The ACCESS Program

The ACCESS program stands for Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide.

This is a program designed to meet educational needs of all high school students in Alabama through distant learning. The program was first designed in November of 2004. The goal of the program is to create equity through educational offerings for all high school students. It's mission is to provide equal opportunity for all students to have learning programs. The vision of the program is to share equal access to high quality instruction that will improve student achievement.

This program provides students with courses and teachers via technology. In September of 2006, a plan was developed and presented to Governor Bob Riley. It was a 4 year plan of development with 12 objectives in mind. They are listed below.

• Objective 1: To provide access to advanced diplomas and courses which target foreign languages. To provide access to advanced courses and placement. (or double credit courses) To provide remedial and supplement resources. To use distant learning and existing resources offered. To provide teachers with multimedia and technology tools to enhance instruction. To utilize outside evaluation for accessing weaknesses and strengths of the program and make appropriate adjustments.
• Objective 2: Expanding number of students served and give equal opportunities to all High School students in Alabama.
• Objective 3: Establishing 21st century classrooms in every Alabama High School by 2010.
• Objective 4: Providing oversight to administers and management support through the State Board of Education and support centers.
• Objective 5: Providing students with additional courses and electives needed to meet individual educational goals and to provide them with a computer curriculum including 21st century skills.
• Objective 6: Developing appropriate professional development for teachers involved in ACCESS.
• Objective 7: Developing a blended model that focuses on students needs so each student had success in the classroom.
• Objective 8: Assessing technology skills at appropriate levels of students
• Objective 9: Including a program for developing a model of courses
• Objective 10: Developing a comprehensive plan for growth among students.
• Objective 11: Developing oversight and management for activities and budgets.
• Objective 12: Mobilizing stake holders to advocate and strengthen all high schools in Alabama.

In closing, this program offers so many things that can strengthen and grow our schools today. If it can reach all of these goals, our students will definitely be stronger and wiser 21st century students. For more information on this program, visit http://accessdl.state.al.us.