Questar III’s summer online high school credit recovery courses will begin on July 6. In the face of increased requirements, limited resources, and scheduling conflicts, online learning is a cost-efficient and effective way for school districts to help their students get on track for graduation. Course content is provided by Apex Learning, and courses are taught by New York State-certified teachers employed by Questar III.
Questar III offers credit recovery in English 9, 10, 11, and 12, Economics, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Earth Science, Biology, Global 9 and 10, U.S. History, American Government, Spanish I, Spanish II, Health, and Physical Education. Many of these are courses that are necessary to meet graduation requirements.
Students who enroll in online courses should be self-motivated and possess good time-management and organizational skills. Many schools offer an opportunity for students to do their online work during assigned times in a school building so that they can stay focused and have access to extra help.
Jeff Elliott, Questar III’s specialist for distance learning, says the courses are great for students and districts. “School districts find our online learning summer school program of benefit since it provides them with an opportunity to offer their students the ability to recover course credit during the summer, even when they don’t offer summer school locally,” he says. “Students enjoy the flexibility to login and study their coursework at any time of the day or night and complete the assignments and assessments at a faster pace if they choose.”
Chatham High School guidance counselor Jim Lombardi echoed Elliott’s sentiments, saying, “Questar III’s online summer credit recovery courses have allowed students who were either reluctant or unable to attend a traditional summer school the ability to stay current with their credits.”
Students work with their guidance counselors to enroll in the courses after filling out a student registration form and a student contract for online learning. The student contract confirms that students are committed to academic integrity and success and appropriate online behavior. Enrollment is rolling, so students can contact their guidance counselors if they are interested in enrolling in online courses this summer.
In addition to Questar III’s summer credit recovery courses, the Distance Learning department offers a number of credit accrual courses during the school year, including financial literacy, reading skills and strategies, sociology, and more. To find out how your district can sign up for Questar III’s online learning programs, contact Jeff Elliot at (518) 479-6981 or JElliott@questar.org.
