Garland Independent School District (GISD) had a disconcertingly high percentage of students underperforming and not graduating from high school. The northeastern Texas district needed a new approach to reach its at-risk students.

Administrators envisioned a flexible learning environment to foster success for students at risk of failing or dropping out. In 2007, GISD opened its Non-Traditional High School. Realizing each student needed an opportunity for individualized learning to succeed, GISD selected Apex Learning digital curriculum to meet the diverse needs of its student population.

"The Apex Learning curriculum provides the rigor our students need. We believe in the product and the rigor and the way it equips students academically."

   — Connie Skipper
        Director of the Non-Traditional High School

The Non-Traditional High School attracts dropouts, over-aged students, and those who may not fit into a traditional learning environment. These students come from a variety of educational and life backgrounds: 47% are teen parents, 35% are employed full time, and 29% are high school dropouts. Using Apex Learning online courses for original credit and credit recovery, these students are experiencing academic success — many of them for the first time — in their pursuit of a high school diploma.

Online Courses and Certified Teachers

Students work in learning labs, each configured with 16 computer stations. Each lab focuses on a particular subject area and is staffed by a teacher certified in that subject. Within a lab, students may work on any number of different courses. For example, in the science lab one student may work on physical science, another on biology, and another on chemistry.

"Teachers in our labs must be flexible and able to easily move from course to course within their subject area. Grouping students by subject matter enables the teacher to provide more individualized instruction, which is critical for our student population."

   — Connie Skipper

Instructional management features offer GISD the flexibility to tailor its online learning program to meet their specific needs. For example, GISD sets a mastery level of 70%, requiring that students demonstrate their understanding of course material before moving on.

Apex Learning online courses keep students actively engaged and working at their own pace. Classroom teachers have immediate access to summary and detailed information to monitor each student's progress. Targeted one-on-one support from teachers ensures that each student stays on track to successfully complete his or her course.