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Board approves ‘PCS Online Connections’ program to expand flexible learning options
Summary
The Grants Pass SD 7 board approved a new program that will offer high school students phased online options (training cohort, hybrid, fully online) and a Canvas course to teach online learning skills; program proponents said it will start with support for grades 10–12 and include academic contracts for struggling students.
The Grants Pass SD 7 Board on May 21 approved the district’s new PCS Online Connections program, a three‑profile online learning pathway for high school students that includes a preparatory “online connections” training course built in Canvas, hybrid options and a fully online profile.
Assistant Principal Jace Garcia, representing Grants Pass High School, and Katie Meador, the staff member the district identified as leading the online connection initiative, presented the program’s design. Garcia said the program will initially focus on tenth through twelfth graders and will include a required introductory profile (profile 1) that teaches technology and self‑management skills and includes one Edgenuity elective embedded in the Canvas course. Students who demonstrate success can progress to a hybrid model (profile 2) that combines online core content with in‑person electives, or to a fully online option (profile 3) with up to seven courses.
Meador described course content: time management, communication, Canvas navigation, Edgenuity tech skills, how to read teacher feedback, and parent access reports. She said students will earn elective credit by successfully completing the Canvas/Edgenuity module and that the district will use academic contracts (attendance/behavior/grades) to support students who struggle while enrolled in online paths.
Member Schmidt moved approval of agenda item 8.3; Member Smith seconded. The board recorded a roll call and approved the program.
Presenters and board members discussed whether the course overlaps with AVID study skills; Meador said the program is “AVID‑ized” and will teach organizational and study strategies. Board members also asked whether the course could become required for all students; presenters said that idea has been discussed but not decided.
The approved plan calls for creation of the Canvas course and a phased implementation with monitoring of student outcomes and program participation.
