Is Distributed Learning the right choice for our family?

The decision to be involved in Distributed Learning should not be entered into casually. Parents must want to spend more time with their children and be prepared to unselfishly adjust their own lives to accommodate this lifestyle.

Parents facilitate their child’s educational program ensuring that: assignments are understood; work is completed to an acceptable standard; and, work samples or assignments are submitted on an ongoing basis.

Parents need to be patient and prepared to take the time needed to explain concepts and constantly motivate their children to learn and achieve goals.

What is the role of the YouLearn.ca - DL teacher?

The role of YouLearn.ca - DL Program teachers is to lead, support and enhance the learning process by providing assistance and guidance to the student and family.

Also, in consultation with parents, provincially certified teachers develop educational plans that meet all Provincial Learning Outcomes.

Teachers are available to visit your home at your request or at reporting times.

What does it cost?

YouLearn.ca - DL is free to all residents of B.C. The school district provides all learning resources plus many other extra curricular activities. (See the Learning Resources link.)

Can we start at any time during the school year?

Yes! You can begin at any time. In consultation with the family and the other school (public or Distributed Learning) YouLearn.ca - DL staff will write a Student Learning Plan reflecting your child's skill levels and progress so they may continue their education with minimal interruption.

Who can register?

You must be a resident in B.C. and be of school age.

My child has special needs. Can YouLearn.ca - DL help?

Students with special needs may require attention and services that go beyond those provided by the YouLearn.ca - DL Program. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

How much schoolwork should my child complete everyday to make sure s/he finishes by the end of the school year?

One of the advantages of Distributed Learning is having flexibility. So, the answer to this question is as varied as the families themselves.

In the beginning, though, plan on having your child spend two to four hours a day, 5 days a week on schoolwork (depending upon the number of courses he/she is taking)

Most students successfully complete their programs when they have a set structure to their day. Create a quiet place for your child to work under your supervision. Schedule regular breaks, cover English, Math and PE on a dailgy basis. Other subjects should be at least twice a week. You certainly don’t have to do every subject every day.

As you gain more experience with pacing and the amount of practice required for your child to learn a concept, you’ll develop a sense of knowing when you are on track.

How often should I send in assignments?

The simple answer is: send in assignments as they are completed.

Although it is your choice, the sooner we receive the assignments - the better.

Assessment and Evaluation

YouLearn.ca - DL recognizes that students learn at different rates and with different styles. Teachers are available to lead, support, enhance and make the required assessment of each student in cooperation and collaboration with parents.

YouLearn.ca - DL staff has two functions when marking assignments: assessment FOR learning and assessment OF learning.

Assessment FOR learning involves providing continuous feedback to the student and family that will let them know they are on the ‘right track’ – that concepts are being understood, Prescribed Learning Outcomes are being met, and pacing is on schedule. If any concerns do arise, the YouLearn.ca - DL staff will contact the family to discuss the situation and, if needed, offer support and suggestions.

Assessment OF learning is focused on marking tests to establish report card letter grades.

Can Secondary students take one or two courses?

Yes! Secondary students may complete courses through YouLearn.ca - DL at any time, for many reasons:

• to take a course not offered in your school;
• to take a course that doesn’t fit your timetable; or,
• to complete a course at your own speed.

If registered in a public school, students need to discuss their plans with their principal or counselor who will register them with YouLearn.ca - DL.

Will my secondary-aged child write Provincial Exams?

Yes! All YouLearn.ca - DL curricula meet the B.C. Ministry of Education requirements. This means that you will need to write Provincial Exams in the same course areas as you would in a 'brick and mortar' school.