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Canon-McMillan to unveil new online teaching program

2 min read

Students who transfer to Canon-McMillan High School no longer need to worry about how they will make up academic credits they need in order to graduate while also juggling a full course load at school. A new online program will allow students to work at their own pace and complete lessons after school.

Acellus, an interactive learning system that uses videos and customized lessons, goes into effect in early March. The district received a $5,000 grant for the program and paid $5,000 for 500 seat licenses. Superintendent Michael Daniels said there are no recurring costs except for the seat licenses, which will cost $10 per additional license.

Lorien Moyer, assistant principal at the high school, said the district’s first priority is to help transfer students get back on track with their schoolwork.

“Right now, we have a half-dozen (seniors) who immediately are going to benefit from this because they have moved from somewhere else and need something to graduate on time,” Moyer said.

Moyer said it’s a common issue at Canon-McMillan, especially when students move into the district from other states that use different curricula. Acellus offers lessons in the four core areas: math, science, social studies and English.

“They can complete it at their own pace, rather than having everything facilitated by a teacher in a traditional classroom setting,” Moyer said, but she added that teachers will still be monitoring their progress.

Students will initially make up the credits after school, but the district wants to eventually incorporate Acellus into summer school and allow students to complete lessons at home. At that point, it would be a “true cyber program,” Moyer said.

After that, school officials may consider implementing the program in other schools in the district and consider other uses for the program. The program could potentially be used for enrichment to allow students to take additional classes that they cannot fit into their schedules.

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