Garnet Valley works on tackling ‘blended learning’ technique

CONCORD » Garnet Valley School District continues to create innovative options for students and staff. But according to Superintendent Marc Bertrando, it’s not “change for change sake.” New programming is being designed and implemented to meet the needs of changes in educational delivery.

At the school board’s March meeting, Bertrando talked about the “blended learning” program, which launched this year with a single course as a model. One section of 11th grade U.S. History is being presented by veteran teacher Jennifer Lavender as a format that includes in-class, out-of-class, online and independent learning. About two dozen students are participating.

“The whole point is flexibility in time and space to personalize education for the students. The model is the best of both worlds as far as classroom and out of classroom experience,” said Bertrando.

Confident in the district’s ability to attract and hire “the best and the brightest” in staff, Bertrando said “nothing replaces a great teacher.” However, the blended learning model affords students with other opportunities. An example given was the student who might refrain from speaking in a classroom situation, but is more apt and willing to share outlooks, knowledge and opinions in the online discussion board. Other types of independent study constitute advantages as well.

“The number of days in class flows with the course design. It might be one or two days a week, or it could be multiple days in a row if students are making presentations,” Bertrando explained.

The program is further customized according to individual needs. Not every student necessarily has the same schedule. Some may require more “face-to-face” time with the teacher who, important to note, teaches a regular schedule and is in the building just as he/she would be with a traditional model. Students must maintain at least a C average, which may necessitate a certain structure determined by the teacher.