Virtual School an Option for Some Fayette Students

By Raviya H. Ismail, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky.

Aug. 7–Fayette County middle school students can opt to attend a virtual school this year if their schools failed to meet federal No Child Left Behind math and reading goals.

The Fayette County Public Schools Virtual Middle School was established last year to give students another transfer option since many district middle schools are crowded. It is housed at Crawford Middle School.

NCLB requires all schools that receive federal funds for low-income students, known as Title 1 schools, to offer transfer options if they don’t meet federal targets.

In Lexington this year, Crawford, Leestown and Tates Creek middle schools all fell short. Winburn Middle met goals but must meet targets for two consecutive years before doing away with the transfer option.

Only Morton Middle — already nearing capacity — and the virtual middle school are offered as transfer options for students.

At the virtual school, students work on computers to learn about all subject areas, said Beverly Jo Baker, administrator for the virtual middle school. Students are offered some hands-on arts and humanities instruction and gym is taught away from the computer, she added.

Last year, 22 middle school students from Winburn, Crawford and Bryan Station Magnet Middle attended the virtual school. Students were taught by one classroom teacher and one teacher’s aid. They began their day at 10 a.m. and attended school until 5:30 p.m.

Baker said the school gives individualized instruction to students of varying academic ability. Last year, students came from a range of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

“This program is a great outlet for those students who are maybe struggling or having difficulty based on each student’s individual needs,” Baker said.

Still, some parents whose children could transfer to the school remain wary.

Tina Moorhead, a parent at Tates Creek Middle and president of the district PTA, said she has concerns.

“How does this one teacher have the credentials to teach all (subjects)?” she said. “Two, how is (a virtual school) preparing them for high school?”

Reach Raviya H. Ismail at (859) 231-3342, 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 3342.

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