FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the WCPSS Khan Academy Cohort?
The Khan Academy Cohort consists 7th Grade Math ICR Pairs (general education and special education teachers) and resource math teachers from across the district. Extensive data will be collected during this implementation to determine if this model of instruction will be effective for ICR math classes in the future. Teacher selection was made via an application process.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning consists of a combination of face-to-face instruction with computer adaptive instruction. This allows for teachers to FOCUS instruction on the individual NEEDS of students. Real-time data collected from the computer instruction will allow teachers to effectively group students and target needed skills. One of the main benefits of blended learning is flexibility. Teacher's can choose an implementation strategy that works best for their class allowing the PACE of the class to be different for each student depending on need. For more information on blended learning, please see the following links:
- Blended Learning Overview - http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning/
- Key Concepts of Blended Learning - http://www.christenseninstitute.org/key-concepts/blended-learning-2/
- Khan Academy - Christensen Institute Blended Learning 101 - https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/ssf-cci
Will this mean that the computer will be responsible for instruction and NOT the teacher?
On the CONTRARY! The teacher is probably more involved in instruction, instructional decisions, and planning than ever. Blended learning allows the teacher to really focus face-to-face instruction on skills students need help with. Students have a HIGH threshold for skill mastery in Khan Academy (unlike other programs). Students can master skills on Khan Academy while the teacher uses real-time data from Khan to group students and focus high quality instruction to actual skills students need help with. If it is an ICR class, there will be TWO teachers that can help students whether they be on the computer, in small groups, or working on projects. This requires constant data analysis and teacher planning as needs of the class changes day to day, minute to minute. The rationale is that teachers are not tied to plowing through the SAME lesson (even if differentiated) every day for the SAME students regardless if they are ready for that lesson or not. Blended learning focuses the teacher on the needs of the class.
Independent SRI Report about Khan Effectiveness - A majority of the teachers used KA to support their instruction through the use of the problem sets versus letting the videos teach the students.
7th Grade Unit 1 C-MAPP Crosswalk with Khan Academy Videos/Exercises - We created a sample crosswalk between Khan and C-Mapp for teachers.
Independent SRI Report about Khan Effectiveness - A majority of the teachers used KA to support their instruction through the use of the problem sets versus letting the videos teach the students.
7th Grade Unit 1 C-MAPP Crosswalk with Khan Academy Videos/Exercises - We created a sample crosswalk between Khan and C-Mapp for teachers.
What do I need to do? What requirements are there for the classes and teachers?
We will provide all the training and support you need for your school. We need your help in selecting good candidates for this model. Please use this link to apply. We are looking for capable teachers that are open to a new and innovative approach to math instruction and who will implement the model to fidelity based on training and support we provide. These classes also need access to technology. We require at least TWO to ONE device (laptop, chromebook, desktop, iPad, etc.) to student ratio per class OR access to a computer lab at least two or preferably THREE days a week. Right now, we are limiting our focus to 7th Grade ICR Classes and Resource Math Classes but may be able to expand support next year if this model is a success. ICR pairs should be scheduled to teach together everyday.
What about my non-English speaking students?
Khan Academy actually is working on translating their site into multiple languages. In fact, their Spanish language site is already up and running. Videos and exercises (for the most part) have been fully translated to Spanish. The data for students using the Spanish language Khan Academy site will still show up in the teacher data no matter which site the student uses so they can toggle between the two sites as the student becomes more comfortable. The Spanish language site for Khan Academy can be found at http://es.khanacademy.org.
What will this end up costing my school? What about the cost next year and beyond?
So, yes, there have been many WCPSS initiatives and programs released and many times funding for those programs is temporary. Khan Academy is entirely free. In fact, their motto is "A free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere." It is a non-profit organization supported by organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, and Bank of America. One benefit of Khan Academy is that because of the enormous amount of funding and the fact that they have a growing staff (over 40 people alone work on and review math content), we are hopeful that they will constantly improve the product. Some private products we have used in the past are now out-of-date, no longer supported, or no longer exist. This shouldn't be an issue with Khan Academy. Now, there will need to be an investment in time and training along with dedication to improvement for teachers who start and continue to use Khan Academy but that is true with any product.