Elementary Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) represent some of the most common enquiries we receive. If you have questions that are not answered on the website, please contact us via e-mail or telephone.
Questions
Enrollment and Getting Started
- Am I eligible to enroll?
- Which program is right for me?
- How do I enroll?
- What is the cost?
- Where do I obtain textbooks, cassette tapes, etc.?
- How long do I have to complete a course?
- Can I do partial online courses?
- Are there assignment deadlines with online courses?
- Is teacher support offered with online courses?
- Why take an online course rather than a paper course?
- Can I use materials other than those provided by SIDES?
Computers
- Can we borrow a computer from SIDES?
- Can two or more students in the same family use the same computer?
Assignments
Questions From Parents
- Are SIDES programs approved by the Ministry of Education?
- How much is a reasonable amount of time for a student to work on his or her school work when he or she is at home?
- What if my child needs help?
- Will my child receive a report card?
- Does SIDES provide reimbursement for extracurricular activities such as my child's formal music lessons?
- My daughter has been having problems with the other kids in her school and she wants to be at SIDES, but she thinks that she will miss her friends too much. What do you suggest we do?
- My daughter is on a swim team that competes nationally and internationally. If she registers in SIDES online does she have to 'log on' at the same time as the rest of the class?
- My son is very good in Mathematics and Science but is behind in Language Arts and Social Studies; what can SIDES do to meet his needs?
- My family has a lifestyle that has us travelling to other countries for extended periods of time. Can we take our children out of school and leave when we want to take advantage of reduced prices on flights and accommodation?
- My son would like to study band. Can students take these courses through SIDES or can he take these courses at another school?
- How will SIDES accommodate my child if he or she is not yet working at grade level, or if he or she is working beyond the age-appropriate expectations?
- Will my child be able to work independently through the SIDES elementary program?
- I have no teaching experience. Will I be able to teach my child at home?
- What learning materials are provided by SIDES?
- Will my child be required to write tests, and how will my child be evaluated?
- What is the role of the SIDES teacher?
- What is the role of the parent or home facilitator?
- What role will the computer play in my child's learning?
- Will my child be assigned to a teacher?
- What opportunities are provided for my child to connect with other SIDES students?
- How much time will I need to allow each day to complete the SIDES program?
- Can I enroll my child in a partial program?
- Does SIDES offer French Immersion or French courses at the elementary level?
- Will I be able to work with my child through the summer on SIDES programs?
- Does SIDES provide tutoring for elementary students?
- Will my child have the opportunity to participate in synchronous classes?
Support
Technical Help
Testing
Who is a typical SIDES student?
Answers
K to 9 Enrolment and Getting Started
Am I eligible to enroll?
A person is eligible to enroll in distance education courses provided the person:
- is five years old by December 31st of the year of registration to enter their first year of school (kindergarten).
- is a school-age student residing in British Columbia. Students must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
- may be a resident of British Columbia who is traveling or living outside British Columbia and the student, parent, or legal guardian can show evidence they are "ordinarily resident" in BC.
Who is a typical SIDES student?
Students enroll at SIDES for a variety of reasons, including:
- a preference by parents to teach their child at home
- travelling abroad for an extended period of time
- the regular public school system does not fulfill the child's learning or social needs
- isolation from access to a school (e.g. lighthouse families)
- medical or health needs
- preferred learning medium
Which program is right for me?
SIDES teachers work in close consultation with parents and students to ensure that each learner's needs are met. When necessary, our teachers will contact a student's previous school to learn as much as possible before considering the development of customized course materials.
How do I enroll?
Parents complete an application form (available for download on our application page). Parents of new or returning students must phone for an appointment with a SIDES elementary teacher. During the interview, the teacher will discuss the program options with the parent and the student. Enrolment interviews for students at a distance can be conducted over the telephone. Documentation is needed and can be brought to the interview or faxed to the school. These include:
For K to 9 students only:
- a copy of the birth certificate or proof of Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status for students born outside of Canada.
- a copy of the student's last report card.
- a withdrawal form from a previous school OR an in-school application signed by the school administrator.
What is the cost?
There is no cost for BC students taking a full program with SIDES. There is, however, a $150 deposit for non-consumable resources which is refunded when materials are returned in good condition. Family deposit total is $300.
K to 9 students registered in other schools may register for courses (which are billed to the school):
- Math only, for K to grade 4 students (paper courses, $300)
- Paper courses, $300
- Online courses, $500
Where do I obtain textbooks and materials?
When you register at SIDES and have met with the teacher to plan your child’s program, you will be able to pick up your resources either later that day or the next day. Materials can also be mailed.
How long do I have to complete a course?
Full time students are encouraged to complete their planned courses within the academic school year. Extensions beyond one year need to be discussed and approved by the teacher.
What are synchronous and asynchronous courses (grade 8)?
- Synchronous courses are those that have an online virtual classroom component, online course materials, and course timeline set by the teacher.
- Asynchronous courses are online, but are not teacher-paced.
Are there assignment deadlines with online courses (grade 8)?
Assignments come in as they do for paper courses, but if the course is teacher-paced, there might be deadlines.
Is teacher support offered with grade 8 online courses?
Online courses are unique in that they come with teacher support; this is a critical piece, as the students have the potential to establish a relationship with a teacher. Online students may have direct contact (phone calls, face-to-face appointments, v-class meetings) with their teachers, or they may contact teachers via email or on the course discussion boards. Grade 8 online students also have support provided by the SIDES tutoring centre.
Why take an online course rather than a paper course?
The available grade 8 courses available online are English 8, PE 8, Guitar 8, and Health and Careers 8. There is a teacher involved with the course. Online courses are current and editable by the teacher. They promote a learning community, with the possibility of student-to-student interaction.
Can I use materials other than those provided by SIDES?
We are flexible at SIDES. In consultation with the teacher, parents and students may plan an educational program that will meet the PLOs (prescribed learning outcomes) using secular materials.
Computers
Can we borrow a computer from SIDES?
Yes. If you are a registered full-time student by September 30th, you can borrow a computer at no cost. There are three levels of computers: A, B, and C, with the A level being the newest and/or fastest. Families may use their full $500 Support for Learning fund for an ‘A' computer or $100 for a ‘C’ computer. Computers will be loaned in accordance with student need and computer availability.
We cannot issue computers to students who have not registered or re-registered. Students (and parents or guardians) will be asked to sign two forms accepting responsibility for the computer. At the end of each school year (June 30) students are expected to return the SIDES computer for cleaning, servicing, and upgrading.
A staff member will be phoning all students who have computers to coordinate the return so that we don't have everyone coming back at once! It's very important that parents or guardians check the component list when packing the units, making sure that everything received with the computer is included in the boxes.
Can two or more students in the same family use the same computer?
It is not necessary to have one computer per student. Depending on the availability of SIDES computers, larger families, or families with several older students may request an additional computer later in the fall, after enrolment is complete for September.
Assignments
How do I submit my work and how is it returned to me?
Submission of Work
Your child’s work will be evaluated through a portfolio review. A portfolio is a collection of samples of student work completed throughout the term. Midterm, and at the conclusion of each term, the portfolio is shared with your SIDES teacher. This will allow your child to celebrate his/her accomplishments, reflect upon their learning, and set goals for the future. It also allows the teacher to provide feedback, and for parents and teachers to make thoughtful choices about appropriate learning materials. Completed work is mailed or can be picked up at the front desk.
Testing
Where do I write the tests?
Grade 8 students must write tests.
- All SIDES grade 8 students write their tests either at the SIDES main site or arrangements can be made for a test supervisior. A test supervisor is required for secondary courses. In some online courses, the tests may be created and delivered via the Internet, SIDES Online, or email.
Must I make an appointment to write a test of any kind?
No, just allow yourself enough time; most tests are two to three hours long. Also, please ensure that you have received all of your marked assignments prior to coming in to write the test.
Support
Will anyone help me if I find the course difficult?
- Teachers at elementary and middle levels are available and can be contacted by parents or guardians and students. Students may arrange to come into the school, by phoning the school or emailing the teacher.
- The SIDES onsite secondary tutors are available on a limited basis for grade 8 students and provides extra help to students by appointment only.
Questions From Parents
Are SIDES programs approved by the Ministry of Education?
Yes; SIDES is a public school. Programs at all grade levels meet the learning outcomes set by the B.C. Ministry of Education, and/or the three western provinces.
How much is a reasonable amount of time for a student to work on his or her school work when he or she is at home?
Sitting at a computer for long hours is not good for anyone's health. Parents or guardians and students need to have a plan in place where they can designate computer and non-computer time and still get the work done. Most BC distributed courses are written with BC's prescribed times for the subject areas. Students may spend approximately the same amount of time as students would in a regular school day.
What if my child needs help?
If, after the home facilitator has instructed the student and finds the student still requires more assistance, the facilitator should contact the teacher for extra help. For grade 8 students, a tutoring service is available.
Will my child receive a report card?
Yes; SIDES teachers provide a formal report card three times each year. Your child's progress will be evaluated from the standards set by the B.C. Ministry of Education.
Does SIDES provide reimbursement for extracurricular activities such as my child's formal music lessons?
SIDES offers up to $500 in financial support for prescribed learning outcomes in Fine Arts, Physical Education, or Technology, depending on the date of enrollment for K to 8 students. Home facilitators should discuss this with their teacher at the time of registration.
My daughter has been having problems with the other kids in her school and she wants to be at SIDES, but she thinks that she will miss her friends too much. What do you suggest we do?
Socialization is very important to children and most do not want to be isolated from their friends. Parents or guardians can ensure that their children are involved in positive social and recreational activities outside of the home. Students are encouraged to participate in SIDES on Site classrooms, SIDES virtual classrooms and SIDES Outings.
My daughter is on a swim team that competes nationally and internationally. If she registers in SIDES Online, does she have to 'log on' at the same time as rest of the class?
Often, teachers arrange virtual online sessions for teaching and learning opportunities that augment the curriculum offerings. We do not require students to log in and do their work at the same time. However, on occasion, it might be necessary for the teacher/facilitator to direct students to access and complete planned tests.
The teacher/facilitator is prepared to make adjustments for students who are unable to complete schoolwork because of prior commitments.
My son is very good in Mathematics and Science but is behind in Language Arts and Social studies. What can SIDES do to meet his needs?
Unlike the traditional program, it is easy to accommodate students at SIDES. For example, a student may work in Mathematics at the grade 9 level and Language Arts and Social Studies at the grade 8 level. SIDES can accommodate an educational program where students are working at multiple grade levels.
My family has a lifestyle where we travel to other countries for extended periods of time. Can we take our children out of school and leave when we want to take advantage of reduced prices on flights and accommodation?
SIDES students and their parents can set their own pace for studies. They are required to spend the same number of days attending school as students in the regular program, but that doesn't preclude students from working or traveling. We have had many students who have traveled to different countries during the school term. Parents or guardians need to communicate their plans with their child's teacher or advisor.
My son would like to study band. Can students take these courses through SIDES or can he take these courses at another school?
In many instances we can make partnership arrangements with schools in the district to deliver courses that we do not offer. Parents or guardians must make the initial inquiry with a neighbourhood school, ensuring there is space and that the schedule is conducive to the student's needs. If the school will entertain a partnership, and this is most often the case, SIDES will finalize the arrangements for the shared arrangement.
How will SIDES accommodate my child if he or she is not yet working at grade level, or if he or she is working beyond the age-appropriate expectations?
It is district policy to register students in their age-appropriate grade. SIDES teachers work with parents and students to create a learning plan that best suits the need of the individual child. This may involve learning materials at a variety of levels, including special software.
Will my child be able to work independently through the SIDES elementary program?
No; elementary students require adult instruction, guidance, support, and praise. An involved home facilitator is vital to the success of an elementary student working at home. Our lessons and programs are written with an adult 'facilitator' in mind.
I have no teaching experience. Will I be able to teach my child at home?
Yes; SIDES programs are written in a 'home-learning' format. Lessons and activities are clearly written in a design parents can follow; previous teaching experience is not required. Your SIDES teacher works with you and is available to offer help and support.
What learning materials are provided by SIDES?
All learning materials are provided. This includes: module lessons and activities, text books, fiction and non-fiction reading materials, CDs, videos, workbooks, tapes, paper for writing and art activities, software and programs to enhance learning. A computer is also provided, if required.
Will my child be required to write tests, and how will my child be evaluated?
At the elementary level, your child will not be required to write formal tests. Your child's progress will be assessed from the samples of work submitted to the child's teacher. Grade 4 and 7 students are provided the opportunity to write the B.C. Ministry of Education Foundation Skills Assessment tests for reading, writing, and math.
What is the role of the SIDES teacher?
- to ensure regular communication with the student and home facilitator
- to provide guidance in selecting appropriate learning materials
- to provide feedback and make suggestions for student progress
- to assess student progress through formal and informal reporting
- to provide opportunities for students to participate in group activities
What is the role of the parent or home facilitator?
- to ensure a learning space is provided and help the student establish a learning schedule and routine
- to guide lessons daily and to clarify directions
- to encourage and model good work habits
- to encourage the writing process, from draft through editing, proofreading, and final good copy
- to ensure assignments are submitted for evaluation frequently and on a regular basis
What role will the computer play in my child's learning?
All SIDES students are encouraged to use our SIDES email system and SIDES Online as tools for communicating with their teacher and for accessing other educational material. Electronic programs are always optional, and they vary according to the child's grade level. All SIDES programs are offered in print format at all grade levels.
Some specialized courses and programs are offered, primarily for grades 4 through 7. For example, Social Studies 7 and Language Arts 7 are offered as online courses, Social Studies 6 is offered as an online course, interactive Science units are offered at the grade 4 and 5 levels, and a Virtual Science Fair is offered at all levels.
Many students use the computer as a research tool, as well as a tool for presenting their assignments and showcasing their learning.
Will my child be assigned to a teacher?
Yes; your child will be assigned to a teacher and a class group. Students and parents are encouraged to contact their teacher via telephone or email. Families are also encouraged to visit their teacher at SIDES to discuss learning and to celebrate accomplishments. Teachers like to have two face-to-face conferences per term.
What opportunities are provided for my child to connect with other SIDES students?
SIDES provides a variety of outings and activities where students can make connections. These include: school swimming and skating sessions, outings to community programs such as provincial park programs, the observatory, and the salmon release, fine arts presentations, classroom activities, and school picnics.
Students also have the opportunity to meet with their teacher and classmates through our virtual classrooms and SIDES on-site classes.
How much time will I need to allow each day to complete the SIDES program?
Although all children work and learn at different rates, it is best to allow a regular school day of study to complete the SIDES programs. The Kindergarten program is a half-day of study.
Can I enroll my child in a partial program?
Yes; there is flexibility in the SIDES programs. These options are best discussed with your SIDES teacher upon registration.
Does SIDES offer French Immersion or French courses at the elementary level?
No; SIDES does, however, offer a beginners' grade 5/6 French print course. Oral sections are sent via electronic format.
Will I be able to work with my child through the summer on SIDES programs?
Our SIDES elementary programs keep the regular school year timetable. Although practice may continue over the summer, our elementary teachers are not available during most of July and August.
Does SIDES provide tutoring for elementary students?
Although SIDES does not provide one-to-one formal tutoring for elementary students, your SIDES elementary teachers are available to support and assist in any way they can.
Will my child have the opportunity to participate in synchronous classes?
Yes; students meet with their teacher and classmates in a live chat session using specialized software provided by SIDES. These virtual classes are excellent opportunities to connect with others and to feel a sense of belonging to a learning community.
