Blended Learning Model Provides Unique Credit Recovery Program

In an effort to better serve its 3,800 students, Casa Grande Union High School District found a way to better utilize its Title I budget while providing a much-needed Credit Recovery System. They transformed one of their four high schools into Desert Winds Learning Center, utilizing third-party vendor, Edgenuity.

Students who attend Desert Winds Learning Center are typically very far behind due to poor time management skills, and feel overwhelmed with the amount of work they need to do in order to graduate from high school. The Edgenuity model provides an alternate pathway to successful completion of academic requirements, using teamwork and a personalized program for each student.

An online platform is used for most curriculum delivery, with content and instruction provided by Edgenuity, in alignment with state standards. Instructors are highly qualified in all core content. The curriculum can be modified and/or supplemented for each individual student. Instructors meet with students twice a week, and coaching is provided by Edgenuity to all teachers. Students concentrate on two subjects at a time. This schedule can be collapsed to just one course, if necessary for student success. 

Although the Blended Learning Program is rather new at Casa Grande, early results are promising with this unique combination of online delivery and personal teaching.  Casa Grande administrators invite anyone interested in this model to visit Desert Winds Learning Center.

Paula S. Wirth, APR
Education Consultant