FAQs
General Student Information
Q-Who can enroll in TRECA Digital Academy?
A-Residents of the state of Ohio who are at least 5 years old by August 1 and no older than 21 years old at the time of enrollment.
Q-Are there any fees or expenses involved with TRECA Digital Academy?
A-TDA is a public community school. That means tuition is free to students
who are residents of the state of Ohio. However, students must provide
consumables such as paper and ink cartridges and must provide a phone line.
Q-How will my student use iPod?
A-Students who complete the first Block in each of their courses will receive an iPod to use while they are enrolled at TDA. Teachers will provide podcasts, speech and music recordings, audio books, and other lessons using iPod's audio capability. Students can upload schoolwork on their iPod - and take it wherever they go. Upon graduation, students keep their iPod.
Q-Do I need to provide an additional phone line?
A-If you currently have phone service, you are not required to install an additional phone line in order to be part of TRECA Digital Academy. However, while not necessary, a separate, dedicated phone line for Internet connectivity is highly recommended. If you have more than one TDA student in the household, it might be wise to get an extra phone line since the time a student spends online typically ties up the phone line for extended periods. If you have DSL, cable or other ISP service, you will not need to install an additional phone line, though TDA will ask you to sign a waiver.
Q-Do I need to provide my own Internet Service Provider?
A-TDA will provide an ISP for you. If you currently have an ISP, cable or DSL service and wish to continue with that service, you may do so, however we will ask you to sign a waiver because TDA is not responsible for covering the cost of your service.
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Technology Requirements
Q-Are computer skills required to enroll in TRECA Digital Academy?
A-Computer skills are not required, but basic computer skills can make the transition to online learning easier.
Q-If I lack computer skills will TRECA Digital Academy provide training?
A-Yes. All students will have access to introductory units which will help develop their computer skills.
Q-Do I need to provide my own computer?
A-No. TDA will provide students all necessary hardware and software for use while attending TDA. All students, beginning in 2005, will also receive an iPod.
Q-What hardware do I get?
A-Students receive an iMac, eMac or Dell PC. This computer selection is made at the discretion of the TDA staff. Students will also receive a flatbed scanner and Special Needs and K-5 students will receive a color printer.
Q-Do I have to use the TRECA Digital Academy computer?
A-No. Of course, when students elect to use their own computers, our Help Desk will not be able to assist them with any hardware problems. Regardless of the hardware being used , students will be required to use the software that is currently being used on the TDA computers. Otherwise, access and work flow between students and teachers cannot be assured. (As an example, our teachers cannot open a Word Perfect file, so any document created with that program will not be compatible with the teachers' software capabilities.)
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Academics
Q-How will I communicate with my teacher?
A-Teachers can be reached by email, chat rooms or forums during office hours which are posted in each teacher's classroom. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers as often as they wish.
Q-What if I need extra help in my
classes?
A-Students who need help above and beyond the classroom teacher are encouraged
to use TDA's Instructional Support Rooms (ISRs), available to all K-12 students
Monday through Friday. Students can “talk” with live, specialized
teachers who provide one-on-one support to students needing extra help or who
are having difficulty learning a concept.
Q-Can I graduate early?
A-All
high school students will be required to carry a minimum
of 4 credits each semester. A student who wishes to graduate early may do so by carrying more credits each semester. Each
student will work closely with his/her academic advisor to
design a program that meets individual goals and needs.
Q-Am I required to take the Ohio proficiency or Ohio Graduation test?
A-Yes. The State of Ohio requires all students to take the Ohio proficiency or Ohio Graduation test. We provide students with dates, times and locations for this testing.
Q-Will I receive an authorized State of Ohio diploma?
A-Yes. Upon completion of all graduation requirements, TRECA Digital Academy students receive a high school diploma.
Q-How many times a year will I have to report to a school designated location?
A- Upon enrollment, every student is required to attend an initial orientation session prior to the start of classes. Students will also be required to take the required state tests at a designated location. Otherwise, there is no travel required.
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Special Needs Students
Q-Can students with disabilities or special needs enroll in TRECA Digital Academy?
A-Yes. TDA will provide a certified intervention specialist to work with specially challenged students, as well as provide support as may be needed, including speech services, occupational therapy or physical therapy.
Q-How do you determine how much support a challenged child needs?
A-Each child is unique! To ensure the success of your child, you should monitor progress on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and maintain communication with your child's teachers. Our program is built around the commitment to helping every student succeed as an individual, providing whatever organizational and academic support needed.
Q-How will my child's needs be met?
A-The needs of the child will be met according to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Service options may include general education classes without modifications, general education classes with modifications from an Intervention Specialist, a combination of resource room classes and/or strictly through resource room classes.
Q-What is the process for identification of a child with special needs?
A-If a child is struggling academically, the parent or teacher may ask for a meeting with the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT). The IAT will meet to discuss the needs of the child, identify the problem(s) and develop a plan of intervention. Contingent to the outcome of the plan, the child may or may not proceed to the multi-factored evaluation process, which includes further testing by a team of professionals.
Q-Will assistive technology be provided?
A- Any needs for assistive technology will be assessed and reasonable accommodations will be made, as needed.
Q-Will my special needs child be required to take the Ohio Required Achievement Tests?
A-The decision to be tested will be determined at the child's IEP meeting. However, standardized testing will be encouraged.
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