FAQ
What is Distance Learning?
PACeS is one of many distributed learning schools in the province of Alberta. These schools can be public schools or independent schools under the direction of the Alberta Ministry of Education. All students must meet the Alberta learning outcomes for their prescribed grade. PACeS is licensed and accredited by the provincial government. PACeS offers programs and courses that have been developed by the North American Division of the SDA church and are augmented by direct teacher input in support of the K-12 Alberta curriculum.
What does it cost to take Distance Education?
PACeS provides parents with supplemental funding for all students who are registered prior to September 30 and who identify PACeS as their main school. $755 is available for Traditional-Basic Home Education (receipts are required). A blended program of 50% traditional and 50% Alberta Program of Studies will receive $1200 and will be adjusted if percentages are different (receipts are required). a child who is following the full program of Alberta Program of Studies will receive $1,400 (receipts and full monitoring are required)
If a student is participating in the Online program the following cost are deducted from the supplemental funding: $300 for technical support (Family rate available) and $100 per individual course (to a maximum of $300) for K-Grade 9. If you are doing the High School program it is $300 per year for technical support and $100 per course (to a maximum of $300) per semester.
There will be a non-refundable registration fee of $50 per student (Family rate of $100). Families provide a cheque (or cash) that can be held until after October 1 when the fee will be deducted from the supplemental fund.
Information for students outside of Alberta
What equipment do I need?
You will need a computer with internet connectivity, a headset with a microphone (2 jack type), and a printer with a scanner. Free programs that you must have downloaded to your computer are Adobe Reader and Java Script. If you need help downloading contact Janet Hall.
Can I transfer back to regular school from PACeS?
You may transfer back to regular school at any time. At year-end, the transition is automatic upon completion of a grade or courses. During the year, students may transfer in or out of PACeS. The curriculum match for students leaving PACeS and entering regular schools will be the receiving school's responsibility.
Can I do Distance Education by myself?
Parents or guardians are expected to assist students by monitoring time and work completed. Parental help may not be possible in some courses and may not be required. The family may hire a tutor if and when needed. The assigned teacher at PACeS will be available to provide assistance.
What is the difference between Traditional home schooling and online home schoolers?
The traditional approach to homeschooling under section 2(3) of the Home Education Regulation is still in effect. Under this approach, students are registered and there are no accountability issues for parents. Parents provide their children with a program, but do so with no interference and two reporting times per year. PACeS is offering that service at this time
For those families who do not mind being under the supervision of a teacher, and whose home program will meet the prescribed learning outcomes in the required courses, students can be enrolled with PACeSs DL program. The parent loses some freedoms in this program, but in exchange for the accountability there are increased resources, amounting to several hundred dollars. Additionally, the student will receive three regular report cards each year.
How will PACeS implement the ministry guidelines?
PACeS, in consultation with parents, will have to prepare a student-learning plan. This will include course outlines showing how they will fulfill the learning outcomes in the Ministry IRPs (Integrated Resource Packages). A list of all the resources (approved by PACeS) used must be provided. Parents can start by identifying those materials they want to use. The PACeS teacher will assist in the preparation of the learning plan, and the teacher will review the proposed plan to see if there are areas that are not meeting the learning outcomes. If that is the case, we may have to recommend areas that need topping up.
Do students have to use online courses or electronic curriculum?
At this time there is not sufficient software to provide all courses using online or computer resident courseware. In most cases, especially in the elementary grades, there may not be any actual electronic courseware in use, and all resources will be paper-based. Where families wish to include one or more online courses that can be arranged through PACeS Coordinator. As software becomes more available and is more effective, it is suspected that the proportion of electronic courses will increase.
Parent Questions
Questions a Parent or Guardian should ask themselves before starting this program.
1. Am I willing to learn the necessary technology to help my child?
2. Am I willing to be actively involved in my child's education and progress?
3. Do I check my emails regularly and respond to them in a timely fashion?
4. Can I assist my child in establishing a daily routine?
5. Am I willing to assist my child in organizing daily work and assignments?
6. Can I be aware of deadlines and working with my child to ensure that assignments and tests are being completed and submitted to the teacher by the due dates?
7. Am I willing to check my child's marks on a regular basis to monitor progress?
8. Will I encourage my child to ask the teacher questions when he/she does not understand?
9. Is my relationship with my child such that he/she will respond to my support, encouragement and assistance?
10. Do I enjoy being with my child?
11. Am I willing to discuss and encourage my child's progress?
12. Can I provide a positive learning environment?
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