January 7, 2010

NH’s Virtual Learning Academy Charter School Launches Innovative Program that Allows Students to Recover Partial Course Credit

Personalized Pathways Program Provides On-line Coursework or Skilled Experiences for High School Students

Exeter, NH – The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) is pleased to announce its latest online program called Personalized Pathways, or P2. The program’s goal is to offer school districts an alternative educational opportunity for high school students who benefit from learning in non-traditional ways and environments. The program is a collaborative effort between VLACS and local school districts, and allows high school students to finish uncompleted courses through on-line studies or knowledge gained through hands-on experience. Personalized Pathways is approved by and funded through a grant provided by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

“The grant for the Personalized Pathways program advances efforts to bring public education into the 21^st century,” said Paul Leather, Director of Career Technology and Adult Learning for the state’s Department of Education. “The program put in place by the Virtual Learning Academy allows students to access an education in a more personalized way that works for them.”

Course topics offered through the VLACS Personalized Pathways program are: English, World Languages, Fitness, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art and Technology. The program offers students two options to complete their coursework. The first option is competency recovery, an online studies program that allows a student to meet a required course standard or competency. The second option, extended learning opportunity (ELO), allows students to participate in service learning, internships or skilled experiences to both satisfy course requirements and competencies.

“We’re very excited about assisting New Hampshire’s public schools in their efforts to reduce the high school drop-out rate to zero,” said Steve Kossakoski, CEO of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. “We believe that the Personalized Pathways project will provide students with the opportunity to meet academic competencies through exciting and engaging ‘real world’ projects and experiences.”

The Personalized Pathways program conforms to the state Department of Education’s course standards, or competencies. A student must satisfactorily complete multiple competencies, or standards, to earn course credit. Through Personalized Pathways, school districts have a new tool for students who are at risk of dropping out of high school. The program is flexible enough that school officials can supplement their current at-risk program with Personalized Pathways.

This program is a win-win for students, school administrators, school districts and taxpayers. It provides a personalized, cost-effective and convenient way for at-risk students to complete required coursework that meets state standards and earn credit towards graduation. The P2 program is also a resource that will help school districts meet the recent state law that increased the mandatory age of school attendance from 16 to 18 years. In addition, state officials anticipate Personalized Pathways will assist with Governor Lynch’s effort to reduce the state’s high school dropout rate.

The Personalized Pathways program is available to all New Hampshire high school students and school districts. For more information about the Personalized Pathways program call 603-778-2500 or email the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School: The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School uses the latest internet technologies to provide NH’s high school students any time, any where access to a rigorous, personalized education that helps them learn today, graduate tomorrow and prepare for the future. The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is a non-profit organization approved by the New Hampshire Board of Education and overseen by a Board of Trustees. The Academy is tuition free for students who live in New Hampshire.

###

Media interested in interviews please phone the VLACS office at (603) 778-2500.