- Norman Public Schools
- ExpandED
Welcome to ExpandED
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is NPS ExpandED?
The Norman Public School District has expanded educational opportunities to accommodate the growing needs of students and families. ExpandED is an innovative program designed to serve students who benefit from a customized, self-paced, virtual education solution.
While the district has offered online courses for more than a decade, this program provides participating students with the flexibility to complete all of their coursework outside the traditional school building or blend their learning experience by attending some classes at school. Norman Public Schools teachers work closely with students to guide them through online curriculum and customize lessons as needed. ExpandED students also have the unique opportunity to participate in on-site extracurricular activities, including 6A athletic teams and world-class fine arts programs.
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Is this the same as distance learning?
No. Distance learning was implemented as an optional enrichment program in an effort to continue education in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. The ExpandED program is a rigorous education solution that aligns with Oklahoma Academic Standards and offers a personalized, customized and self-paced curriculum, guided by NPS teachers, that can replace the traditional, in-school learning environment for students who need this option.
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Is there a trial option before traditional school begins?
Yes. Students will have 14 days after classes begin to determine if they want to change a course or withdraw from the program.
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Who can participate?
Any K-12 student who is enrolled in Norman Public Schools is eligible to participate in the program. Students who do not live in the district's boundaries can click here to learn more about the district's transfer policies.
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Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program as designed.
However, students who wish to take additional courses beyond what is generally provided in a traditional school schedule will be asked to cover the district's expenses to provide the additional courses. -
Who teaches the courses?
Students are guided through online curriculum by Norman Public Schools teachers who work closely with the student and parent to customize lessons as needed. Teachers monitor student progress weekly through video calls, email or phone.
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What is the role of the parent or guardian?
In grades K-8, the parent serves as a Learning Coach who works with the online teacher to monitor progress on lessons. An online teacher will develop weekly lesson plans. The lesson plans can be customized to accommodate the child's pace or abilities. A wide array of resources with practical advice, tips, and substantial support is always available for the parent.
In the high school program, the parent still plays an important, supportive role to help the student stay on task and ensure follow-through on assignments. However, high school students also are expected to start managing their own time and academic schedule.
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What subjects will my child study?
All courses are aligned to Oklahoma Academic Standards. Language arts, math, science, and history are core courses offered through the program. Music and art also are offered at appropriate grade levels, and high school students have access to a robust portfolio of elective courses.
Students may access all classes online or may choose to blend their learning by attending some courses in our traditional classrooms. We also offer summer school courses, world languages for grades 6–12, Advanced Placement, STEM courses, and more. Click below for more information.
*Some elective courses listed on the attachment fall outside the NPS ExpandED program and require tuition to enroll. Please contact Kevin Hogan for more information.
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How do I know this is a quality program?
In addition to being a statewide leader in traditional public education, the Norman Public School District has earned a reputation for innovation in learning and has worked closely with the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) on the program.
NPS officials collaborated with the organization to develop the CCOSA Blended Learning Framework, which is aimed at providing a successful, research-based model of blended and virtual education to public schools across Oklahoma. CCOSA's framework relies heavily on the National Education Policy Center's (NEPC) virtual school research, which offers guidelines and governance mechanisms to prioritize student performance, and ultimately, student success as demonstrated through academic performance measures.
Click here to learn more about CCOSA's framework.
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Is the program a good fit for students who are home schooled?
Yes! Families who choose to home school may enroll in Norman Public Schools while maintaining control of their child's at-home learning environment. ExpandED offers board-approved elementary, middle, and high school curriculum that is comprehensive and aligned to Oklahoma's state standards.
Students are guided by a personalized learning plan, which is cooperatively developed by the student, the parent, guidance and/or special education representatives, and a Norman Public Schools representative. This planning process gives much more parental control regarding course selection, learning site and learning pace.
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How much time do students have to complete courses?
Students have 18 weeks from the start date to finish course work. This allows flexibility in scheduling for students and families during the year.
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Will my child be required to take standardized tests?
Yes. All NPS students must complete state standardized tests. Formative and summative assessments throughout the year help develop the skills needed to perform well on state tests. NPS ExpandED teachers will let you know where and when your child is scheduled to test.
The district requires K-5 students to complete reading benchmark assessments three times per academic year. Assessments take place at a school site and are conducted by an NPS reading specialist. If this is not possible, please contact Kevin Hogan at 405-801-3810. -
Can my child participate in athletics, fine arts or extracurricular activities?
Yes! ExpandED students may participate in extracurricular activities and/or clubs in Norman Public Schools. For some activities, the student may need to be enrolled in a traditional class such as football or choir in order to participate in competitions or contests. Students also need to maintain eligibility according to OSSAA in order to participate in games or contests.
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Do the classes count for NCAA credits for high school?
Yes! The full 18-week courses are counted toward NCAA credits.
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Do students have access to school libraries?
Yes. Students have access to their school site library during regular school hours.
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Do students have access to school counselors?
Yes. NPS ExpandED students have access to a school counselor.
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Is all coursework done on the computer?
No. Students participate in a variety of offline educational activities and projects, which are evaluated by the teacher.
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How is the program different from traditional school?
NPS ExpandED is designed to accommodate the growing needs of students and families. The program offers a personalized, flexible education that allows students to connect from anywhere internet is available. Families can create their own learning schedules and parents can control their student's learning environment.
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What are the benefits to participation?
In addition to a self-paced, flexible education solution, students have the opportunity to develop skills such as organization, initiative, responsibility and time management.
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What challenges should I consider before deciding to enroll?
Students, with the assistance of the parent, must make a greater effort to stay organized, create a schedule, manage their time and work toward staying on pace to complete their coursework. As a parent/guardian, you will need to work closely with your child to help monitor their progress.
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What if my child has special needs?
The program offers one-to-one teaching, the support of a parent, and a flexible work environment/schedule, which may be deemed an appropriate placement under a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Courses may be tailored to meet a student’s needs.
However, learning in an online environment may not be an appropriate placement for every student. IEP or 504 documentation is required before enrollment. District guidance staff, parents, special education staff, and district virtual education representative should make a determination of placement before deciding to enroll the student in courses.
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Can gifted students participate?
Yes. The program can provide advanced learners with opportunities for accelerated and individualized learning. Since virtual instruction makes one-on-one learning possible with check-ins and chat sessions with a teacher, the student may accelerate the pace of classes in some cases to meet their needs. Advanced Placement courses may also be available to meet your child’s needs.
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Do I need to have internet access?
Yes. Reliable, high-speed internet access is necessary to access and complete virtual lessons, grades, and teacher support. If this is a barrier for your family, please let us know or click here for information on low-cost internet solutions.
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Do I need to purchase a computer?
The district will provide each student a device at no cost to parents.
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What computer skills are necessary?
Participating students will need some basic skills with regard to computer use, as it is an important part of the program. In early grades, the parent plays an integral role in interacting with the computer.
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What if we have technical issues?
If technical issues arise your child's online teacher(s) will be there for initial support. You will also have access to Norman Public Schools technology help desk at if the issue extends beyond the teacher's ability.
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How does the program differ from Norman Net?
Norman Net is an online learning platform that is primarily used to help students recover credits within the traditional school parameters. NPS ExpandED takes a different approach and is geared toward families who need to build a comprehensive but flexible educational system to meet their needs.
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Does the program take funds away from the classroom?
The program was designed to meet the growing needs of our students and augments the educational services we offer to all Norman Public Schools’ students. The district has offered online programs for more than a decade and launched NPS ExpandED to enhance these services and retain students in need of a virtual education solution.
ExpandED costs the district less per student than what is received from the state funding formula. In fact, with an increase in overall student growth, the program may eventually provide opportunities for the district to invest even more funding into traditional classrooms.
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What if we discover online learning is not the right fit?
We want to ensure students are placed in a successful learning environment and understand that online learning may not be for every student. A student can drop an online class within the first 14 days without any consequences. The student, parent/guardian, and teacher work together to make this decision.
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Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, contact Kevin Hogan at khogan@norman.k12.ok.us or (405) 801-3810.
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How do I enroll?
Please contact Kevin Hogan at (405) 801-3810 to schedule an enrollment conference.
Student Testimonials
BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENTATION - August 2019
About NPS ExpandED
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The Norman Public School District has expanded educational opportunities to accommodate the growing needs of students and families. ExpandED is an innovative program designed to serve students who benefit from a customized, self-paced, virtual education solution.
While the district has offered online courses for more than a decade, this program provides participating students with the flexibility to complete all of their coursework outside the traditional school building or blend their learning experience by attending some classes at school. Norman Public Schools teachers work closely with students to guide them through online curriculum and customize lessons as needed. ExpandED students also have the unique opportunity to participate in on-site extracurricular activities, including 6A athletic teams and world-class fine arts programs.
Enrollment Information
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2021 FALL ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN
To enroll, email khogan@norman.k12.ok.us or click the button above.
In-person enrollemnt assistance is available at Dimensions Academy during the following times.ExpandED Enrollment Help - Dimensions Academy (809 N. Findley)
Tuesday, Aug. 3 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 4 | 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.