The Poway Unified School District’s online classes are the first in San Diego County, and are among a small number of high school offerings in the state and nation.  The program attracts innovative teachers who excel in their profession.  A strong staff development component is built into the program, giving instructors opportunities for summer work, which includes sessions with technology specialists and time to develop online curriculum.  The teachers attend annual training meetings to keep them informed of current technologies and encourage collaboration with other online teachers, administrators and technology support personnel. 

Student successes are numerous since the beginning of the program in 1998.  Specific student improvements that have occurred as a direct result of online courses include:

• Preparation for transition to college and the workplace
• Independence and organization
• Resourcefulness in accessing and using information
• Time management
• Effective learning
• Individual learning environment fostered independent explorations in subject area
• Increased critical thinking skills
• Greater critical insights as a result of greater opportunity and time to reflect upon course work
• Vast improvement in technology skills