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21st Century Cyber Charter School
The 21st Century Cyber Charter School (21CCCS) is a diploma-granting charter school located in the state of Pennsylvania, US. Founded in 2001 by 64 member school districts, it serves Pennsylvania students in grades 6 through 12. It is funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and there is no fee to attend.
The ADM ("average daily membership") for 2009-2010 was 591 students. Of these, 34% were from low-income families.
21CCCS classes are fully online but use a traditional textbook (access to an online version is available). Students learn in an online, asynchronous environment.
The 21CCCS mission is to provide students for whom an asynchronous environment is an appropriate educational setting, and attend the school at least half time, with an individualised learning programme utilising the latest information and communications technology.
More Details
21CCCS teachers work together from the 21CCCS office in Exton, Pennsylvania. Live, interactive webcasts are utilised. 21CCCS provides required software and hardware, e.g. a laptop, a printer and scanner; and other hardware such as a digital camera or a graphic tablet when needed. Reimbursement for the cost of internet access is available.
Based on student preference and needs, 21CCCS teachers incorporate the use of virtual classrooms to introduce, discuss, and review instructional materials. Students may participate live or watch a recorded version of each session. Qualified students may also take online college courses, or take classes at their local college or university
Nearly 80% attending of 21CCCS graduates go on to attend institutes of higher education; many 21CCCS students did not come from districts with high percentages of graduates that were planning to attend college.
The 2009-10 school year ended with 24 full time teachers, two teaching assistants, two guidance counselors, one student support manager, one special education coordinator, one coordinator of curriculum and instruction, three full time technology help desk personnel, one registrar, one school secretary, one administrative assistant, one principal, one part-time learning coach, one part-time school nurse, one part time supervisor of special education, and the CEO.
References
- 21st Century Cyber School web site, http://www.21stcenturycyber.org
- "A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning", iNACOL, October 2010, http://www.inacol.org/research/docs/national_report.pdf
- "Charter Annual Report: 21st Century Cyber CS", 14 Feburary 2011, http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1046182/21st_century_cyber_cs-charter_annual_report-approved_2010_report_pdf
- "Keeping Pace With Online Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice", Evergreen Education Group, 2010, http://kpk12.com/reports/