What is PDELA?
The Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School (PDELA) is a statewide public cyber charter school for grades K-12. PDELA provides an on-line learning education to students in a home-based learning environment.
What is PDELA's mission?
The Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School's mission is to offer a valuable educational alternative; to practice and promote academic integrity; to present quality curriculum, technology, and support; and to foster academic excellence in our students.
Who may enroll in PDELA?
Any school-aged student residing in Pennsylvania who is eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade may apply to PDELA for enrollment. We follow Pennsylvania law regarding the admission of any/all students.
My child has been suspended/expelled from school. Is PDELA a good alternative?
While we have had some very distinct successes with disciplinary issue students, most students who have come to us with disciplinary problems do not always succeed at PDELA. The student must be extremely motivated and disciplined to succeed in PDELA. Please note! In order to provide the safest learning environment possible, we follow all state laws for the admission process of students who are currently suspended or expelled for extreme violent acts.
I believe my child has special-education needs. What does PDELA offer?
PDELA provides a special-education program in accordance with current federal and state regulations and guidelines. Families work on an individual basis with a Pennsylvania certified Special Education teacher. The program can be individualized to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability.
My child received poor grades in traditional school. Is PDELA a good choice for my child? PDELA requires both the student and parent to be highly motivated and work independently, in their home. If a student does not have the drive to do his or her best in a structured environment, then they generally are not going to have the motivation to do their best in a less-structured environment. We recognize that our school is not the right fit for every student, but we continue to strive to match up families who need an option other than the traditional brick and mortar school.
What curriculum will be used?
PDELA provides parents with curriculum aligned to Pennsylvania State Standards. Some curriculums are completely online, while others utilize a combination of traditional textbook approach and supplemental material accessed online.
What equipment does PDELA provide its students?
- A state-of-the-art desktop, complete with CPU, keyboard, mouse, and color monitor.
- A color printer/fax/scanner.
- Dial Up Internet Access or Reimbursement for High Speed Internet
- Software including Microsoft XP Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Cyber Patrol Internet filtering and virus protection.
- Customized curriculum for grades K-12.
- Certified Instructional Teacher(s) dedicated to supporting each parent educator and student.
- Free, 24 hour, online homework help and assistance.
- Assistance with preparation for performance testing as well as state proficiency tests.
What is the cost of tuition for PDELA?
PDELA is a distance learning, public charter school and, therefore, charges no tuition to either the parent or the student. Likewise, the computer, printer/fax/scanner, and curriculum are provided to the student free of charge for as long as the student is enrolled with PDELA. The student and parent have access to the computer and curriculum year 'round.
Will it be possible for my child to move more slowly or more quickly through the curriculum?
PDELA is committed to assisting parents and students to progress through the material at the fastest pace possible. Some students may need more time and instruction on some lessons than others. This is where the individualized tutoring of the PDELA teachers proves so beneficial to the student. Testing and assessment allow all parties to monitor the student's progress and determine the resources and time needed to advance.
How much time is the student required to commit to the curriculum?
Students must adhere to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Attendance Policy, which requires students to log onto the school website daily and work approximately 5-6 hours a day on school work. Every elementary student must log a minimum of 900 total hours of educational time a year, and secondary students must log a minimum of 990 total hours of educational time a year
Who grades my student's work?
PDELA certified teachers grade required assignments. Each curriculum selected provides for grading of the student’s tests and submitted work. The student's scores on tests and submitted work determine whether the student has mastered the lesson.
Are the teachers certified?
Yes, all PDELA Instructional Teachers are certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our teachers are exceptional and are considered Highly Qualified according to all standards as required by law. Included in our teaching staff are also certified Special Education teachers to ensure that no child is left behind.
How do we communicate with the teachers?
Teachers e-mail, fax, or telephone parent educators with regular updates on student progress. Parents have constant access to their student's assigned work. Parents and students may e-mail, call or meet with teachers in person by appointment.
Is testing required?
PDELA conducts required state assessment testing at regional sites, in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes. In addition, PDELA created lesson, unit and semester assessments are used to monitor curriculum progress. Scantron's Performance Series also provides students with individualized tests. These online tests adjust automatically to each student's ability level, generating questions that will appropriately challenge each student. These tests will be administered two times per year to provide teachers with the data necessary to provide individualized, data driven instruction.
Should I set up a particular space for the computer?
Yes. You should locate the computer near a grounded electrical outlet and an available telephone jack (if you intend to utilize a phone line ISP). You will also need to allow for adequate desktop or tabletop space for an average sized computer, printer, and monitor. Additionally, this space should meet your student’s individual learning needs.
What if I already have my own computer?
PDELA provides a computer specifically designed for distance learning. The computer will arrive with all the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education for your student. Your current home computer may not meet your student's needs, and therefore the PDELA computer is being loaned to your family at no cost.
What if it becomes necessary for my child to withdraw from PDELA?
Simply withdraw your child from our program by contacting the Admissions Department and signing an official withdrawal form. You will receive a pre-paid UPS label for your use in returning the PDELA-provided equipment and curriculum materials.
What if I am currently home schooling?
PDELA can provide an additional platform of choices for your home education experience. While some home schooler educators prefer a learning environment completely independent from traditional education, others would prefer to integrate home education with some form of achievement measures such as Scantron Assessment testing. They may also appreciate the online assistance of fully-certified teachers. PDELA provides online and traditional curriculum, and covers the software licensing costs of these options.
In addition, distance learning with PDELA provides an additional avenue for transition to major university programs. Today, even the most prestigious schools such as MIT are admitting home schooled students on a regular basis. The PDELA program provides the additional support of a high school diploma from a state-chartered distance education program.
