2010 IU1 Online Summer School (OSS) Program

Frequently Asked Questions about OSS

1. What are the dates for the 2010 Summer School?

   Mandatory 3 hour OSS orientation sessions occur on June 23 and 24 at the Intermediate Unit 1 building. Two sessions are available each day: 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Directions to IU1)

   There will also be orientation sessions at Albert Gallatin High School on June 25 at 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Directions to Albert Gallatin High School)

   Classes begin immediately after your orientation and continue until August 9. You will have access to the lessons 24/7 during that time.

2. What happens at the orientation?
   • A parent or adult guardian must accompany the student to the orientation.
   • The student's username and password are given out.
   • An introduction to the online software and the OSS handbook is distributed.
   • A digital photo is taken to provide identification when taking the exams at regional computer labs. The student must provide a photo ID or have the accompanying adult provide their photo ID and verify the student's identity.
   • Textbooks are issued and a book deposit check is required. It will be returned at the end of the OSS session once the book is returned (at the last visit to a regional computer lab).
   • Students will meet the online teachers.
   • You must complete a Property Usage Agreement and bring it to the orientation.
3. What classes are offered and how do I register?
   • Instructions for students to register for Online Summer School

   You must register online at http://www.solutionwhere.com/iu1.

   New: You must get approval from your building guidance counselor or principal to take an OSS class. Ask for a unique Registration Key code for each class.

4. How do I know if I am ready to take an online class?
   • You should have basic computer skills, experience with Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works, saving files, using the Internet, and sending and receiving emails. Access to a computer and the Internet are required. You must commit to a regular weekly schedule of online work to be successful.
   • Make sure your computer is ready by reading Requirements for Home Computer.
   • You can complete the Online Readiness Work Sheet to determine if you would be a successful online student.
   • You can complete an interactive Student Online Readiness Tool to determine your readiness, your goals, and your learning preferences. The feedback includes suggestions to help you be able to make an informed decision about beginning online study. In addition, the information in the questionnaire and feedback will help you to know what to expect from an online course.
5. How many classes can I take?

   You may take up to two classes per summer.

6. Are there other requirements to be able to take OSS classes?

   You must agree to work 10–12 hours per week and come to a regional computer lab once a week to take an exam and/or check in with the OSS staff to monitor your progress and receive help with technical problems/questions. In addition, the labs are open for working on the classes if you have computer issues at home.

   Read Requirements for Participation and Family/IU1 Agreement for more details.

7. What is the cost and who pays for OSS classes?

   Each class is $215.00 and the student or their family is responsible for the fees.

8. How will I pay for the classes?

   Online registration allows for credit card payment. Otherwise, you can purchase a money order and make it payable to the “IU1 General Account”. Money orders should be mailed to:

   Intermediate Unit 1 (attn. C Diehl)
   One Intermediate Unit Drive
   Coal Center, PA 15423

   No personal checks will be accepted.

9. Where are the Regional Computer Labs and what are their hours?

   Albert Gallatin High School
   1119 Township Drive
   Uniontown, PA 15401
   Phone: 724-564-2040
   Directions to Albert Gallatin High School
   Summer Hours Calendar

   Canon-McMillan High School
   314 Elm Street Extension
   Canonsburg, PA 15317
   Phone: 724-745-1400
   Directions to Canon-McMillan High School
   Summer Hours Calendar

   Ringgold High School
   1 Ram Drive
   Monongahela, PA 15063
   Phone: 724-258-2200 ext. 0
   Directions to Ringgold High School
   Summer Hours Calendar

10. How will my school get my grades?

    The OSS program will fax a preliminary grade to your district two days after classes close. Then, a formal letter will be sent to you and your district. No grade will be reported if money or textbook is owed to OSS. Since grades are recorded on the online grade book, you will have constant access to monitor your grades.

11. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

    Pamela Hupp
    724-847-4034
    phupp@washjeff.edu