Top 25 Frequently Asked Questions for Learning Coaches:
Do I need a login for the parent portal as well as the Online School (OLS)? What’s the difference between the two?
You do need a login for each. The parent portal is used during enrollment. The OLS is where learning activities for students as well as oversight activities for the Learning Coach take place. Once your student’s enrollment is approved, you will be sent a registration email to set up your Learning Coach OLS account. Watch for this email within 24 to 48 hours of approval. Check your SPAM email folder if you don’t see it in that timeframe.
How do I set up my Learning Coach OLS account?
Follow the instructions in the registration email sent to the designated Learning Coach, clicking on the blue “Set Up OLS Accounts” button to get started. You will be prompted to set up your student’s account at the same time. You can also set up your account from the K12 Online School login page or with the K12 Mobile App. For more details, you can read OLS Account Learning Coach Set Up.
How do I set up my student’s OLS account?
You will be prompted to set up your student account(s) as soon as you have set up your Learning Coach account. If you don’t set up the student account then, you will be prompted to set it up as soon as you log in to the OLS. Here are detailed instructions for Student OLS Account Set Up
How do I log in to the OLS?
Click on the OLS login link from either your school or the K12.com website, then enter your Learning Coach username and password. If you have forgotten your login information, click Forgot Username or Forgot Password, enter the email address of the designated Learning Coach, and your information will be emailed to you. Here is a how to log into Online School video
What is the K12 Mobile App used for and how do I access it?
The K12 app is convenient way to access helpful information for the Learning Coach. You can download it from the Apple App store or the Google Play store for Android devices. The app includes a getting started checklist, notifications for events and course assignments, and contact information for your school and K12 support. Once school begins, you can also find daily schedules, student progress, and tools for logging attendance and re-enrollment. Note that the K12 App is for Learning Coach use and does not allow access to the OLS. If the Learning Coach account has already been set up, select Coach to log in to the K12 App. For details, visit www-k12.com/app.
Can I access the OLS on a mobile device?
Most mobile devices don’t allow for access to, or proper functioning of, the OLS because they do not support Adobe Flash Player. Devices that may not work include iPads, iPhones iPods, Kindles, eReaders, and newer Android phones. The K12 App provides real time updates on student schedules and progress, but the OLS can not be accessed on the app for classes or lessons.
How will I know if I am eligible for a loaner computer?
You will be advised during the enrollment process whether your school offers loaner computers and whether you will be eligible. If you are, you can check your eligibility status and other information relating to computer requests in the My Info area of the Learning Coach OLS account. To access this, click on your name in the upper right corner of the screen, select My Info from the drop-down menu, click on your student’s name, and then select the Hardware tab.
Will I receive a printer? Will I receive a headset?
This depends on your specific school. You can ask about printers and headsets during your enrollment process.
What type of computer will I need for school? Can I use a Chromebook?
Chromebooks do not support all of the necessary software products for school, most notably Blackboard Collaborate, which is used for Class Connects in some schools. Here are the K12 Computer—Technical Requirements.
When will my student’s schedule load?
In most schools, schedules load on the first day of school. Schedules include links to Class Connect sessions, courses, and online lesson.
When will my materials arrive?
Materials typically arrive within a two-week window of your school start date. You can check on your materials shipment in the K12 app or in the OLS by visiting My Info. You can access My Info by logging in to your Learning Coach OLS account, clicking on your name in the upper right corner, then choosing My Info from the drop-down menu. From the Student Information screen, click on the student’s name, then select the Orders tab. Select the Order Number you wish to view, then scroll down to Course Materials for an order summary including the materials for each course, kit name, SKU number, order status, and tracking number. Use UPS.com to track your order. You can read more details about Tracking Shipping Status.
When will my computer arrive?
Computer orders are visible on the day the computer ships. Follow instructions above to access My Info and the Student Information screen. Use the tracking number on UPS.com to track your shipment.
How do I know if I received all my materials?
Information about materials shipment is available in the Orders tab in the My Info area of the Learning Coach OLS account. To access this, follow the instructions above in the "When will my materials arrive?" question, then click the arrow to see the items provided in each course kit. You can read this "Did I receive all my materials" article for more details.
How many of my children can use K12 at a time?
Because K12 provides all the lesson plans and materials needed for grades K–12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
Will my school use Blackboard Collaborate or Newrow or Zoom for classes this year?
Your school will advise you of which program it will use for Class Connect sessions this year during your orientation session. If your school is using Blackboard Collaborate, you might like this short video on how the program works.
How do I download the Blackboard Launcher if that is what my student is using for classes?
The Blackboard Launcher is preloaded on K12 loaner computers. For other computers, you’ll be prompted to download the launcher the first time a link to a session in Blackboard Collaborate is used. The initial download and installation process may take some time, so it is advisable to click on the Class Connect link about 20 minutes before the first session. Here is a video about how to download Blackboard Collaborate Launcher.
How do I access Class Connects?
Links to Class Connect sessions for each day appear on the landing page of both the student and Learning Coach OLS accounts. Simply click on the link to attend the session. Clicking on an expired link for a session launches the recording of the session. These links direct you to the session using the appropriate program, whether Blackboard Collaborate or Newrow. Note that the Blackboard Launcher will need to be installed about 20 minutes in advance if you haven’t used it before.
In addition, content just for Learning Coaches, such as the K12 national programs, will appear under the My Schedule tab on the Learning Coach account page. This video explains Class Connect for Learning Coaches.
When can course assignments be viewed?
K–5 courses are assigned when your student is approved or promoted to the next grade level. Middle and high school courses are assigned after the student speaks to their school counselor prior to the start of the new school year.
If school has started, and your student does not have courses assigned, please contact your homeroom teacher, high school counselor, or a school administrator.
If you have questions about the courses assigned to your student, please discuss with your teacher as they are best able to advise you.
To view courses in the My Info area of your Learning Coach OLS account, click on the name in the upper right corner and then select My Info from the drop-down menu. Select the student whose courses you wish to view and go to the Courses and Classrooms tab.
When is the first day of school?
Please check your school's website or your Learning Coach account for your official school start date. You can click on your name in the upper right corner of the Learning Coach OLS account. Then, click My Info from the drop-down menu and the School Start Date is listed in the My Students Overview.
Is there a school supply list?
Other than a computer, printer, internet connectivity, and perhaps a headset, students only need basic school supplies to learn online. This includes paper (writing and printer), pencils and a pencil sharpener, and a binder or notebook or folders to store printed items and completed assignments. Learning Coaches also need to supply replacement ink for printers.
Students may also find these items useful:
crayons, colored markers, colored pencils
pens
highlighters
scissors
tape
glue
a ruler
index cards
page protectors
a calendar or planner
a clock, watch, or another way to keep track of time
Household items will also be needed occasionally, and you can check the Materials and Advanced Preparation tabs in the elementary lessons for this information before each school week starts. Some schools do provide you with a supply list. Note that some schools provide computers, printers, and a headset, and you will be advised of this during enrollment. Some schools also reimburse for internet connectivity costs, and you will be advised of this by your school or during enrollment.
Students will also need a learning area. A learning area needs a work surface, such as a desk or table, seating for the student and Learning Coach, adequate lighting, minimal distractions, a place nearby to store the learning materials, and a strong, reliable internet connection.
When will my school orientation be held?
School orientations are held close to school start dates. Schools typically hold more than one orientation session, and online sessions will be presented in the OLS. Communications about programming vary by school, so be sure to check the email account of the designated Learning Coach regularly, checking the SPAM folder in case school emails have been delivered there. In addition, check the OLS announcements (in the Learning Coach account) and events (in the student account) for orientation and other helpful sessions posted by your school.
How does school email work inside the OLS?
Students are issued a school email address that is only used for school communications. No outside communications may be received at or sent from this email address. Learning Coaches use a personal email address (the email designated during the enrollment process). Student email may be accessed outside of the OLS and on mobile devices. This video explains more about how to update your email address and phone number.
How will my student’s IEP or 504 plan be implemented?
Your school will be in touch when school begins to discuss the details of your student’s IEP or 504 plan.
How can I manage multiple students or multiple children?
Children in middle school and high school begin to work mostly independently after an initial period of Learning Coach-supported adjustment. Multiple students in elementary school will require Learning Coach support, so you will need to plan your days to allow for independent time with each student. Younger children can be occupied with school-like activities blended with school activities. Babies can also be entertained with toys or other activities, worn in a sling or backpack at times, and school can be scheduled during nap times. Watch the OLS announcements for Coach-to-Coach sessions on this topic.
What about socialization for my student?
There are so many ways for students to engage with other young people in the virtual environment as well in your community. Students interact with each other in Class Connect sessions as well as in the national students programming K12 provides year-round. Your local school may offer virtual or in-person programming as well. You can also find social activities in your local community through sports and other youth programs in arts, dance, theater, music, martial arts, and service organizations such as 4-H or scouting. You can explore places such as libraries, parks, recreation centers, and museums for opportunities too. You may be able to create your own activities through meeting local families through your school’s social media groups.
