Freqently Asked Questions |
General Student Information
Q-What is the Lorain Digital Academy?
A- We are a web-based online public community school working in partnership with the
Lorain City School District. Lorain Digital Academies partners with TRECA Digital Academy out of Marion, Ohio. We operate four Digital Academies:
Lorain Elementary Digital Academy (grades K-6)
Lorain Middle School Digital Academy (grades 7-8)
Lorain High School Digital Academy (grades 9-12)
Lorain Alternative Academy (high school dropouts / non-attendees)
Q-Will students be a Lorain City Schools student?
A-Digital Academy students are not enrolled in the Lorain City Schools. We are a separate school district but we are sponsored by the Lorain city Schools Board of Education.
Q-Who can enroll in the Lorain Digital Academy?
A-Residents who live in the Lorain City School District, who are at least 5 years old by August 1 and no older than 21 years old at enrollment.
Q-Are there any fees or expenses involved with Lorain Digital Academy?
A-LDA is a public community school. Tuition is free to students who are residents of the Lorain City School district.. However, students must provide consumables such as paper and ink cartridges and provide a phone line.
Q-Do I need to provide an additional phone line?
A-If you currently have phone service, you are not required to install an additional phone line. A separate phone line for the computer is recommended, but is not necessary. If you have more than one TDA student in the household, it might be wise to get an extra phone line since their online time will tie up the phone line for long periods of time. If you have DSL, cable or other ISP service you will not need to install an additional phone line but TDA will ask you to sign a waiver.
Q-Do I need to provide my own Internet Service Provider?
A-LDA (Lorain Digital Academy) will provide an ISP for you. If you currently have an ISP, cable or DSL service and wish to continue with that service, you may do so, however LDA will ask you to sign a waiver because LDA is not responsible for covering the cost of your service.
Special Needs Students
Q-Can students with disabilities or special needs enroll in Lorain Digital Academy?
A-Yes. LDA will provide a certified intervention specialist to work with students with disabilities, as well as provide support services that may be needed (speech services, occupational therapy or physical therapy).
Q-How much support will I need to provide to my child with a disability?
A-Each child is unique! To ensure the success of your child, you should monitor progress on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, maintain communication with your child's teachers, and provide organizational and academic support as needed.
Q-How will my child’s needs be met?
A-The needs of the child will be met according to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Service options may include general education classes without modifications, general education classes with modifications from an Intervention Specialist, a combination of resource room classes and, or strictly resource room classes.
Q-What is the process for identification of a child with special needs?
A-If a child is struggling academically, the parent or teacher may ask for a meeting with the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT). The IAT will meet to discuss the needs of the child, identify the problem(s) and develop a plan of intervention. Contingent to the outcome of the plan, the child may or may not proceed to the multi-factored evaluation process, which includes further testing by a team of professionals.
Q-Will assistive technology be provided?
A-Needs for assistive technology will be assessed and reasonable accommodations will be made, if necessary.
Q-Will my special needs child be required to take the Ohio Graduation Test or Ohio Achievement Test?
A-The decision to be tested will be determined at the child's IEP meeting. However, standardized testing will be encouraged.
Technology Requirements
Q-Are computer skills required to enroll in Lorain Digital Academy?
A-Computer skills are not required but basic computer skills can make the transition to a distance learning environment easier.
Q-If I lack computer skills will Lorain Digital Academy provide training?
A-Yes. All students will have access to introductory units which will help develop their computer skills.
Q-Do I need to provide my own computer?
A-No. LDA will provide students all necessary hardware and software for use while attending LDA.
Q-What hardware do I get?
A-Students receive an eMac or Mac-mini. This computer selection is made at the discretion of the LDA staff. Students will also receive a flatbed scanner and K-6 & Special Ed. students will receive a color printer.
Q-Do I have to use the Lorain Digital Academy computer?
A-No. Please be advised that should a student select to use their own computer our help desk will not be able to assist them with hardware problems. The problem is software. You will need to use software that is currently being used on the LDA computers. As an example our teachers cannot open a Word Perfect file.
Academics
Q-Do I have to log on everyday?
A-You are not required to log on everyday. However, you are expected to meet weekly requirements for attendance and participation in order to progress through a grade level in an academic year.
Q-How will I communicate with my teacher?
A-Teachers can be reached by email, chat rooms or forums during office hours which are posted in each teacher's classroom.
Q-Can I graduate early?
A-All high school students will be required to carry a minimum of 4 credits each semester. A student who wishes to graduate early may do so by carrying more credits each semester. Each student will work closely with their academic advisor to design this program.
Q-Am I required to take the Ohio Graduation test to meet graduation requirements?
A-Yes. The State of Ohio requires all students to pass all parts of the Ohio Graduation test.
Q-Will I receive an authorized State of Ohio diploma?
A-Yes. Upon completion of all graduation requirements students will receive a high school diploma.
Q-How many times a year will I have to report to a
school designated location?
A-Every student is required to attend an initial orientation session prior to the start of fall classes. Students will also be required to attend the proficiency test at a designated location.
Current Lorain Digital Academy Students / Technical Issues
Q-I get the message “authentication failed” when I try to connect,what do I do?
A-Usernames and passwords are case sensitive and must be typed exactly. Make sure you are using lower case letters for both username and password.
Q-When the computer dials to connect, I get an error stating the number you have dialed is incorrect. What does this mean?
A-Make certain the number given is entered correctly. Some areas require the area code to be used as well. Also, be sure the number your computer is dialing is a local number.
Q-I have or want to set up the computer for cable modem service. What do I need to do?
A-Contact your local cable Internet Service Provider (ISP) and make an appointment to have them set up the computer.
Q-The cable ISP has sent a technician but the TCP/IP controls are locked? How do I unlock them?
A-You need to have the technician call the TDA HelpDesk (866-832-0377) so we can give access to that area. It is one of the areas that are locked for the protection of the computer.
Q-The phone number I am dialing for the ISP is long distance but that is the number LDA gave me to use, what should I do?
A-LDA provides you with an Internet dialup number and has worked hard with our Internet Service Providers to get you a local number for this dialup. Changes to phone exchanges around the state happen regularly and we cannot always be sure your dialup number is a local call. It is your responsibility to make sure that the number you are dialing is local. LDA will not reimburse you for dialup calls that are long distance or local toll calls. Call your local phone company to verify that your dialup number is a local call. If you find that your number is not local contact your ISP and LDA to get a local number.
