GRADES K–6
Live connection and an active Learning Coach
Open Homeroom with a Learning Coach, follow the live-lesson schedule posted in course information, and complete Pearson work between lessons.
Watch the K–6 Learning Kits video ↗Explore SPEAR
Flexible K–12 learning • Local school connection
A different way
to learn. Still
your school.
SPEAR pairs flexible online learning with personalized planning, local support, district opportunities, and a clear path forward through Shamokin Area School District.
Request the Enrollment FormTalk with SPEAR →
Already enrolled? Go to Current Students & Families →
Requesting the form does not complete enrollment or commit your family. SPEAR reviews each returned submission, verifies the request with the parent or guardian, and provides a confirmed start date.
Student + school + home
Your Learning Coach is a partner—not the teacher.
A Learning Coach is a trusted adult who helps the student build routines, stay organized, and ask for help early. The student completes their own work; SPEAR and course teachers provide instruction, pacing, monitoring, feedback, and support.
Check inReview the plan and help create a dependable routine.
Review routinelyUse Pearson Observer for coursework and progress.
Notice patternsCompare progress, grades, missing work, activity, and feedback.
Reach out earlyContact the teacher or SPEAR when a barrier appears.
How learning works
One K–12 program.
Three age-appropriate experiences.
Students use Pearson Connexus to find courses, assignments, feedback, and progress information. Live instruction, independence, and Learning Coach support change as students grow.
1OpenBegin in Homeroom
2PlanCheck Calendar and To-do
3LearnJoin, work, and submit
4ConnectReview progress and ask
More ways to build a SPEAR plan
College credit
ACE and other approved dual-enrollment routes can allow eligible high-school students to complete college coursework while continuing their SPEAR plan. Guidance confirms the current college, course, eligibility, cost, schedule, and credit treatment.
Explore Early College →Co-Op & work-based learning
Co-Op can connect eligible high-school students with supervised workplace experience while they continue an approved SPEAR plan. Guidance confirms eligibility, supervision, scheduling, credit treatment, transportation, and plan fit.
Ask about Co-Op →Credit recovery
Eligible students can recover missing credit for previously unsuccessful coursework through an approved course plan. Guidance confirms the course, timeline, assessments, and transcript treatment.
Ask about credit recovery →Flexible graduation path planning
Guidance reviews completed credits, remaining graduation requirements, and family goals. When appropriate, Guidance maps courses and next steps that may support an accelerated graduation timeline.
Ask about graduation planning →Local support
SPEAR Learning
Center
A nearby place for enrolled SPEAR students to work, receive Pearson help, connect with academic support, and find the right district service.
Availability
Tuesday–Thursday · 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Families are encouraged to call ahead so staff can prepare for the visit and expect the student.
Contact SPEAR →
Technology support
Technology ready for learning.
Every enrolled SPEAR student receives a district-issued Chromebook and charger. If internet access or another technology need could create a barrier, tell us during enrollment. SPEAR will review the need with your family and explain available support options.
Learning platform
Pearson
Connexus
Students use Pearson Connexus to access Homeroom, courses, learning activities, calendar items, messages, and progress information.
Learn about Pearson Connexus →A clear daily routine
Built for students to know where to begin.
Homeroom is the daily starting point.
Open Homeroom, check the Calendar and To-do list, then move into the day’s learning.
Teacher connection stays visible.
Course teachers post live-lesson and office-hour information in their classes so students know when they can connect and ask questions.
Options built around the student
eSports
Compete, collaborate, and stay connected to a fast-growing Shamokin Area team experience.
Ask about eSports →
Career & Technical Education
Pair online academics with an approved hands-on pathway through the regional career and technology center.
Explore CTE programs →
Sports, music & school life
Stay part of the Shamokin Area experience through eligible athletics, clubs, activities, and approved in-person courses.
See athletics & activities →Questions, answered clearly.
What families ask first
Is SPEAR part of Shamokin Area School District?
Yes. SPEAR is SASD’s K–12 virtual learning program, with local teachers, support, programs, and school-life connections.
What does learning look like?
K–6 uses live connection and Learning Coach support. Grades 7–8 and 9–12 use flexible online learning with teacher access, posted office hours, and individual planning.
What support is available?
Students have a district-issued Chromebook and charger, local support through the SPEAR Learning Center, and help for technology barriers during enrollment.
Start with a conversation
Can students participate in district opportunities?
Yes. Participation in college credit, CTE, Co-Op, clubs, athletics, and in-person experiences depends on current offerings, requirements, scheduling, eligibility, and the approved plan.
Does requesting information enroll my student?
No. Requesting the enrollment form starts a conversation. SPEAR reviews the returned form, verifies the request with a parent or guardian, and provides a confirmed start date.
Still have a question?
Email SPEAR or call 570-509-2870.
Why families choose SPEAR
99% graduation since 2020
Graduation
Among SPEAR seniors who remained enrolled through the school year.
Begin college while in high school
College credit
Eligible students may combine SPEAR with approved college courses through current district agreements.
Learn through work and technical pathways
Career experience
Eligible students may combine SPEAR with approved CTE, Co-Op, and work-based learning experiences.
Begin with a clear plan
Personal start
SPEAR helps the family understand the learning model, setup steps, support routes, and confirmed start date.
Real outcomes. Real voices.
Student perspective
Learning Coach perspective
Graduate perspective
More course choice
Keep options open.
Pearson’s Pennsylvania K–12 catalog can extend options beyond courses offered directly by SASD. Actual availability depends on grade, prerequisites, staffing, scheduling, course status, and the approved student plan.
Current SPEAR Program of Studies
Course options change by year. Guidance confirms availability for each student’s plan.
Ask SPEAR for the current Program of Studies.
Ready for the next step?
How enrollment works
No instant commitment. We guide your family from the first request to a confirmed start and setup plan.
Requesting the form does not complete enrollment or commit your family.
A clear start, not an instant commitment
- Request the form. Provide a parent or guardian email.
- Complete and return it. SPEAR emails the form for the family to submit.
- Review and plan next steps. SPEAR reviews and verifies the request, then coordinates orientation and setup.
- Receive a start date. Your family receives verification, a confirmed start date, and directions to begin.
Flexible K–12 learning
A Shamokin Area district option
No tuition for eligible families
For students who reside in Shamokin Area School District
Local support when needed
Learning Center help Tuesday–Thursday, 8–11 a.m.
A district-connected future
Shamokin Area transcript and diploma when requirements are completed
Start with fit
Could SPEAR fit your child’s needs?
SPEAR may be worth exploring when a student needs a different daily structure, more scheduling flexibility, a supported route to recover or plan credits, or a way to learn online while remaining connected to Shamokin Area.
No single format is right for every student. A conversation with SPEAR or Guidance can help your family compare the learning setting, support needs, schedule, and graduation plan before requesting a change.
Virtual learning still requires
- A dependable routine and regular completion of assigned work.
- Required communication and participation in district expectations.
- A Learning Coach who monitors progress and helps the student ask for support.
- A willingness to use teacher feedback, available tutoring, and local help early.
What SPEAR addsPearson Connexus, a school-issued Chromebook, local staff and services, nearby in-person assistance, and applicable district opportunities.