BeLA Program
Guide Book
Bellefonte e-Learning Academy
Inspiring Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Challenges
MISSIONInspiring Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Challenges
VISION
Working collaboratively, we inspire a passion for learning, a commitment to excellence, and a respect for individuals and diversity as we prepare our students to face ever-changing global demands.
OUR:
- Schools have safe, healthy, respectful, and intellectually stimulating environments where students feel motivated to participate.
- Schools are student-centered, research and data driven, and future focused.
- Successes and challenges are used as a catalyst for future growth, change, and improvement.
- Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are continually evolving to ensure alignment with academic standards and use of best instructional and assessment practices.
- District utilizes state-of-the-art technology in order to make learning opportunities available and accessible to all members of the learning community.
- Personnel demonstrate a passion for teaching and learning, a commitment to personal growth and a respect for individuals.
- District advocates and nurtures a climate conducive to student learning and staff professional growth by building leadership capacity throughout the system.
- District provides facilities and resources that support educational programming, Pre-K through Adult.
- Parents, schools, and community work together to provide well-rounded educational opportunities.
Beliefs, what we believe, what we think is important, what we honor and therefore how we do things.
About Students and Learning, the BellefonteAreaSchool District believes that:
- All students can achieve, given appropriate and supportive environments.
- Learners need to feel safe, secure, and included.
- Students bring diverse backgrounds requiring differentiated approaches to teaching and learning.
- Student growth and achievement takes place not only in the academic arena but also in social, physical, and emotional contexts.
- Classroom instruction must be engaging, challenging, purposeful, and relevant.
- Effective educators employ best practices and nurture a culture conducive to student learning and continuous professional growth.
- Student assessment data should drive instructional decisions.
- Everyone has worth and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- A positive learning environment is necessary for learning to occur.
- Education is enhanced when there is collaboration, open communication, and shared responsibility among stakeholders; students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, school board, and community members.
Dear Parents and Students:
This guide book is designed to provide the information necessary to help students make informed decisions about their BeLA curriculum. The proper selection of courses is one of the most important tasks that students will complete during their high school experience. It is imperative that students select the most rigorous courses that match their abilities, interests, talents, and aspirations for the future.
In order to insure the most appropriate course selections, students are encouraged to consult with their parents, school counselor, and the BeLA advisor. Parental involvement is an integral part of this process; therefore, we encourage parents to set aside time to review the BeLA courses with their children. The BeLA advisor may also provide insight regarding the details about specific courses and students’ individual abilities to succeed in those courses. The counseling staff will be meeting with students and will also be available to discuss individual concerns with parents and students.
Our goal is to assist students to get the most out of their education so that they are best prepared for the 21st century. We look forward to working with parents and students in this new and exciting venture. If you have any questions please contact us at your convenience.
Dr. Cathy BrachbillMr. Daniel BeschMs. Victoria Butch
BeLA Program DirectorBeLA AdministratorBeLA Advisor
814-355-4814 X3004814-355-4833 X8507814-355-4833 X8145
What is the BellefonteeLearningAcademy?
The BellefonteeLearningAcademy (BeLA) provides a form of free public education that students attend from home or from another location outside a traditional classroom. It is a unique program that combines a strong parent involvement component with a flexible learning environment.
What grades does the BellefonteeLearningAcademy serve?
During the 2011 – 2012 school year the BellefonteeLearningAcademy will serve students in grades 6 – 12.
How much does the program cost?
The program is free, including all of the books and curriculum. The only costs would be for typical school supplies.
What does a BellefonteeLearningAcademy student receive?
- Access to high-quality digital courses that are aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
- Access to high-quality teachers who work one-on-one with students to instruct, review assignments, and provide additional support and enrichment when needed.
- Full-time BellefonteeLearningAcademy students receive a computer for their use while enrolled as a BeLA student.
What curriculum does the BellefonteeLearningAcademy provide?
Bellefonte eLearning Academy will be using on-line courses developed by outside vendors such as; Aventa, e2020, and Lincoln Interactive. We hope to develop and utilize our own district courses in the near future.
What subjects does the BellefonteeLearningAcademy offer?
BeLA students have access to over 250 different courses in the following content areas: Mathematics, Language Arts/English, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, World Languages, Health/Physical Education, Business, and Technology.
Does BeLA issue a High School Diploma?
Students who fulfill all graduation requirements, as mandated by the BellefonteAreaSchool District Board of Education, will earn a BellefonteAreaSchool District diploma and may participate in a BAHS graduation ceremony.
Will my child be considered a BASD student?
Students who are enrolled in the Bellefonte eLearning Academy are considered to be students of the Bellefonte Area School District and are entitled to all opportunities that enrollment in the district has to offer.
Can my child participate in extra-curricular activities (band, sports, clubs, fine arts)?
BeLA students are permitted to participate in all school district activities for which they are entitled, however, eligibility requirements apply to any student involved in extra-curricular activities.
Are students enrolled in the BeLA program required to come “on site” during the school year?
BeLA students are required to report to the BeLA center a minimum of 10 hours per week so that their progress can be closely monitored. On-line tests can only be accessed by students when they are at the BeLA center.
Are BellefonteeLearningAcademy students required to take standardized tests?
Yes. All students enrolled in grades 6, 7, 8, and 11 are required to participate in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The PSSA is a standardized test used to measure a student’s attainment of the PA Academic Standards in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Writing.
The district’s BeLA Coordinator will arrange testing locations and will inform parents and students of where and when students are scheduled to attend. The PSSA testing window for the 2011 – 2012 school year begins March 12, 2012 and ends May 4, 2012.
My child has special needs. Can BeLA provide special education services?
If your child is an identified special education student who is already receiving special education services, special education support services will be continued in BeLA. A placement meeting will be scheduled to determine if a BeLA placement is appropriate for your child and to clarify the delivery of special education services.
What is the parent or guardian’s role?
Involved parents play a vital role in a student’s academic success. Parents work closely with their child and BeLA staff to help develop a personalized learning plan. A parent must be available to supervise their child’s daily learning activities, to encourage progress, and to communicate regularly with the district’s BeLA staff. Parents must also assist students with time management and provide essential motivation to work independently. Parents will have access to their child’s email account and course account information and can play a major role in keeping students on task and on schedule by reviewing this information together with their child. It is also necessary for parent/guardians to provide transportation to the BeLA center for their child and to arrange delivery/pick-up of computer hardware and course materials.
Who should I contact for more information about the BellefonteeLearningAcademy?
Contact Dr. Cathy Brachbill, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, for more information at or at 814-355-4814, extension 3004 or Mr. Duffy Besch, BAHS Vice-Principal at or at 814-355-4833, extension 8507.
How do I enroll my child in the BellefonteeLearningAcademy?
First, your child must be an enrolled student in the BellefonteAreaSchool district. If your child is not a registered student, schedule a registration appointment with Mrs. Kathy Ulmer at 814-355-4814, extension 3033.
If your child is a registered student, contact Mr. Duffy Besch, BAHS Vice-Principal at or at 814-355-4833, extension 8507, to discuss your BeLA program enrollment request and to complete the BeLA registration.
When a BeLA placement has been approved for your child, an appointment must be scheduled with the appropriate grade-level guidance counselor in order to schedule courses. To contact the Middle School Guidance Department call: 814-355-5466. To contact the High School Guidance Department call: 814-355-4833.
Is cyber learning appropriate for me and my child?
1.Do I have a strong commitment to learning and my child’s education?
2.Does my child have a desire to learn and succeed?
3.Will my child thrive by being immersed in an innovative, challenging, and engaging curriculum?
4.Am I prepared for my child to commit one-hour of instruction per day per course?
5.Can my child actively participate in one-hour of instruction per day per course?
6.Is my child capable of managing his/her time and following a schedule?
If you can answer yes to each of the questions above, then BeLA is appropriate for your educational needs!
GENERAL INFORMATIONGraduation Requirements and Recommendations
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all students enrolled in schools within the state meet minimum standards of scholastic performance before they may be granted a high school diploma. In addition, the Bellefonte Area Board of Education has established requirements which exceed these state-mandated minimum standards. Each student enrolled at the BellefonteAreaHigh School must meet the standards established by the Bellefonte Area Board of Education prior to being granted a high school diploma.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSClass of 2012
SUBJECT / MINIMUM CREDIT
English / 4.0 credits
Social Studies / 4.0 credits
Mathematics / 4.0 credits
Science / 3.0 credits
Physical Education / 2.0 credits
Health 9 or Health 10 / .25 credit
Health 11 / .50 credit
Introduction to Art / .25 credit
Driver Education / .25 credit
Foundations of Technology / .25 credit
Electives / 6.50 credits
Graduation Project / Successful Completion
TOTAL CREDITS / 25.00 Credits
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Class of 2013
SUBJECT / MINIMUM CREDIT
English / 4.0 credits
Social Studies / 4.0 credits
Mathematics / 4.0 credits
Science / 3.0 credits
Physical Education / 2.0 credits
Health-10 / .25 credit
Introduction to Art / .25 credit
Driver Education / .25 credit
Personal Finance / Health Online / .50 credit
Foundations of Technology / .25 credit
Electives / 6.50 credits
Graduation Project / Successful Completion
TOTAL CREDITS / 25.00 Credits
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Class of 2014 and beyond
SUBJECT / MINIMUM CREDIT
English / 4.0 credits
Social Studies / 4.0 credits
Mathematics / 4.0 credits
Science / 3.0 credits
Physical Education / 2.0 credits
Health / .50 credit
Introduction to Art / .25 credit
Driver Education / .25 credit
Personal Finance / .50 credit
Electives / 6.50 credits
Graduation Project / Successful Completion
TOTAL CREDITS / 25.00 Credits
The following is the BeLA Program calendar for the 2010-2011 school year.
Semester 1 – September 6, 2011 to January 31, 2012
Semester 2 – February 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
** Final Exams will be taken for each course at a designated location with the BeLA Advisor.
All courses in the BeLA Program are completed on a semester schedule for .5 credits.
A BeLA student needs to complete his/her coursework within the semester dates assigned.
PROMOTION STANDARDS:
On the path to a diploma, there are grade level benchmarks or expectations for each year of high school. Students must earn a minimum grade of "65%" in a course in order to receive credit and should earn a minimum of six and one half (6.5) credits per year in order to graduate on time.
The following standards apply to all students:
- A student must earn a minimum of 5 credits during grade 9 to enjoy 10th grade standing.
- A student must earn a minimum of 11 credits during grades 9 and 10 to enjoy 11th grade standing.
- A student must earn a minimum of 18 credits during grades 9, 10, and 11 to enjoy 12th grade standing.
Students who fail a required course during their freshman, sophomore, or junior years must successfully make up the course prior to graduation. This can be accomplished at the student’s expense either by completing the course
- in an approved summer school program
- through individualized/independent tutoring from a certified teacher approved by the High School Principal
- through an approved on-line BeLA course.
GRADUATION PROJECT:
All students in Pennsylvania are required by Pennsylvania law to complete a graduation project in order to graduate. The BellefonteAreaHigh School’s Graduation Project has the following two components:
1.) 30 hours of Community Service
2.) Senior English Research Project
Community Service
Students can start to accumulate community service hours in ninth grade. Through participating in Day of Caring each year, students will be able to meet at least half of these hours. Other activities in which students can participate include volunteering time to help others without pay, a grade, or material rewards. Some activities would include volunteering with children as a teacher or coach, volunteering to help the elderly, serving on a community-based committee, helping a neighbor in need of special assistance, and donating blood to name a few. For each activity, students need to complete a Community Service Form and return it to the High School Guidance Department. Forms can be obtained in Guidance or from the Guidance web page.
Senior English Research Project
The project will be completed by students during their senior year English class. The project has two parts, a research paper and an oral presentation. This project may include the following:
1. Selecting and narrowing a topic
2. Developing a thesis
3. Researching using appropriate sources
4. Use of the Pattee Library by CP, AP, and Senior Institute students
5. Writing a formally documented research paper
6. Following the rules of MLA formatting
7. Designing a formal presentation (5-20 minutes) that includes:
- Designing a PowerPoint presentation which will include images as well as words
- Presenting the PowerPoint to the full class using public speaking skills
- Note cards for use during the presentation
Students will be required to base the project on a significant work of literature or a writer of stature. Students also have the option of researching a practical subject such as aspects of their future career. The topic must be approved by the BeLA advisor and/or BeLA administrator.
Participation in Graduation Ceremonies:
BeLA students may participate in BASD graduation ceremonies providing all graduation requirements have been completed a minimum of 7 days prior to the scheduled graduation ceremony.
STATE STANDARDS (PSSA):
Additionally, in order to graduate from high school in the state of Pennsylvania, every student must demonstrate proficiency in math, reading, and writing. The simplest way for students to achieve this goal is to score at the “Proficient” or “Advanced” level on state standardized tests titled the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), taken their junior year.
If proficiency or better is not demonstrated on the PSSA, a number of alternatives are available to students to meet this requirement. The Senior Counselor will work with individual students as needed to determine the most appropriate pathway for each student’s success.
- The easiest route is to take the PSSA retest and score at the proficient level or above.
- Writing – Students must receive a 73% or better on the Senior English Research Project with faculty signing off that the student has met proficiency requirements
- Reading – Students must receive a 73% or better in their senior English class with faculty signing off that the student has met proficiency requirements. Students failing to achieve a 73% will need to complete a Reading Program with one of our tutors.
- Math – Students must receive a 73% or better in their senior math class with faculty signing off that the student has met proficiency requirements. Students failing to achieve a 73%in their senior year math class will need to complete the PSSA Math Course through the BeLA program.
HONOR ROLL CRITERIA:
Students will be recognized at the end of each semester for outstanding performance. The following criteria will be used to determine these honors:
Distinguished Honors:
Grade Point Average of 95% - 100%
With no grades of 64% or lower
High Honors:
Grade Point Average of 91% - 94%
With no grades of 64% or lower
Honors:
Grade Point Average of 85% - 90%
With no grades of 64% or lower
In order to be eligible for Honor Roll consideration, BeLA students must have completed all coursework by the established dates of completion.
CLASS RANK:
Class rank is computer generated, utilizing the students’ cumulative weighted grade point
average in grades nine (9) through twelve (12). Grades for courses will be calculated as
follows:
Grading Scale
Percentage Grade Letter Grade Equivalent Weighted Percentage Grade
93% - 100% A 97% - 107%
83% - 92% B 86% - 98%
73% - 82% C 76% - 88%
65% - 72% D
Below 65% F
Grades will be determined and recorded as percentages.
For purposes of comparison, letter grade equivalents are listed above.
In addition, the weighted percentage grade is also shown.
TAKING THE PSAT, SAT REASONING TEST, SAT SUBJECT TESTS, AND THE ACT:
Four year colleges and college programs consider students’ scores on either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT for admissions to their school. More selective colleges also require students to take one or more of the SAT Subject Tests. Juniors should take the PSAT in October in preparation for the SAT Reasoning Tests that they will take in the spring. Juniors should also consider taking the ACT either instead of or in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test.