XplanaZine

♦ Using Online Alternatives
The program EdOptions allows students to work at their own pace — and outside school — to study math, social studies and other core subjects. Its introduction at Williamsburg-James City County’s alternative academy makes the district one of an increasing number using Internet-based education programs. — Daily Press

♦ Public school in virtual privacy
Combining home schooling with online education, the state of Texas is now paying a public charter school to educate students who never attend the school building. The Texas Education Agency program looks a lot like home-schooling, but it carries far more requirements: Professional teachers monitor students’ attendance and academic progress every day. The students must also pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests. — The Dallas Morning News

♦ NACOL Announces New Teacher Talk Webinar Series for Online Educators
The North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) is pleased to announce a brand new Webinar series that brings together online teachers; the series recurs every third Thursday of the month and provides resources to support online educators and offers them professional development. – PR News Wire

♦ Parents to get daily class reports online
In the U.K., Parents would be able to use the internet to track their child’s every move at school, under government plans to be announced. Each pupil’s attendance, behaviour and academic performance will be put online by 2012, allowing parents to check their progress daily. Schools are even being encouraged to use text messaging or video-conferencing to communicate. – Times Online, UK

♦ Web site enables Pottsboro parents to track student progress online
In Texas, A new website is helping Pottsboro parents check on their kids’ progress at school. Parents in Pottsboro no longer have to wait to find out how their kids are doing in school. Now, parents can sign on to a website and access grades, attendance, and discipline notices all online. – KXII-TV

♦ Parents to get regular online reports on their children’s progress
Parents will get regular electronic reports on their children’s progress in future - going far beyond the traditional annual school report. At the opening of BETT 2008, the world’s largest educational technology trade show, it was announced that all secondary schools will be expected to have “real-time” reporting systems up and running by 2010 and all primary schools two years later. Many schools already run these systems. – Care and Health