Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Distance Learning Program of the Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education.  This website is a resource to help teachers, administrators and staff implement and maintain a successful Distance Learning program.

Program Description

In 1989 the California Department of Education published Adult Education for the 21st Century: Strategic Plan to Meet California's Long Term Adult Education Needs.  One of the fourteen recommendations is titled Funding for Innovation and Performance; adult education should encourage use of educational technologies and alternative instructional methods to meet the diverse and changing needs of Adult students in California.

With the support of the California Department of Education’s Innovation and Alternative Instructional Delivery Program, Distance Learning has expanded learning opportunities beyond the classroom.  Students are now able to study English as a Second Language, Parent Education, Citizenship and GED through new and traditional media such as DVDs, books, television broadcast and internet. 

Ambitious students who want to supplement their classroom instruction can take advantage of Distance Learning courses to accelerate their learning.  Busy students who are unable to attend traditional classes because of work schedules, family responsibilities, or other personal issues can study at home, at their own time, pace and convenience.

Distance Learning Compliance Issues

1. What are the compliance requirements for each DL folder?

Each folder is required to have the following:

(1) A copy of the current registration form.

(2) A Unified Student Record, individual Student Record Sheets, or GED Video Partner Log with each unit’s test results verified, signed and dated by the teacher.
(3) A completed “Attachment A.”
(4) A copy of each completed unit test (secondary students taking parent education courses only).

Note: Actual TOPSpro forms and CASAS tests do not need to be retained in folder.

2. I know students need to score at least 80% on the unit test. Does the rest of the workbook need to score at 80%, too?

No. The only requirement for workbook exercises is that they be fully completed. DL teachers should help students who have problems with workbook exercises as a means of ensuring 80% or better on the unit test.

3. How long does each school have to hold on to a student's folder?

All student folders should be retained for three years for audit purposes.

4. Are students who are under 18 allowed to enroll in Distance Learning?

Concurrent high school students under 18 may enroll in Distance Learning courses with their counselor’s approval.




TOPSpro, CASAS, and Placement Tests

1. Do DL students need to fill out the TOPSpro forms?

During the academic year, Distance Learning ESL and GED students must fill out at least one TOPSpro Entry/Update form, regardless of the number of classes they take in a single program. For example, if a student is enrolled in a traditional ESL class and a DL ESL class, she only needs to fill out one TOPSpro form in her traditional class. Distance Learning students DO NOT check “Distance Learning” under Special Programs (item 13, TOPSpro Entry), regardless of being enrolled in a Distance Learning class.

2. Do DL students need to take the CASAS pre/post tests?

DL ESL and GED students need to take the CASAS tests. If a student is currently enrolled in a traditional class, and has been CASAS-tested in that class, then she is not required to take the CASAS test again. DL ESL and GED students who are not enrolled in a traditional class must take the CASAS tests in their DL class.

Note: Secondary students are not required to take CASAS tests.

3. What placement tests are used for DL students?

ESL placement may be based on the Division of Adult and Career Education ESL Placement System results or teacher recommendation. Parenting, GED and Citizenship placement may be based on a TABE score of 9.0, counselor referral or teacher recommendation.

Course Materials

1. Where do schools get DVDs and workbooks for Learning English, PETW 1,2,3, Connect with English (workbooks only), all Parenting Courses, and U.S. Citizens?

The Foundation for Education Technology (F.E.T) distributes all of the aforementioned Distance Learning materials. Their phone number is 310-842-3808. Also, all LAUSD schools are allowed to duplicate these materials for in-house purposes. For schools outside of LAUSD, Learning English videos may be purchased from channel 58, KLCS. For more information call (213) 625-6958.

2. Where do schools get DVDs for Connect with English?

Connect with English DVDs may be purchased from the Annenberg Foundation. For more information call 800-532-7637, or visit their website at www.learner.org.

3. Where do schools get DVDs and workbooks for GED Connection?

Each adult school has a master set of the GED Connection DVDs. The Sacramento County Office of Education has secured the rights for LAUSD schools to make copies of GED Connection DVDs. The GED workbook materials may be duplicated indefinitely. For more information on GED materials, please contact Mark Kavanagh, GED Teacher Advisor, at (213) 241-3815.

Distance Learning online

1. What’s the difference between Distance Learning online (dllausd.net) and DLTV (distancelearningtv.net)?

DLTV is an online-viewing option; students can watch certain programs on the internet, instead of checking out DVDs, and complete exercises in workbooks. Distance Learning online hosts complete courses; students can watch programs, do workbook exercises and take unit tests all online. No DVDs, workbooks and student folders.

2. Can students register online?

No. Students have to register in person at one of the Division of Adult and Career Education schools that offer Distance Learning online.

3. Should I encourage my Distance Learning online students to come to school to see me regularly even though they can do everything online?

Yes. Whether DVD or online, all students should meet with their teachers to check their progress, submit work, get questions answered, etc. Good instruction, personal feedback and positive reinforcement prevent attrition.