Student Success

Student Success and Course Expectations:
Career and Trades Academy (CTA) is committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits needed for success in school, careers, and post-secondary education. CTA courses are designed for students who are prepared to engage with grade-level material, work independently, meet course expectations, and take responsibility for completing their work.

Academic Readiness

Before enrolling in a CTA course, students and their families should consider whether the student is prepared to:

• Read and understand written material appropriate to the course and their grade level.
• Comprehend and apply science concepts when required by the course.
• Perform the mathematical functions and calculations necessary to successfully complete course activities.
• Follow written directions and demonstrate understanding through assignments, projects, quizzes, and other assessments.
• Work independently in an online learning environment.

These expectations are intended to describe academic readiness for the course, not to exclude students based on disability or other protected characteristics.

CTA will consider applicable accommodations and supports documented through an IEP, 504 Plan, or other applicable school-approved plan.

Pennsylvania guidance recognizes that students with disabilities can work toward grade-level academic standards with appropriate instruction, specialized supports, and accommodations.

Staying on Task and Meeting Deadlines

Online learning provides flexibility, but flexibility requires responsibility. Students are expected to:

•  Log in and participate regularly.
• Remain engaged and on task.
• Complete assignments and assessments.
• Follow course instructions.
• Meet published deadlines and due dates.
• Communicate with CTA when they have a question or encounter a problem that affects their ability to complete the work.

**Students are responsible for completing the work required to earn a passing grade.**

If a student does not complete the required coursework and assessments, the student's final grade may be reported as Fail (F) or otherwise recorded according to the applicable grading system and the agreement with the student's school.

Teacher Support

CTA educators are available to help students understand course expectations and answer reasonable clarifying questions** about assignments, directions, course content, or how to proceed with an activity.

The standard course package is designed for students who can work independently with limited teacher assistance.

Some students may benefit from more intensive instructional support. When a student requires ongoing individualized instruction, tutoring, extensive remediation, repeated one-on-one assistance, or substantial teacher time beyond routine clarification, an upgraded support package may be required. Please remember that your own school's support teacher is also able to guide the students through the courses as needed, too. 

Additional support may include:

• Teacher Office Hours — scheduled access to an educator for additional questions and assistance.
• Live Zoom Instruction — scheduled one-on-one or small-group instructional sessions with a CTA educator.

These services involve additional educator time and are therefore available at additional fees, paid by the parent/guardian or school as applicable. CTA will communicate the applicable fee and service options before additional services are provided.

Course Completion & Refund Policy

Enrollment in a CTA course represents access to the course for the applicable enrollment period. Students and families are responsible for completing the course within the established timeframe.

If a student chooses not to complete the course, stops participating, or fails to complete the required coursework, no refund will be issued based on non-completion.

A student who does not successfully complete a course may be eligible to re-enroll and take the course again, subject to CTA availability and payment of the applicable course enrollment fee. Re-enrollment does not guarantee a passing grade or elective credit, artifact, or certification; the student must complete the course requirements during the new enrollment period.

Our Goal: Student Success

CTA wants students to succeed—not to simply enroll.

The strongest candidates for CTA are students who are ready to read, learn, participate, stay on task, meet deadlines, ask questions when needed, and take ownership of their education.

When additional assistance is appropriate, CTA offers options that provide students with greater access to educator support. This structure allows CTA to maintain a flexible, affordable online learning model while also providing families and schools with opportunities to purchase additional instructional support when a student's needs require more teacher time.

Students who are prepared to take responsibility for their learning can use CTA's flexible online courses to build knowledge, explore career interests, develop practical skills, and work toward their academic and post-secondary goals.