Virtual school gives students another option

Veteran Cherokee County educator Frances Farish prepares for an academic assistance class in Algebra on Wednesday morning. Farish is a teacher with the South Carolina Virtual Charter School, which provides online courses to 1,600 students statewide. Frances Farish has a world of computer power at her fingertips Wednesday morning while she waits for 250 students to log in for another school day.

She can see her students chat before class, solve math problems, and turn on a microphone so students can talk to her. She can cut off these privileges for students with the click of a computer key while seated in her teacher's desk at home.

Farish taught math at Blacksburg and Gaffney High for 34 years before retiring in June of 2007 so she could spend time caring for a new grandson. She recently started her first full year with the South Carolina Virtual Charter School.

Opened in August 2008, the online public school will serve up to 2,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide this year. A total of 44 students are enrolled from Gaffney, Blacksburg, Boiling Springs and Inman.

The virtual charter school program is supported by taxpayers and is operated by the state Department of Education.

Farish heard about the state's virtual charter school from a fellow teacher at Blacksburg High. She now works 14- hour days providing academic assistance in math.

In October, Farish will spend time on her computer helping 75 public school students prepare to pass the state's high school exit exam.

"I have really enjoyed working with students in a virtual school setting," Farish said. "This opens an opportunity for a lot of students who otherwise would have a hardship in getting an education."

The school uses the nationally acclaimed curriculum, technology and academic services provided by K12. The technology based education company in Virginia allows students to get a public education from their home computers under the supervision of state-certified teachers.

Students access the web-based lessons through the K12 online school. Textbooks, math and science supplies and workbooks are shipped directly to each home so students can participate in hands-on learning activities.

Younger students work alongside a learning coach, such as a parent or responsible adult. The coaches monitor the students in their efforts to complete academic and course work, tests and attendance requirements.

After nine years at Blacksburg Primary, Elizabeth Doan is in her first year teaching kindergarten through second grade students in the virtual charter school.

The online classes have enabled Doan to continue teaching while caring for her two young children. Her role in the classroom involves serving as a support for parents while working with students in the year-round program.

"I have actually taken a lot from my experience as a classroom teacher. Coming from a Montessori background, I feel comfortable working with multiage groups and giving lessons which build upon the other," Doan said. "My children are all different. Some come from a homeschool curriculum. Some have medical issues and the flexible schedule allows them not to get behind. Some just thrive with the web based learning. It is a great program for many children, including those with different ability levels."