About

Flexible, equitable and personalized learning in a supportive virtual environment

196Online provides a comprehensive online learning experience and carries forward the commitment to a high-quality education where students can learn and grow, and is dedicated to help them explore the outer limits of their vast potential. 196Online has replaced the 196 Digital Academy option, which was created to meet the emergency pandemic-related requirements.

The development of the online school began in 2021 with over 60 staff members involved in full-day visioning sessions at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Through these reflective conversations around a variety of topics and considerations (e.g. staffing, scheduling, co-curricular programs, equitable access, etc.) the groups developed foundational elements of 196Online focused on delivering an equitable, personalized, and flexible virtual learning community which builds relationships and inspires the growth and development of all learners.

Beliefs of 196Online
Goals of 196Online

Beliefs of 196Online

WE BELIEVE an equitable learning community in 196Online honors the unique qualities and backgrounds of every learner through intentional representation in the curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

WE BELIEVE a learning community is built upon the development of strong relationships through multiple layers of structures and supports within a comprehensive program. It is composed of students, guardians, teachers, support staff, administration, and community partners. As a part of this community, students will participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning as they access the curriculum, be a member of an Advisory or Morning Meeting with an identified adult mentor that will monitor the academic and social emotional growth of the student.

WE BELIEVE a personalized learning environment honors students’ individual identities and strengths by offering multiple levels of feedback, representation, support and rigor appropriate to each learner while the progress of the individual student is monitored through data-informed practices.

WE BELIEVE a flexible learning environment affords students choice and fosters a sense of agency through opportunities to work independently and collaboratively. Student voice is developed through course design with multiple methods of assessment as students are supported in the construction of knowledge and demonstration of their learning.

Goals of 196Online

Program goals are focused on comprehensive engagement. These goals will be utilized in the 196Online weekly PLC meetings where staff will determine next steps based on the program goal data.

BEHAVIORAL ENGAGEMENT
Students in 196Online will demonstrate weekly attendance during asynchronous learning environments based by level and represented by student progress as documented in Schoology and SeeSaw.

GOAL: Students will complete 85% of the weekly course tasks in Schoology or Seesaw based upon course requirements.

COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT
Students in 196Oline will demonstrate progress in learning based upon level as represented by established rubrics, work completion, attainment of standards, and/or completion of graduation goals needed for the attainment of a diploma.

GOAL: At the end of each trimester 85% of students in 196Online will achieve a grade of B or better in classes at the secondary and achieve a level of 3 or better in rubric areas at the elementary.

EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Students level of satisfaction in 196Online will be measured by students and families based upon survey data.

GOAL: Family and student surveys conducted two times a year (December and March) will reflect 85% positive satisfaction with being part of the online learning community.

AGENTIC ENGAGEMENT
Students in 196Online will be collective members of the community by participating in synchronous opportunities.

GOAL: 95% of 196Online students will show consistent attendance of the synchronous advisory/morning meetings 90% of the time.

GOAL: Based upon a community rubric, 85% of students will attain the Effective level of identified criteria for engaging in an online community.

Secondary Level

What is the 196Online experience at the secondary level?

What is the 196Online experience at the secondary level?

196Online will be a centralized districtwide school program with a dedicated leadership, teachers and support staff, similar to an additional school
More flexible schedule with mainly independent work time with layers of live connections with staff and classmates over Zoom including instruction, collaboration, and support
Using an advisory program where student has a dedicated staff person checking in regularly
A remote learning environment
Access to content using Schoology
Access to the same academic supports as in school buildings
Opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities, athletics, enrichments, and exploratories in attendance area school
High-quality licensed District 196 teachers
Curriculum meets or exceeds all Minnesota state standards
Combination of digitally delivered coursework and hands-on, tangible learning experiences
Access to available district assessments (e.g. MCAs)

Highlights of 196Online

Our program provides a high-quality, rigorous, comprehensive and fully online learning experience.
Curriculum meets or exceeds all Minnesota state standards.
Students receive the structure of live academic learning opportunities while still maintaining the flexibility of completing work independently at on their own personal and academic schedule.
The program combines digitally delivered coursework with hands-on, tangible learning experiences.
An advisory program provides students with a dedicated staff person who checks in regularly regarding academic progress, social emotional connections, along with building connections with fellow students.Provides options and choices to keep students engaged with content that is relevant, authentic and meaningful.
Student voice is amplified through learning opportunities that are student directed.
All courses are facilitated by licensed Minnesota teachers.
All 196Online staff work in partnership to provide comprehensive support based on areas of need.
196Online will establish partnerships with similar grade levels/departments at District 196 schools to provide an aligned learning experience.
Dedicated support staff to work with students and families, including counseling supports, technical assistance, cultural family advocates and specialized positions such as English Learner and special education.

A young boy sits at a computer during a virtual school lesson.