“It’s changing education and somewhat leveling the playing field by giving small schools, and remote schools, more access to resources,” said Liz Pape, president and CEO of Virtual High School Global Consortium, a non-profit organization, based in Maynard, Mass., that offers credit-bearing high school courses to students across the country and around the world. It’s among a number of organizations offering online learning programs to schools.

Some schools, notably Binghamton High School, have used online instruction for remedial work, allowing students the chance to earn credit for courses they failed.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual classroom takes root in Broome

The purpose of the Innovative Online Learning Practice Award is to recognize a person, school/program or organization whose innovative practices and policies serve as a model for K-12 online learning and can be replicated by other practitioners. Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh, a past recipient of an Online Learning Innovator Award and associate professor of educational technology at the University of Florida, nominated Thesys for the award.

“We feel honored and humbled to be nominated for the Innovative Online Learning Practice Award, especially by someone so respected in the field,” says Alan Rudi, Principal Solutions Strategist at Thesys International. “Innovation is a priority for Thesys, and is part of our process every step of the way as we develop programs to improve student outcomes through creative online/classroom approaches that engage the next generation of learners.”

For the rest of the article, go to Thesys International Nominated for Online Learning Innovator Awards

Blanchard’s resignation, which is effective Saturday, is because his wife plans to accept a full-time position with the district’s virtual school.

District and government code prohibits a spouse from being hired in the same district that their partner is a school board member in.

For the rest of the article, go to Chino Valley Unified trustee resigning

The Monterey and Baxter building projects were given the initial green light earlier this week when the nine person Finance Committee of the County Commission voted 6-3 to issue $53 million in bonds that would be used to build a new Baxter Middle School, a new Monterey High School, and expanded space for Upperman High School. The approved number represents a $2 million reduction from the initial proposal, but is still anticipated to be a difficult number for many Commissioners.
For the rest of the article, go to Monterey, Baxter School Building Projects Discussed

Classes start Aug. 10 at the virtual school for students in kindergarten through 12th grades. Nearly 160 students have enrolled, said Alain Guevera, assistant superintendent for instructional support services for the district.

Principal Veronica Godinez, eight teachers and the clerical staff have been hired. Finishing touches are being put on a new computer lab at the school’s campus.

While the students will work mostly from computers at home, they will also be able to meet with teachers and work in computer labs or have lessons in campus classrooms, Godinez said.

For the rest of the article, go to LAKE ELSINORE: Online school readies for opening

Capistrano Connections Academy, an online K-12 school, is hosting an information session July 25 at Costa Mesa’s Residence Inn for families considering educational options beyond the brick-and-mortar schools.

“I think for a lot of families virtual school is something that is hard to imagine at first … but it’s a lot more individualized,” said teacher Leslie Dombeck, adding that “it’s a very good alternative type of education.”

For the rest of the article, go to Online school to give presentation to local parents

Florida empowers families to have the financial freedom to choose the best school for their children. Florida has the broadest array of public, private and virtual school options in the nation. Last school year, nearly 29,000 low-income students received scholarships funded by the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This program allows businesses to receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions made to nonprofit organizations that provide tuition scholarships to low-income children.

For the rest of the article, go to Broderick: Parents deserve choice on education

Log on in Lodi. Instead of going to school, students can stay home and take their tests in their pajamas.

And with tight school budgets, this is new trend school districts across the country are turning to. Like most teens, Shea Killian heads to her room when she needs some space. But unlike most teens, Shea can go to school without leaving her room.

Shea Killian says, “I’m not on the computer for 7 hours and I have free time.” Going to virtual school happened by accident for Shea, literally. She was hit by a car and off her feet for nine weeks. That forced her to sign up for online classes. Her family found out the accident may have been a blessing in disguise. Her mother Jackie Killian says, “This gets her going to study harder and get her work done.”

For the rest of the article, go to “Virtual School” in Lodi Lets Students Study from Home

At a special meeting April 14, the board unanimously approved the purchase of the APEX Learning Digital Curriculum, which will operate from four computer labs at Simi Valley High School.

The purchase price of $55,050 includes one year of digital access to ClassTools Virtual containing general studies and Advanced Placement course materials and examination preparation tools for AP testing, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Mathematics and CAHSEE English- Language Arts.

For the rest of the article, go to Online learning program gives Simi students another way to earn credits

Students and teachers would be able to communicate with one another through communication tools provided in the course delivery platform; students would also be able to communicate with each other, Dennis explained.

Additionally, the program would provide for field trips and labs where students can meet face to face. And students would find most of the same classes provided in a traditional school setting, he continued.

Even some instructional physical education classes would be offered.

In an online or virtual school, students take classes provided on an internet site. Such schools are touted by supporters as ideal for students living in remote locations, students bound to home because of health issues, athletes who are often away from the physical school setting and students needing extra credits to graduate.

Dennis said the program would be developed gradually, based on enrollment.

For the rest of the article, go to LEUSD Considers Online Virtual Charter School