Distance education in Chilliwack is in the middle of a major overhaul, in an effort to stay relevant and reliable.
Fraser Valley Distance Education (FVDES) was once a major education hub for the province, one of only nine such distance learning schools. They boasted a massive warehouse, a small army of about 50 staffers, teachers and markers, and were even once the second largest post office in the Chilliwack area.
At a presentation to the school board on March 12, FVDES vice-principal Diane Chapman said not too long ago, the school had their own postage machine to deal with their huge selection of paper-based courses. They had students all over the province, and even had contracts with the federal government to supply education to inmates in nine prisons.
But times changed, and it happened quickly.
A few years ago, a change to funding rules opened up distance learning (DL) for all school districts, and most of them have started DL schools. With now more than 60 options for distance learning in the province, the number of DL students at FVDES has decreased dramatically.
“Our needs are changing in the Fraser Valley and we need to be responsive,” Chapman explained. “We’ve had to really look at things. We had to make some changes as we went along.”
Her presentation gave school trustees a rundown of how FVDES used to operate, how and why they’ve changed, and what can be expected in the future. She outlined past budget and staffing cuts, reasons for the astounding enrolment decline, and other challenges the school has endured.
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For example, they have completely eliminated their paper-based courses and are all online and in-school, providing a “blended learning” model for students who don’t fit into standard classrooms. The reasons for needing blending learning classes run the gamut from elite sports or work commitments to learning disabilities, learning styles, and physical or health restrictions.
There has also been a drop off in enrolment as standard classrooms embrace more technology and student-led learning experiences, a change Chapman said could be more attractive to the usual DL student.
And with decreased enrolment, comes decreased revenue. In 2012 through 2014, FVDES had 32 teaching staff members, five counsellors, a five-person admin team, 15 clerical staff, 15 off-site markers, two and a half tech assistants, three special ed teachers and two special ed assistants (EAs), along with one child and youth care worker.
In December 2017, five teaching positions were reduced. In September 2018, school started with just seven teachers, 3 EAs, four clerical positions, one vice principal and one half time technician. With the change to online courses only (for older students) there was no need for the large warehouse, and much of the clerical staff.
The school has not finished streamlining. As they continue to finish up courses with students who are currently enrolled, the number of students will continue to dwindle. They are also working on streamlining office procedures, and continuing to look for ways to make the distance education model here in Chilliwack fiscally healthy, while preparing for possibly more funding changes from the government in the future.
Chapman said the school has ramped up its presence through marketing itself more, to attract more students, but added that enrolment is down for DL programs across the province.
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