You will design your student’s personalized schedule inside InfoCenter with a tool called Schedule Builder.
Watch this six-minute video: How to Submit a Schedule
Helpful resource:
Review the following Schedule Builder Guides to see the available subject options in each period:
Tips for getting a schedule approved:
There are many exciting things to explore, but remember that one period = one subject. You can always use Technology Allowance funds for resources for additional subjects.
We’ve included a pre-approved, general course description for all Custom-built periods in Schedule Builder. We encourage you to leave it as-is, but you are welcome to edit it if you prefer.
Remember, OpenEd can provide reimbursement for secular items only. You may use a non-secular curriculum, but if you mention it in your course description, be sure to acknowledge that you understand it is not eligible for reimbursement.
Please provide the direct link to the specific 3rd Party Provider class. If one is not available, if ANY of the lessons are private or self-paced, or if the instructor doesn’t advertise to the public, the class needs to be Custom-built.
If you include multiple 3rd Party Providers in the description, be sure to include the dates of each or add that you understand that the classes can’t overlap.
See additional schedule information by period in Article 2.9.
How to change a schedule:
You can request a schedule change in InfoCenter. Select your student, then Homeroom, hover over the Feedback section, scroll down to find their schedule, and click "Update / View All."
Next, click “Request Updates” and select the period(s) you wish to change. If the schedule has been submitted but not approved, you can make updates right away. If requesting updates to an approved schedule, you will be notified by email when you can edit the selected period(s).
Please note:
You will be unable to submit a Weekly Learning Log while a schedule is unlocked.
Please be ready to make the needed updates and resubmit the schedule.
After September 1, subjects are set for the year (January 15 for mid-year)
Changing course types (MTH Direct, 3rd Party Provider, or Custom-built) during the year is usually an option, but repayment may be necessary.
Changing the course type is not always possible if reimbursement has been received.
If a student no longer wishes to participate in their MTH Direct course after March 1, they can report other learning activities related to the subject on their Learning Log. Students will not be able to change to another course type after this date.
There may be a repayment to drop a MTH Direct course after two weeks of access.
If a KiwiCo course is dropped after a kit has shipped, you are welcome to keep the kit, and its cost will be deducted from your student's available Technology Allowance.
For other courses that include kits, if the course is dropped after the set has shipped, the set can be returned if in unopened, factory-sealed condition. If the set has been opened, you are welcome to keep it, and its cost will be deducted from your student's available Technology Allowance.
Pay careful attention to deadlines in the InfoCenter Calendar.
Building and Changing a Schedule FAQs
How do I know which curriculum is best for my child?
We encourage parents to thoroughly research curricula based on their child and family needs. As educators, we have gathered some of our favorite options to assist you, and we are available if you have any questions. Many of the MTH Direct Providers have demo accounts available so you and your child can see if it is a good fit. See our Course Catalog.
You can also find helpful advice from other parents in our Parent Community Forum on Facebook, a private group for families currently enrolled in OpenEd.
Can we switch curriculum providers?
Yes! Please carefully review these guidelines:
MTH Direct courses:
We provide demo accounts so parents and students can preview curricula during the summer months. Upon course access, students have a two-week window to try out a curriculum and switch if it is not a good fit. After the two-week window has ended, parents can change the curriculum but may have a deduction from available course resources or Technology Allowance funds.
Custom-built and 3rd Party Provider courses:
If you find the curriculum or class you have chosen for your student is not a good fit, you can make a change. Course subjects are set for the year, but you can make needed changes to your course type and course description through InfoCenter.
Does every schedule include a Technology or Entrepreneurship course?
Technology and Entrepreneurship courses are the foundation of our unique program and are available subject options in Periods 5-7. Various subjects fall within these categories; see our Course Catalog for ideas.
How many classes are included in a schedule?
A complete schedule is six classes, including Homeroom. In order to earn enough credits to graduate, diploma-seeking students in grades 9-12 must also have a class in Period 7.
How specific should I get with schedule descriptions?
Custom-built courses have pre-populated descriptions that give you the flexibility to use the secular curriculum and resources that are best for your student. We encourage you to use them.
How long does it take for schedules to be approved?
Schedules are processed within two weeks of the date they are submitted. We work as quickly as possible to process and approve schedules and understand your excitement to begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Note that processing times increase closer to the schedule submission deadline as many schedules are submitted near the deadline. For a faster approval process, we recommend that you submit your student’s schedule before the week of the deadline.
Can we use religious curricula such as “The Good and the Beautiful”?
Families are welcome to use a non-secular (religious) curriculum, but OpenEd can only reimburse the cost of a secular (non-religious) curriculum. This document lists what is secular from The Good and the Beautiful.
If you mention a non-secular curriculum in your course descriptions, be sure to acknowledge that you understand it is not eligible for reimbursement.
Can someone help me build my child’s schedule?
Yes! We are eager to help you and your student have a great experience. Here are some ways we can help:
Thoroughly read through Section 2: Designing a Personalized Education Plan, and write down your questions.
Check out our Course Catalog. You can sort and filter MTH Direct courses based on your needs and even try out some demo accounts to see if they fit your student well.
Join our Parent Community Forum on Facebook. Our community of parents shares a wealth of knowledge in curriculum, 3rd Party Providers, schedule building, reimbursements, etc.
Join a live Parent Information Session. Bring your questions to this small group led by our Parent Support team. If you don’t know what questions to ask, listening to other parents' questions and engaging in a discussion may be just what you need!
If you have done all of the above and still need help, you can sign up for a 1:1 session with a friendly member of our Parent Support team. Please submit a request to [email protected].
How can I determine my student’s academic level in core subjects?
Many online assessments and diagnostics exist to help you determine your student’s current academic level. Recommended resources:
Exact Path:
Exact Path provides personalized learning paths based on a student's assessment results, helping you identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Exact Path is provided as a Homeroom Resource to all active students with access beginning on the first day of the program.
To request summer access for use as a diagnostic for a NEW student, please submit this form. If you have a current student at OpenEd, please see InfoCenter for your student's login information. Exact Path is available until July 31.
Additional Reading Assessment Tools:
ReadTheory: free reading comprehension assessments and practice quizzes adjusted to the student's reading level as they progress
English Club: Test Your English Reading Level: evaluates how well a student understands written English
The Macmillan Readers Level Test: an online tool designed to assess a learner's English reading proficiency and help determine the appropriate reading level within the Macmillan Readers series
K5 Learning: free reading assessment that helps determine the student's reading level and areas needing improvement
Spelling City: 3-minute reading assessments designed to quickly evaluate a student's reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension
Additional Math Assessment Tools:
Khan Academy: free comprehensive math assessments and personalized learning plans
Saxon Math: online placement tests to help determine the most appropriate starting level for students
Mammoth Math: free placement tests to help determine the appropriate starting level for students within their curriculum
Teaching Textbooks: free placement tests to help determine the appropriate math level for students using their curriculum