Facilitators

Facilitator Training

• Facilitators must complete an annual virtual training through the Alabama State Department of Education before they are linked to their upcoming students in Schoology.
• Program managers are available to visit schools for specialized facilitator training. Contact your ACCESS Support Center for more information.

Resources

• ACCESS Policy Manual for Facilitators
• ACCESS Policy Manual for Students

Facilitator Certification

In order to be certified, facilitators must complete an annual virtual training through the Alabama State Department of Education before they are linked to their students in Schoology.

Student Orientation in Schoology

• All ACCESS students complete a short orientation at the beginning of ACCESS courses. The orientation guides students through how to use Schoology, communicate with their teacher, submit assignments and other essential tasks for online learning.
• Contact our enrollment team to discuss how your student can get started with their ACCESS orientation and courses.

ACCESS Policy Manual

For detailed information on ACCESS policies, please see our ACCESS Policy Manual for Students. Topics addressed in the policy manual include:

Facilitator Responsibilities

Facilitators serve as a face-to-face supervisor of ACCESS students at their school and are a critical part of the ACCESS program. As an on-site classroom facilitator, you will have a significant impact on the success of your students and the virtual learning program at your school. Your responsibilities will be many, but training provided by regional ACCESS support centers will enable you to meet responsibilities related to handling technical issues, using the learning management system, receiving virtual learning courses and managing a virtual learning classroom.

Primary responsibilities of ACCESS facilitators are:

• Supervise and assist students.
• Monitor academic progress and student behavior in the physical classroom as well as in the virtual classroom.
• Communicate on a day-to-day basis with the ACCESS teacher.
• For web-based courses, log on to the learning management system each school day to view announcements and track assignments.
• Assist students with minor technology issues.
• Ensure that students remain on task and on pace.
• Ensure the integrity of students’ work.
• Support the teacher.
• Take attendance and send absentee reports to teachers and school staff daily.
• Provide students with training on the use of emails, attaching documents to emails and accessing web-based instruction courses.
• Serve as a resource to the sending teacher.
• Report technical issues to support center staff as well as to the school and/or system technology coordinator.
• For more detailed information on facilitator responsibilities, training and other policies, refer to the operating manual on our website.

Required Materials

• ACCESS facilitators need a strong internet connection, a computer that connects to the internet and the ability to download and open external documents including PDFs and Microsoft Office files.
• Speakers and a microphone (either as part of a headset or a dedicated mic) are also strongly recommended to participate fully in remote meetings and informational events with ACCESS Support Center staff.
• We also recommend that facilitators develop a way to track the courses they are currently monitoring as well as student progress for effective reporting. Some facilitators use whiteboards, spreadsheets or other materials to track their courses and students, but facilitators can use any method that works for them.

FAQ

Does the on-site classroom facilitator at the receiving school site need to be a certified teacher?

No. The on-site classroom facilitator does not have to be a certified teacher. At a minimum, a facilitator must be an (1) adult supervisor and (2) have professional training in online methodology and technical aspects of online instruction, as well as training in safety and lab procedures if applicable. On-site classroom facilitators or paraprofessionals in Title I schools must be under the direct supervision of a certified teacher who is in close proximity to the virtual learning classroom. Facilitators must also meet any requirements set forth in local school system policies to work in a school setting with students.

How do I find the test passwords for my students’ courses?

Contact the course teacher or refer to the ACCESS Tests/Exams and Proctoring/Passwords Policies for details.

Where can I find the drop date/course deadlines/enrollment deadlines?

For drop dates, enrollment deadlines and overall course dates for each term, refer to the ACCESS ALSDE Calendar. For course-specific deadlines, contact the ACCESS course teacher.

How do I get a program manager to come to my school or hold specialized training?

Contact your ACCESS Support Center to connect with your local program manager.

How do I enroll in annual facilitator training to be linked to my courses/students?

Facilitators can register for annual training in PowerSchool PL. The training is then completed in ALSDE Schoology. Contact your ACCESS Support Center with questions regarding training or registration.

My student’s course is linking to a website or other resource that is blocked by my school system. What should I do?

Contact your school or school system’s technology coordinator for questions about web filtering.

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About ACCESS

ALSDE What Is ACCESS Video Transcript

What is ACCESS?

ACCESS stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide.

But what does that mean?

ACCESS is Alabama’s free public virtual learning program.

We provide free online and videoconferencing courses to students at public middle schools and high schools.

Students throughout the state of Alabama take ACCESS courses.

Our online classes can be taken any time, any place and at any pace.

Your child’s classes are taught by certified teachers, who guide your child through the course, answer questions, email your child and provide feedback on your child’s work.

ACCESS teachers will help your child succeed. Don’t be afraid to contact your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns.

Your child’s school should assign an on-site facilitator to support your child.

The facilitator is a school employee who will assist with technical problems, watch over your child during tests and help them stay on task.

If you don’t know your child’s facilitator, ask the school guidance counselor.

In addition to following the teacher’s rules and policies, make sure your child follows the facilitator’s rules and policies.

If your child works hard in the class and communicates regularly with the teacher for feedback, advice and help, your child can succeed in the ACCESS course.