Temecula Valley Unified approves $16K Apex contract for credit recovery at Rancho Vista High

The Desert Sands Unified School District's recent governing board meeting highlighted significant developments in student credit recovery and after-school programs, addressing key educational needs in the community.

A pivotal discussion centered around the approval of a $16,000 contract with Apex Learning, aimed at enhancing credit recovery options for students at Rancho Vista High School, a continuation school. This contract will allow students to recover credits through both personalized instruction and the Apex software system, which focuses on math and English Language Arts. The board emphasized the importance of providing students with multiple avenues for credit recovery, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed academically.

The meeting revealed that Apex is not only utilized at Rancho Vista but also across other high schools in the district, including during summer school programs. This approach reflects a shift back to Apex, following feedback from staff who preferred its effectiveness over a previous program. The district plans to fully integrate Apex and Edmentum across all schools by the next academic year, further solidifying its commitment to student success.

In addition to credit recovery, the board discussed the expanded learning opportunities program (ELOP) and its integration with the existing before and after school services (BASES). The ELOP program, mandated by the state, requires schools to provide nine hours of programming for students in grades TK to 6. The district has successfully merged these programs, serving over 2,155 students this year, an increase of 280 from the previous year. This expansion underscores the district's dedication to providing comprehensive support for students outside of regular school hours.

The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the Apex contract, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance educational resources for students. As the district moves forward, these initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the academic challenges faced by students in the community, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary for their educational journeys.