New Virtual Charter School Delivers Positive Results For Colorado's At-Risks Childrens

Innovative Learning Model Produces 28% Improvement in Initial Reading Test Scores

Denver, CO - Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op (Hope Co-Op), a virtual charter school designed to meet the needs of K-12 at-risk students in Colorado, announced initial assessment scores that demonstrate extraordinary improvement in reading for the at-risk children enrolled in Hope Co-Op during its inaugural academic year. In DIBELS testing, a set of standardized, individually administered measures of early literacy development, given to the Hope Co-Op third graders in December of 2005, 47% of the children tested as "high risk", which is comparable to "unsatisfactory" on the CSAPs. In March of 2006, when those same children took the CSAPs, only 19% of those identical children tested "unsatisfactory", translating into a 28% increase in satisfactory reading levels.

"Academic achievement for urban and minority students is one of the greatest economic development and social challenges today," said Barbara O'Brien, Former President of Colorado Children's Campaign, who was on hand at the press conference where these results were being announced. "When I joined Hope Co-Op's Board of Advisors, I knew it was a highly unique and innovative public school. What I hadn't anticipated was the kind of progress they would make in such a short amount of time."

Hope Co-Op was launched in September of 2005 with 1600 students from across the Front Range, enrolled in the school. It was designed to meet the needs of at-risk students in Colorado through an innovative learning model that provides online curriculum, access to mentoring and technology to students across the state. Parents of Hope Co-Op children may provide the virtual school environment themselves, with assistance from Hope Co-Op teachers, or enroll at a Hope Co-Op-approved Learning Center.

Hope Co-Op Learning Centers are operated by non-profit organizations, and are located in existing public or private schools, community centers, or other appropriate facilities where parents choose to have their students participate in Hope Co-Op. Hope Co-Op, which is chartered through the Vilas RE-5 School District, provides the only opportunity for Colorado's at-risk kids, with working parents, to participate in public online education.

"In recent years, virtual schools have played a significant role in reaching students that need the flexibility of time, pace, and geography to advance their education," said Heather O'Mara, Executive Director of Hope Co-Op. "However, there continued to be a divide for a segment of students-mostly those at-risk for one reason or another-who didn't have the appropriate home resources and supportive environment to succeed independently online. The initial test scores are proof that Hope Co-Op is a solution that delivers the environment, delivery method and curriculum that works."

Hope Co-Op approved Learning Centers enable students to work on different lessons at different grade levels at the same time in a supportive environment with a mentor. This environment allows individuals to progress at their own pace and provides the opportunity for students to receive remediation or enrichment as needed. The web-based curriculum provides a well-rounded education, and focuses on traditional subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, social studies and foreign languages. Enhanced with computer-based exercises and coursework, lessons are geared towards each child's learning style and ability.

"One of the areas of greatest concern for us is the high dropout rate for Latino students," said Polly Baca, President and CEO of the Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA), which opened five Learning Centers serving 100 students in 2005, and anticipates doubling the number of students served in the 2006 academic year. "Hope Co-Op addresses the unique needs of students who are not succeeding in the traditional school environment and who need a more supportive environment to succeed in education."

Sharon Alexander-Holt, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, which will be operating eight Learning Centers, echoed Baca's sentiments. "Hope Co-Op is serving students, many of whom have dropped out or are falling behind in the current education system, and does so with rigorous graduation requirements that meet or exceed Colorado and national standards, ensuring that students are prepared for their next steps in life."

SOURCE: Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op