School District 308 Rolls Out Evening and Online Courses for High School Students

Oswego, Ill. (December 11, 2015) — Beginning this January, School District 308 will be piloting an expansion of its high school course offerings, including its first-ever face-to-face and online evening courses. These exciting new options will provide some students with greater flexibility to take classes at a time of day when they are better able to learn.

“We recognize that not all high school students achieve at high levels in the morning,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt. “Rather than adjusting start and end times, School District 308 will pilot an exciting new opportunity that allows students to take courses later in the day.”

These late-afternoon and evening courses could replace classes that students now attend in the morning.

“The reality is that some high school students not only do better in class later in the day, but also, due to work and other schedules, this framework is simply a better fit,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Judith Minor.

School District 308 high school teachers will teach all of the on-site courses offered in the evening and late afternoon. More than 40 teachers have already indicated a desire to teach during these hours to meet the needs of District 308 students. Minor called it a win-win situation.

“We are very fortunate that teachers see the benefits of offering high school courses at times when students can do their best,” Minor said. “In return, these teachers will be offered the same flexibility as we offer our students to make offsetting changes in their day schedules.”

District 308 hopes to offer the pilot program at both Oswego High School and Oswego East High School, depending on student enrollment. Students will have the choice of two options: attend up to three face-to-face on-site courses, or enroll in one online course. Each class will run for the entire length of the spring 2016 semester.

“If successful, we believe this pilot could be the first step in reforming high school and creating a new level of flexibility for teachers and students,” Wendt said. “This pilot is also a key component in preparing students to become college and career ready. We realize some university courses are available in the evenings, and many jobs require evening work.”

Students who enroll in one or more of the late-afternoon or evening on-site courses may possibly have their day schedule changed to reflect their evening enrollment, which could result in a late arrival or early dismissal. On-site second semester courses offered are Algebra II, Earth and Space Science, English IV: Contemporary Literature, and U.S. History. Other classes offered are Political Science and Psychology I. These courses will be taught in one of the following three sessions:

Monday and Wednesday, from 5:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, from 2:45-5:15 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Second semester U.S. History and Geometry, as well as Consumer Education and Health, are being offered as online courses that can be taken off-site as long as students meet specified academic standards.

Students enrolled in an online course must maintain a C grade or better to meet course expectations and complete the course off-site. Changes in students’ day schedules could also result in a late arrival or early dismissal.

“This is one additional component of our approved 2020 Strategic Plan. Flexibility for students is a very important part of our vision. Online learning is one part, but allowing high school students to take courses outside the traditional school day is another. I find this initiative to be a critical part of preparing students to be college and career ready,” stated Dr. Wendt. “This is another great day for School District 308.”

The SD 308 Board of Education will receive a preliminary update and overview at its December 14 board meeting. Future updates will be provided throughout the second semester with plans to expand beginning with the 2016-17 school year.