General Information
The Alabama ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) Distance Learning Initiative was launched on November 1, 2004. The distance and blended learning initiative was the culmination of research and planning by the Task Force on Distance Learning. The ACCESS Distance Learning Initiative has become a cornerstone in providing an equitable education to all Alabama public school students in a cost‐effective model regardless of where they live. During the 2019–2021 school year, approximately 30,000 students completed an ACCESS course.
Parent Role
Just like in traditional brick-and-mortar school buildings, parents of online students need to take an active role in supporting their child’s academic success. By serving as learning coaches, parents are able to assist students through coursework and projects. It is important to remember that the less experienced a student is at taking online classes, the more support a parent will have to provide, particularly in the area of time management. As students gain experience and become more autonomous digital learners, the level of parental support will lessen. Regardless of your child’s post-secondary goals (college or industry), all high school graduates will be expected to be “digital ready” by having the skills necessary to learn in online environments. In addition to supporting time management skills, parents should also ensure that child is logging in daily to the classes, discussing academic grades and progress, and require compliance with ACCESS and local school guidelines.
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.
Now that you know what ACCESS is, feel free to contact your support center with any questions at 334-242-9594.