Blended Program Assessment Tool for OLTD 511

(**based on California State University Rubric for Online Instruction)

Stefanie Crema
OLTD 511
November 16, 2016
The videos that are included in the text for OLTD 511 have given me much to think about regarding how I might want
my blended learning environment to look. Each of the schools featured demonstrated components that are exemplary
and included fantastic examples of how a blended learning environment can and is working for students of all levels. I
based my rankings on personal preference. I tended to be more drawn to the rotational model of blended learning
simply because they are more applicable to the level that I currently teach at. Some of the other models such as the
flex or the flipped model also provided some great examples of what it looks like in action, but in my opinion are more
suited to secondary students. Overall this was a great learning experience and has opened my eyes to how I might
want to incorporate blended learning into my elementary school classroom.

RANK #1
Program: KIPP Empower
Video #: 2
Blended Model: Rotational model Station Rotation
Overall Impression:
KIPP empower is an elementary school that focuses on meeting the needs of all students
through their station rotation model of blended learning. They address their students as
scholars and take a holistic approach to learning. Their day revolves around the 4 core
subjects. In each subject area the students rotate between small group activities either at the
computers, with a teacher or with an intervention teacher. All of the rotation occurs within the
same room so that students are fully integrated into their classroom during all aspects of their
learning. Rotation models vary slightly depending on the subject. Teachers and administrators
rely on data from the technology to help them shape their program and realize where students
needs are.
Rationale:
I really like the model that this school uses and the structure that it provides. It seems as though
it has been really well planned and the students seem to be busy and engaged during all parts
of the day. If I was being critical, I would say that Im not a huge fan of the extended school day.
Other than that it seems like a fantastic program!
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__

KIPP Empower

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

N/A

RANK #2
Program: Rocketship Education
Video #: 7
Blended Model: Lab rotation
Overall Impression: Rocketship education seems to have it all. This school again follows the
rotational model of blended learning and includes whole group learning, online learning,
targeted intervention, team learning and small group instruction. Students rotate between two
teachers. One who specializes in math and science and another who specializes in english and
social studies. In addition students rotate to enrichment programs that include physical
education, the arts and language classes.
Rationale: I really love the variety provided to students throughout Rocketship Education. I
think that many different learners would be successful learning under this model. I appreciate
that they have included time for students to explore physical education, the arts and languages.
These strands of the curriculum can be equally important to student success.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) _Y___
Rocketship Education

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

N/A

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

RANK #3
Program: Teach to One
Video #:1
Blended Model: Rotational Model - Individual Rotation
Overall Impression:
Teach to one is a comprehensive Math program designed to meet the needs of all learners.
Students work at their own level as decided by the computer software program that is utilized
here. Students rotate and participate in targeted instruction with a teacher based on their
individual needs. They also make use of traditional textbook learning. THe learning occurring at
this school is completely personalized and at the pace of the learner
Rationale:
I like the self paced aspect of this program. I think it is especially important in Math to be able to
have individualized learning. Without understanding of a concept, it is very difficult to
successfully move forward with learning. The individual rotation model seems to fit quite nicely
with Math.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) ___Y_
Teach to One

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

N/A

Rank: 4
Program: Alliance College- Ready Public Schools
Video #: 1
Blended Model: Rotational Model Station rotation
Overall Impression:
Very positive Alliance college is a well-organized and very structured station rotation blended
learning program. It utilizes a combination of individual, collaborative and teacher led stations
that all focus on the same topic in a different format. The students rotate in groups of 16 every
30 minutes. This allows for a great student - teacher ratio.They use real time data to target
instruction and ensure that students are working at the level they should be.
Rationale:
I like the organization provided at Alliance College. I like how the students are on timed
rotations, so that they are required to visit each station throughout the day. I also like the fact
that the software program used here is accessible by teachers, students, administrators as well
as parents. I think this would help and keep everyone accountable for their part in a childs
education.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__
Alliance College

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

RANK #5
Program: Carpe Diem
Video #: 10

N/A

Blended Model: Individual Rotation

Overall Impression: The approach taken at Carpe Diem is a very student centred approach to
learning. They do much of their learning online in the learning centre. The learning centre looks
very much like a large corporate office. Students have the opportunity to participate in
workshops which are led by a teacher each day that extends their learning that was done on the
computer and makes it more meaningful. They are there for extra help as well. One of the
unique things about Carpe Diem is that the same teacher follows each student through the
same subject over several years. The environment seems to be positive and gives the students
some level of independence.
Rationale: The thing that I was most drawn to with Carpe DIem was the fact that the same
teacher follows the students through specific subjects from year to year. I think this would have
very positive results. At the start of the year, that relationship has already been formed, the
teacher knows where the students strengths and weakness are and should be able to start and
continue on the program quite quickly. The start of a new school year can always be challenging
when trying to figure out new students and build relationships.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__
Carpe Diem

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

Rank: 6
Program: Aspires ERES Academy
Video #: 4
Blended Model: Rotational Model - Classroom Rotation

N/A

Overall Impression:
Aspire Eres Academy is a non-profit organization meant to prepare low income students for
college through a blended learning model. Students at Aspire rotate between stations which
include small group teacher led instruction, individual computer stations and small group work
stations where they might work with a partner. Teachers rely on data from the computers to help
them target instruction and have students working at levels they are able to be successful at.
Rationale:
I like that this rotation model includes collaborative group work as one of its components. Its
important for students to continue to learn how to interact socially with their peers in a face to
face setting.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__
Aspire ERES Academy

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

N/A

RANK #7
Program: Mission Dolores Academy
Video #: 5
Blended Model: Station Rotation - Classroom Rotation
Overall Impression:
This school is another example of the station rotation model. Students spend approximately half
of their time on the computers and learn their core subjects in large part from computer
software. They rotate between computers, teacher led small group instruction and small group
work facilitated by a teaching assistant. Teachers target instruction in large part based on the
data received from the software programs.

Rationale:
I like the fact that they state that they focus on the whole child. This school seems to follow a
typical rotational model of blended learning that has successfully integrated technology in such
a way that allows students to work at their own pace. I was slightly put off by the fact that they
stated that students used the computers for 50% of their time at school and that learning was
done mostly through the software. I would prefer a more balanced program.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__
Mission Dolores Academy

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

N/A

RANK #8
Program: San Francisco Flex Academy
Video #: 11
Blended Model: Flex Model
Overall Impression:
San Francisco Flex Academy provides students with a very personalized experience. Students
work through their subjects using the online computer software at their own pace. They are able
to set their own schedule throughout the day with regards to which subjects they are working
on. When students need assistance or intervention, they access the breakout rooms where
teachers can work one on one to assist them. The school is geared towards students at all
levels from ones who are struggling to keep up to those who are ahead and require further
exploration and learning.
Rationale: I like the freedom that this school offers through the flex model. I think it is a great
option for students who struggle in the traditional classroom for varying reasons. I think that the

model this school follows is not ideal for all students due to the independence that comes along
with it. I think it would take a highly motivated student to work successfully here.
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) _Y___
San Francisco Flex Academy

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning
Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology
Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

N/A

X
X

RANK #9
Program: Woodland Park Highschool
Video #:8
Blended Model: Flipped Classroom
Overall Impression: This video centred around a secondary school chemistry classroom that is
utilizing the flipped classroom model of blended learning. Rather than tell the students what to
learn, when to learn it and what assignments to do to achieve this learning, the teacher has
turned to Camtasia studios as a way to flip his classroom. His videos provide the information
needed to allow the students to explore their learning and investigate. Having the students
watch these videos at home prior to the in class lessons enables the students to work on the
investigation with the teacher present to guide them and help troubleshoot when necessary.
Rationale: I think this idea of having students do the required learning of background
information prior to class is fantastic in that it allows for deeper exploration in the classroom. I
like the fact that it will lead to increased participation and in class instruction. My concern is that
because students are required to do this on their own time, that as always some will come to
class unprepared not having watched the videos. What do you do at that point?
Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) _Y___

Woodland Park Highschool

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

N/A

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback

RANK #10
Program: The World School
Video #: 6
Blended Model: Rotational Model
Overall Impression:
This is a beautifully designed modern looking school that seems to be set up nicely for small
group work. I would like to learn more about this school and how they function with this blended
learning model. The video definitely invites intrigue and creates a feeling of calmness while at
the same time creating the idea of a collaborative learning environment. It is difficult to
accurately assess using the blended model rubric without further information, but all signs point
to an exemplary blended learning environment. .
Rationale:
I like the use of space and the attention to detail when it comes to layout of furniture to create an
environment that is conducive to learning. Most learning spaces have students facing one
another which will invite dialogue and collaboration. I have ranked this lower than some of the
other schools purely due to the lack of information regarding its programming.

Is this a school/program I would want to send my own children to? (Y/N) __Y__
The World School
Cat 1: Learner Support and Resources

Baseline

Effective

Exemplary

N/A
X

Cat 2: Online Organization and Design

Cat 3: Instructional Design and Delivery

Cat 4: Assessment and Evaluation of Student

Learning

Cat 5: Innovative Teaching with Technology

Cat 6: Faculty use of Student Feedback