Curriculum & Instruction
Page Navigation
- Rose Tree Media School District
- RTMCyber Academy
-
What is the RTMCyber Academy Online Learning Option?
The Rose Tree Media School District realizes that our students need an education that is flexible enough to meet their unique situations, while maintaining the quality and credibility of their learning. When considering the circumstances around the world, this fall K through 12 families and students will once again have a choice to attend the RTMCyber Academy full-time virtual program.
-
What do the virtual courses look like?
EdOptions Academy incorporates an engaging, age-appropriate learning experience that emphasizes real-world applications. Learners are actively engaged and frequently interact with the content. Our active learning approach enables students to apply what they have learned, practice, and check their understanding. In addition, there are many project-based learning (PBL) activities that teach 21st century skills for workplace effectiveness, helping students develop higher-order thinking skills, and increase course engagement through student agency.
-
Are online courses less challenging than traditional courses?
No, EdOptions Academy offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum and diagnostic assessment correlated to rigorous state and national standards. Our curriculum employs a variety of learning activities to actively engage students and foster critical thinking.
-
Will my child just be doing worksheets?
No… All the courses are carefully curated, and deliver research-based curriculum designed to engage learners with
-
Problem-based activities and engaging projects that challenge students to apply what they learn in deeper, more meaningful ways
-
Exposure to engaging activities designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, including videos, audio content, and problem-based interactive lessons and virtual labs
-
Instructional approaches are designed for students whose families are enthusiastic about partnering with educators and facilitating a highly personalized learning journey.
-
-
Is my child just learning from a computer?
A common misconception is that students take online courses and attend online schools because they can “learn from a computer.” In fact, students rarely, if ever, learn from a computer. They learn using online instructional materials, adaptive software, and—most importantly—one or more adults involved in their education. Students enrolled in this program will learn from a combination of online teachers and face-to-face interactions with other adults.
-
My child needs extra support, how do they get it?
Academy teachers are available to provide instruction and support to their students as they learn to navigate virtual learning. Teachers are available for 1:1 support, provide weekly live lessons around content-specific topics, provide on-demand help through teacher-staffed live help. Students who need additional support may be eligible to be assigned a Success Coach as well.
-
How can I get started?
Complete the RTMCyber Enrollment Google Form for CURRENT Or NEW students. You may also contact Mrs. Christa Consadene (cconsadene@rtmsd.org), Director of Technology, Instruction, Intervention, & Assessment or Mr. David Reimschussel (dreimschussel@rtmsd.org), Assistant Principal at Penncrest High School, to learn more about virtual learning with EdOptions Academy.
-
As a parent how can I monitor progress?
Parents are provided with login information so that they can see the progress of their student at any time. All parents have access to pacing and progress monitoring tools to help students stay on track.
-
How do I get technical help if needed?
Technical help is available for all students / parents who are experiencing any technical problems such as pages not loading or links that are not working by contacting support@edmentum.com.The contact information is also provided in Maestro, our Student Information System, and can be easily accessed through your login.
District devices for RTMCyber students will be provided by the district. Contact Mrs. Christa Consadene (cconsadene@rtmsd.org), Director of Technology for Instruction, Intervention, and Assessment with questions.
-
How do students choose courses?
You will work with the elementary or secondary site coordinator for enrollment and course selection.
RTMCyber Academy Site Coordinators:
Elementary: Mr. William Dougherty, Assistant Superintendent. wdougherty@rtmsd.org
Secondary: Mr. David Reimschussel, Assistant Principal Penncrest High School. dreimschussel@rtmsd.org
Special Education/Students with IEP’s/ Students with 504 accommodations: Dr. Frances Garner, Director of Student Services. fgarner@rtmsd.org.
-
How are the courses delivered?
In partnership with EdOptions Academy, we have developed a K–12 virtual school solution that is rigorous, engaging, and built to state and national standards. All the courses are taught online by highly qualified, state-certified teachers experienced in instruction. EdOptions Academy teachers have expertise in engaging and connecting learning to real-life experiences and the program offers flexible program implementation and management designed for all virtual learning environments. We are committed to creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs. Our online teachers help students understand class materials and stay on track to achieve their academic goals. All EdOptions Academy teachers are certified in their areas of specialization and have at least three years of classroom experience. Our teachers communicate regularly with partner schools, families, and learners through various asynchronous and synchronous forms. Our internal programs allow for secure methods of communication, web-based systems to manage student grades, assignments, and assessments.
-
What does the schedule look like for my child?
One of the top reasons families are considering an online education is for flexibility and safety. The nice thing about online education is that you can structure learning around your schedule. There are times when there are required online live lessons, but all other time is flexible as long as due dates are met within each course.
-
Are Special Education students supported?
Yes. Students enrolled in the RTMCyber Academy continue to receive educational services as offered by the RTMSD Individual Education Program and will be assigned a RTMSD case manager. The special education staff and the online teachers work to ensure that students work towards meeting the goals and objectives outlined in a student’s individual education plan.
-
All virtual instructors are highly qualified and certified in their respective content area(s).
-
Every instructor is trained to successfully deliver personalized instruction in the virtual classroom.
-
Each educator is required to communicate daily with students and to actively monitor student learning and progress.
-
Any time special needs are identified, the instructor works with the student to ensure the needs are addressed.
-
Every applicable IEP is reviewed and used by the instructor in planning for and providing appropriate accommodations, extended learning opportunities, or other adjustments as may be required in the plan(s).
-
Our pedagogical approach to virtual learning includes both one-on-one individualized and small group instruction leveraging Zoom technology, so teachers build a trusting relationship with students to engage and support them to persist as they struggle and conquer challenging content.
-
Links to RTMCyber Academy Registrations for Current and New District Students
-
2024-2025 Current RTMSD Registration Form for RTMCyber Academy
* 2024-2025 Registration form for RTMCybr Academy for new to RTMSD students
*Must be RTM district residents to enroll and attend RTMCyber Academy.