What is CDELA?
The Colorado Distance & Electronic Learning Academy (CDELA) is a statewide distance learning academy for grades K-12. CDELA exists through the legal authority of Colorado charter school laws and answers directly to the Colorado Charter School Institute, who has granted authority to CDELA to operate within the state of Colorado. CDELA is a distance learning, non-sectarian public charter school that operates in a home-based learning environment.
What is CDELA's mission?
CDELA's mission is to help families who would like to join in the experience of family-based education. CDELA brings additional resources to the distance learning community by providing a K-12 customized curriculum, including placing computers and Internet access in every student's home. CDELA also helps by making master teachers available to families and providing help in testing and state proficiency tests. All CDELA services are tuition-free to families that choose to enroll.
Who may enroll in CDELA?
To enter Kindergarten, your student MUST turn 5 years old by September 30th of the academic year for which you intend to enroll them and reside within the state of Colorado.
If your student is 7 years old or YOUNGER on September 30th of the academic year for which you intend to enroll them, the only requirement to apply is residence within the state of Colorado.
If your student will be at least 7 years old and is less than 21 years old*** on September 30th of the academic year for which you intend to enroll them, he/she must have attended, completed and received grades for at least one full semester of the preceding academic year in a public or charter school within the state of Colorado and must currently reside within the state of Colorado.
If your student has received a HS Diploma he/she may NOT enroll in CDELA.
***School entrance eligibility is determined by the state of Colorado’s compulsory attendance and school finance laws
I believe my child is gifted. What does CDELA offer?
CDELA recognizes that every student comes to us as an individual with unique abilities, talents, and needs. CDELA further recognizes and respects the unique intellectual, emotional, and social needs of our talented and gifted students. Some of these students differ from the norm in significant ways. For example, they may need a different kind of educational program - one that takes into account their abilities, interests, and learning styles. We are committed to developing and refining a gifted program which gives our gifted students, like all our students, the very best that education has to offer.
My child has been suspended/expelled from school. Is CDELA the best school for my child?
We cannot enroll your child in CDELA while they are under a current suspension or expulsion from any other educational institution. If your child has been suspended or expelled in the past, they may not be successful in our program. The student must be extremely motivated and disciplined to succeed in CDELA. It is quite possible that either a traditional school or another distance learning school could be the best educational choice for your child.
I believe my child has special education needs. What does CDELA offer?
CDELA provides a special education program in accordance with current federal and state regulations and guidelines. This program is individualized to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability. CDELA provides an educational evaluation for each student with a disability -- and for one who is suspected of having a disability.
My child attained poor grades in a traditional school. Is CDELA the best school for my child?
Maybe not. CDELA requires both the student and parent to be highly motivated. If a student does not have the drive to do his or her best in a structured environment, he or she generally is not going to have the motivation to do his or her best in a less-structured environment.
What equipment does CDELA provide its students?
A desktop computer - complete with CPU, keyboard, mouse, color monitor. A color printer/fax/scanner/copier. Software including Microsoft XP Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Internet Filtering and Virus Protection Software
Does my student get to keep the computer equipment when they complete the program or withdraw from CDELA?
No. The computer equipment remains the property of CDELA and must be returned upon your student’s completion of the program or upon withdrawal from CDELA.
Does my student get to keep his curriculum upon completion of the program?
Yes. Your student may keep the textbooks and curriculum that are provided to him each academic year upon the completion of that curriculum.
Can I purchase the computer equipment when my student completes the program or withdraws from CDELA?
No. CDELA recovers the computer equipment and refurbishes it for use by another student to help defray educational equipment costs.
What is the cost of tuition for CDELA?
CDELA charges no tuition to either the parent or the student. Likewise, the student's use of the computer, printer/fax/scanner/copier, and the curriculum is provided to the student free of charge for as long as the student is enrolled with CDELA. The student and parent have access to the computer and curriculum all year.
Will it be possible for my child to move more slowly or more quickly through the curriculum?
CDELA is committed to assisting parents and students to progress through the material at the fastest pace possible. As such, students may need more time and instruction on some lessons, more than others. This is where the individualized tutoring of the CDELA teachers proves so beneficial to the student. Testing and assessment allow all parties to monitor the student's progress and determine the resources and time needed to advance. It is CDELA's goal for each student to academically progress at a more rapid rate than that student would be able to accomplish in a traditional school.
How much time is the student required to commit to the curriculum?
Students in grades K-6 must log a minimum of 968 total hours and students in grades 7-12 must log a minimum of 1056 total hours of curriculum time and time spent on additional learning opportunities in each academic year. We have found that through our unique approach to learning, many students commit more than 30 hours per week into their learning. In order to successfully complete the students' assigned curriculum, a minimum of 28 hours per week for K-8 students and a minimum of 30 hours for high school students is necessary.
Do I need to be actively involved with my child’s curriculum?
The parent educator must be actively involved in their child’s curriculum.
Who grades my student's work?
CDELA supports parents in assessing each student. Each of the curriculums selected provides for grading of students' tests and submitted work. The student's scores on tests and submitted work determine whether the student has mastered the lesson and moves on. Additionally, each student is assigned an instructional master teacher, who communicates with the parent educator to review the student's progress.
Are the teachers certified?
Yes, CDELA instructional teachers are certified by the state of Colorado.
How do we communicate with the teachers?
We have found that there is no such thing as too much communication. Our most successful students are in constant communication with their teacher, along with a high degree of communication with the parent. Kindergarten through 8th grade parents contact teachers through email, fax, or telephone with regular updates on student progress. Both teachers and the High School Academic Advisors will contact the parent and student once every two weeks to update the parent of their student’s progress.
Is testing required?
CDELA offers required assessment testing at regional sites. In addition to state testing, CDELA requires assessments in Scantron Performance Series three times per year accessing the test on-line in the student’s home. In accordance with Colorado statutes, CDELA students are required to take:
- Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) (grades 3 thru 10)
- Colorado ACT (grade 11)
Should I set up a particular space for the computer?
Yes. You should locate the computer near a grounded electrical outlet and an available telephone jack. You will also need to allow for adequate desktop or tabletop space for an average sized computer, printer, and monitor.
What if I already have my own computer?
CDELA provides a computer specifically designed for distance learning. The computer will arrive with all the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education for your student. Your current home computer may not meet your student's needs and therefore the CDELA computer is being provided at no cost. Our charter, granted by the State, requires that we send all necessary equipment to each household where we have a student(s) enrolled. If you are enrolling multiple students in our program you are NOT required to have a CDELA computer for each student. However, you may order a computer for each student you enroll.
What if I already have my own printer?
The color printer/fax/scanner/copier allows your student to complete and turn in assignments to his/her teacher. Your current equipment may not meet your student's needs and therefore the CDELA printer/fax/scanner/copier is being provided at no cost. Our charter, granted by the State, requires that we send all necessary equipment to each household where we have a student(s) enrolled. If you are enrolling multiple students in our program you are NOT required to have an CDELA printer/fax/scanner/copier for each student. However, you may order a printer for each student you enroll.
Do I have to have internet service in my home prior to enrolling my student?
It is highly recommended that you have a high speed internet connection (ex. broadband, DSL). CDELA will provide quarterly reimbursements towards obtaining a high speed internet connection.
What if it becomes necessary for my child to discontinue the CDELA program?
If the need or desire to withdraw your student from the program arises, you may withdraw your child from CDELA at any time. To withdraw your student you must complete, sign and submit an official withdrawal form and return any CDELA-provided equipment and curriculum. An official withdrawal form can be accessed by contacting CDELA.
What if I am already home schooling?
Colorado law mandates that students must attend a brick and mortar, public or charter school and completed at least one semester prior to enrolling in CDELA, to be eligible to enroll in CDELA. Students who have been homeschooled during the previous school year are NOT eligible to attend CDELA. Students that have completed at least a semester at a public or charter school, must submit a report card as proof of grades for the previous semester/school year.
What are the parent requirements?
- To attend all mandatory training programs at a location to be specified by CDELA;
- To supervise, provide and account for a minimum of 968 hours of educational learning for my student(s) in grades K-8 (a minimum of 28 hours a and 1056 hours of educational learning for my student(s) in grades 9-12 (a minimum of 30 hours per week) per academic year to my child(ren) enrolled in CDELA.
- To supervise the completion of all required assignments and courses as specified by CDELA;
- To bring my child to a location specified by CDELA, as required, for standardized testing and other purposes including certain special education services;
- To ensure that my child participates in all Scantron Performance Series assessments.
- To use CDELA Materials solely in connection with the education services provided by CDELA;
- To return any items purchased and/or provided through CDELA if I withdraw my child from the program, if my child is removed from the CDELA program or at the end of the academic year, whichever happens first, unless my child re-enrolls for the next academic year prior to the end of the current academic year;
- To maintain contact, at least weekly, via a telephone call, e-mail, or personal conference, at a mutually agreeable location, with the Teacher assigned to my child;
- To personally contact the CDELA Enrollment Office for all parent or student address and phone number changes:
- To personally contact the CDELA Enrollment Office if you have enrolled your student in an additional public school, in which your student will be enrolled simultaneously;
- To submit purchase requisitions from my Parent Supplemental Education Account only for products and services offered through the CDELA purchasing system or approved in writing for use by CDELA and to use my Parent Educator’s allocation solely for such materials;
- To teach only non-sectarian subject matter during the 968/1056 hours of educational learning per academic year and/or when using any materials and/or equipment directed from my CDELA Parent Supplemental Education Account or provided by CDELA;
- To complete all forms, applications, and paperwork as required by CDELA in accordance with the timelines set forth by CDELA, including, but not limited to, at least weekly reporting of learning opportunity hours presented to my child(ren);
- To abide by the code of conduct as presented in the CDELA Parent/Student Handbook;
- To certify that all work submitted as my child’s has been completed solely by my child;
- To personally contact, or have another parent or guardian of the student contact, technical support if any problems with the computer should arise. My child will not make any calls to technical support;
- To use the CDELA computer, software and related items (the “CDELA Material”) solely in connection with the education service provided by CDELA and to not permit any software or hardware other than software and hardware directly provided by CDELA or purchased from the Parent Supplemental Education Account to be installed on the CDELA computer;
- To not copy or permit copying of any CDELA Material, including but not limited to the CDELA Parent/Student Handbook, curriculum, tests, software, hardware or on-line materials;
- To cooperate with CDELA and perform any act, comply with any and all policies, including but not limited to, the CDELA Parent/Student Handbook and any computer system or software use policies, complete any form or engage in any other activity reasonably requested by CDELA as part of its educational program or required for compliance with law. In signing the Agreement, the parent and student(s) agree to abide by all CDELA policies and procedures relating to the use of technology, including the Parent Educator Guidelines set forth above.
