| Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| 3700 S HIGH ST STE 95 COLUMBUS OH 43207-9902 United States |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Charter / Community |
| Established | 2000 |
| School district | All of Ohio |
| Principal | Several |
| Head of school | James Thomas, Superintendent |
| Staff | 700 |
| Grades | K-12 |
| Number of students | 12,000 |
| Color(s) | Green, Silver |
| Athletics | None |
| Mascot | Eagle |
| Information | 888.326.8395 (toll-free) 614.492.8884 (Columbus area) 614.492.8894 (fax) |
| C.E.E.B. Code | 361537 |
| Website | www.ecotohio.org |
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) is a community/charter school based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It is sponsored by the Lucas County Educational Service Center (LCESC) in Toledo, in accordance with chapter 3314 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Students perform their work either via computers which already they own, or which are supplied to them by the school. Work is performed online via secure intranet connections.
ECOT was founded in 2000 by William "Bill" Lager, under an agreement with the Lucas County Educational Service Center; and it is managed by his company, Altair Learning Management.
Under Ohio law, "community schools" are independent public schools that offer school choice to parents, students and teachers. They are accountable to the public by a contract with a sponsor, such as a school district, or the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). In ECOT's case, the school is accountable to LCESC and its publicly-elected Board. Community schools cannot charge tuition and must follow all laws pertaining to health, public safety and civil rights.
Students are required to take state-mandated proficiency/achievement tests, and other examinations prescribed by law. Students are required to pass the Ohio Graduation Test to receive a diploma.
Technically speaking, ECOT is not a "home schooling" program. It is a public community school, subject to all the laws and regulations thereof. (See the ODE website for more detailed information regarding home schooling in the state of Ohio.)
Students are expected to attend classes online for 25 hours per week during the school year, comparable to the time that students in "brick-and-mortar" schools are also expected to attend. Attendance need not adhere to traditional time conventions however; Affording flexibility to students and families not typically available in traditional educational settings.
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ECOT is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association(NCA).
All teachers employed by ECOT meet, or exceed, the "Highly Qualified" standards set forth under the No Child Left Behind guidelines. These standards were voluntarily adopted and put into effect before they were required by law.
In addition to the Columbus headquarters, ECOT has established Regional Educational Centers (RECs) in Columbus and Dayton.
Students and parents/guardians may use these facilities for orientation, to contact teachers face-to-face, submit work, take tests, and to receive technical support for computer/curriculum issues they may experience.
The REC centers host workshops, class activities, tutorial sessions, test preparation, counseling, and career development opportunities.
ECOT is divided into four "schools," which follow traditional guidelines.
The Elementary School comprises grades Kindergarten through 5. Middle School consists of grades 6 and 7. The Lower High School covers grades 8 to 10 and the Upper High School covers grades 11-12. Each is supervised by its own Principal.
ECOT was the first electronic charter school in the nation to graduate students.
Students receive traditional high school diplomas, as authorized by the Ohio Department of Education.
The school's first graduation ceremonies were held in the Ohio State House. In later years, larger venues became necessary due to Public Occupancy Limits, and are presently being held at Jerome Schottenstein Center. In 2006 the graduating class was just shy of 800 students.