Description:
The Center for On-Line Studies (COLS), first implemented during the 2006-2007 school year, is a collaborative program that provides an alternative instructional setting for LPS high school students. Located at Arapahoe Community College, COLS utilizes a hybrid learning environment. Students are required to attend on-line classes at ACC where all of the content is digital and two certified teachers are available to facilitate student learning in the classroom. Due to the nature of the on-line curriculum, the students are able to self-direct their learning pace with the guidance and support of a classroom teacher. Outside of the regularly scheduled class time, the students also have access to their courses twenty four hours a day from any internet connection. Currently, COLS is able to support 80 high school students (divided into two sessions) while offering over 50 courses. The morning session runs from 7:30am – 11:00am and the afternoon session runs from 12:00pm – 3:30pm.
For further information or enrollment options, please make an appointment with your high school guidance counselor.
Partnerships:
Collaboration has been an essential component to the COLS program. Started with money from Gifted and Talented, Alternative Education, Technology Services, ELA and Special Education, COLS has been built on a foundation of partnerships.
Arapahoe Community College generously provides two rooms, completely furnished, on the main campus at no cost to the district (LPS provided the new computers). Located in the annex building, the students are immersed in the ACC campus culture as the fitness center and student lounge are just a few steps away. This setting has proved elemental to the success of the students. Several students have gone on to attend classes at ACC after graduation or have taken advantage of the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) concurrently enrolling at COLS and at ACC to earn both high school and college credit.
All of the on-line content is aligned to state and district standards and is purchased by the district through Class.com©. Class.com© takes advantage of current multi-media and internet resources while providing engaging curriculum that focuses heavily on reading and writing skills. The students have found the content to be both relevant and challenging.
Blackboard© provides the on-line environment from which the students access their course work. Blackboard© is the most widely adopted course management system among post-secondary institutions in the United States. COLS students are able to gain first hand experience with tools and skills they will likely need to be successful at the college level.