Idaho Digital Learning Alliance
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) is one of the larger state virtual schools in the country, with 44,342 course enrollments in SY 2022-23. IDLA was established by the Idaho Legislature in 2001 and works in partnership with Idaho school districts as a supplemental provider to offer online choices that provide opportunities for all students in Idaho, rural or urban. IDLA provides eLearning expertise, virtual learning services, and leadership in collaboration with Idaho school districts and policymakers to ensure all Idaho students’ online learning needs are met.
Projects and highlights:
- Partnerships: To bring high-quality programs and resources to Idaho students, IDLA collaborates with many national, state, and local partners. Nationally, IDLA has many partners they work with to bring best practices and high-quality resources back to our programs that serve our students. IDLA partners with educational agencies, organizations, and institutions within Idaho to advance opportunities throughout the state.
- Technical Certificates: In conjunction and partnership with the Division of Career Technical Education (CTE), the Idaho State Department of Education, and other partners, IDLA is developing pathways that provide students opportunities to earn technical certificates. Giving students a choice – career or college – is crucial. This focus area for the 2023-24 school year is targeted at providing online learning opportunities for all students, urban or rural, to earn a technical certificate and the potential for employment right in their local community. The emphasis is placed on programs providing a pathway to Idaho’s in-demand occupations and a living wage.
- Credit Recovery: A second area of focus for 2023-24 is IDLA’s Credit Recovery program. IDLA’s credit recovery program is a hybrid approach of a traditional IDLA course and a district-led intervention program. In partnership with the District, these courses utilize asynchronous content and instruction, required participation, and enhanced student support to provide students with a high level of learning. These courses are intended for students who have previously failed a course required for graduation and first-time learners designated as “at-risk.” To date, over 2300 credits have been recovered through IDLA’s Credit Recovery program.
- Launchpad: The final area of focus for 2023-24 is K-5 literacy intervention. IDLA’s Launchpad program supports K-5 learners needingneeded additional support and instruction in reading or math. Students in the Launchpad program utilize iStation to receive individualized instruction specific to their learning needs. Students receive direct instruction and support from an IDLA K-8 Idaho Certified Teacher. Launchpad is offered as a supplement to public schools to help schools with resource and staffing needs.
- Clarity: Clarity is a data warehouse that integrates data from multiple sources, including email, SIS, survey, and LMS platforms, to provide a comprehensive view of student activity, perceptions, and academic outcomes. The data is delivered through nudges to stakeholders and made available through various platforms such as dashboards, mobile apps, login systems, and Google Apps email plugins.
- Onramp: IDLA partners with BSU and CWI to participate in a grant supported by Apple. Students can access courses focusing on creativity and Swift coding through this program. Courses are offered at the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels. IDLA also hosts an Everyone Can Create camp opportunity each year for students that combines technology and outdoor education in an immersive experience. Students participating in the Onramp program this year will also have the opportunity to attend regional events with industry partners.
- ENL Courses and Training: IDLA has partnered with the Idaho State Department of Education to create access to and expand resources for English Language Learners. These courses provide content to support the needs of students new to the English language. IDLA requires a Learning Coach from the district to coach the students through navigating the LMS and their course. IDLA provides Professional Development to the Learning Coaches.
- Portals: IDLA programs, designs, and builds individualized online portals for schools and education partners to use. The custom portals allow students, educators, and other users to access online courses, resources, and more in a single, easy-to-use location while allowing local control over their student’s online experience. The portal platform implements single-sign-on (SSO) for Idaho users, allowing users to sign in once and have access to a multitude of resources, including registration to courses and direct SSO access to professional development courses, student courses, and resources.
- eTutoring: IDLA’s Tutor on Demand Service connects students to a tutor, an IDLA teacher, in the most convenient way possible – the student submits a form requesting assistance, and through text messages they are connected to a tutor specializing in the content area. eTutoring offers students access to a tutoring session in just a few minutes!
