Overview

CPS is revamping its strategy on how it utilizes online learning during the summer to meet the diverse needs of CPS students. In addition to the online summer credit recovery opportunities "Get On-Track", the new online summer strategy will include three new pilot elements—"Get Prepared" for incoming 8th and incoming 9th graders, "Get Ahead" for 9-12th graders and "Get Inspired" for 9th-12th graders.

The online application for the 2011 Virtual Learning Summer Initiative is now closed. If you completed an application, prior to June 17th, you will receive detailed enrollment information via email by June 27, 2011 to the email address you provided on the application.

Goals

Students will:

"Get Prepared:" Math and writing remediation for rising incoming 8th and 9th graders

• Program will target students requiring additional support in math and writing.
• Participating students will be enrolled in pre-algebra and composition courses.
• Curriculum will introduce high school-level concepts to ensure the student’s smooth transition into high school.
• Course offerings include pre-Algebra and Composition.

"Get Ahead:" High school requirement acceleration/advanced course opportunities

• Students may opt to take a requirement in order to make room in their schedule for elective courses or programs or may take an advanced level of a course (for example, a third or fourth year of a foreign language) in order to bolster their college application.
• Students successfully completing required classes during the summer will be able to take higher level classes during the school year, such as calculus.
• Students may elect to take courses in a computer lab at a host school. Or, sign an online work plan to complete courses at home with progress monitoring by a citywide virtual mentor.

"Get Inspired:" Unique and engaging blended learning opportunities

• A first of its’ kind 21st Century online learning option that merges the resources of our city partners with unique online courses and allows students to engage in project-based learning options throughout the City of Chicago.
• CPS will be offering unique courses in partnership with some of Chicago’s cultural institutions, including the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, NBC 5 Studios and Broadway in Chicago.
• Courses include:

  Oceanography with hands-on learning at the Shedd Aquarium
  Musical Theater through Broadway in Chicago
  Art History with the Art Institute
  Journalism with a studio tour of NBC 5

• "Anywhere, Anytime Learning:" By utilizing online curriculum, students can work independently at locations like their homes, libraries, or community center, without the need for in-person coaching. Students will sign an online work plan to complete courses at home with progress monitoring by a citywide virtual mentor.

"Get On-Track:" Online high school credit recovery

• Provide students (behind in credits and/or have failed a course during the regular year) an opportunity to get back on track for graduation.
• Students will be placed in groups of 28-30 students in a computer lab at their home, or a local host school.

CPS' online summer school programs will provide students with engaging acceleration and remediation opportunities. CPS students going into 8th through 12th grade are encouraged to apply.

Resources

Please contact a CPS counselor or Virtual Learning Mentor for assistance with registration. For other questions or more information, contact the Virtual Learning Program Manager, Keisha Kidan at kakidan@cps.k12.il.us.