out to make sure your student is keeping on track. If you would like to pre-clear an absence your student may have, you would contact the attendance clerk through TRAILS Outdoor School at 541-482-8577.

How do I contact my Edgenuity teachers? 

Edgenuity has a communication system built in the platform. Your individual course teachers should be reaching out to you on a weekly basis, but as questions arise, please utilize this feature within Edgenuity. You can also book virtual meetings with your teacher through their contact in Edgenuity.  Additionally, you will meet with our district teacher in weekly zoom meetings.  That person will provide extra support and act as a bridge between our district and Edgenuity as needed.

What supplies does my student need? 

Supplies are listed within each individual curriculum. The Resource Module will have a course materials list and you can also find it in the Learning Coach tab in each lesson. If materials are a limitation of your students' education, please let us know and we will provide the materials as needed. In addition, teachers can provide alternative materials and even switch up lessons to meet your individual needs.  

How many hours a day are expected to complete coursework? 

Edgenuity suggests spending 40 – 60 minutes per course per day. For K-5 grade levels, this includes four common core classes: common core math, common core language arts, common core science, and common core social studies. For 6-8 grade levels, there are the same four common core classes by grade level with the optional addition of 1-2 electives. Students should expect to spend 30 minutes a day on elective classes. It is also important to schedule brain breaks, discuss lessons, and set goals outside of Edgenuity for student success.  Hybrid students may also come in person for electives, activities, lunch, recess, and more.

How do I know if I’m staying on pace with my online courses? 

There is a pacing tool within Edgenuity that updates with how many assignments are submitted. While it is a useful tool, we don’t want your student to be hyper focused and stressed about the pacing tool. It is merely a guide to make sure you are moving along in a course. Additionally, the assignments are organized by date in the course map so you know exactly what you should be completing per day.  Our district teacher is also experienced in setting up pacing plans, adjusting courses as needed, and helping support your student.

What if I want to add or drop a class? 

Edgenuity allows for a two-week grace period from enrollment for adding or dropping classes. This provides the opportunity to try out a course and make sure it matches your students' needs. If you feel that a course fits this category, reach out to your Ashland Connect teacher. 

What if I believe I am ahead of the curriculum?  

There is a pre-assessment feature that allows your student to test out of material they already know and advance in a course. It is important to note that this tool will pop up for every new module/lesson prior to start, but will not be available if you are in the middle of a module/lesson. Three attempts are given during the pre-tests, and the highest grade will apply if passing.  

What is the difference between Ashland Connect and TRAILS Outdoor School?   

Ashland Connect is a program within TRAILS Outdoor School. Ashland Connect was designed intentionally as a hybrid academy and always will be, so students will always have home-based learning included as at least part of their education. However, we know how important it is to have a local school to foster connections and tap into the district resources, which is why we have multiple overlap opportunities that the Ashland Connect teacher arranges with TRAILS staff. 

What in-person opportunities are there with the Ashland Connect program, if any? 

We will be offering in-person-support for students who might need a quiet place to study, need extra academic support or extensions, or just want to see their peers in the program. We have hybrid options for attending up to three days per week for part of the day.  Fridays are reserved for fun, social opportunities that often include a field trip to a local place or with one of our partners- Scienceworks and Rogue Valley Farm to School.

How do I apply for the Ashland Connect program? 

Click Here to navigate to our application page.