About The Virtual High School

Transcription

1 About The Virtual High School The Virtual High School (VHS) is a global nonprofit collaborative setting the standard for quality online education. VHS provides over 200 courses for middle and high school students, and professional development for educators. We meet unique educational needs of schools through a robust selection of customized solutions and individualized course offerings. Full-Year and Semester-Long Courses From single seats to complete memberships, VHS provides online classes such as AP, unique electives, and innovative STEM programs to expand curricula, fill gaps in schedules, and enhance learning. Credit Recovery Semester-long and flexible 4 and 8-week credit recovery courses provide students with the opportunity to make up credits to graduate with their class, or matriculate to the next grade level. Summer School Options Full and half credit courses are available from June to August. Multiple sessions benefit students in need of credit recovery or looking for enrichment. Customized Offerings Tailor our content to meet the specific needs of your school and your students. Use our online and blended learning strategies to fill gaps in curriculum, technology, expertise, and support. Professional Development VHS teachers complete Online Teaching Methodologies, introducing them to the pedagogy and techniques to prepare them to effectively teach online. Facilitators monitor progress, and provide grades and mentoring. Learn More For more information about VHS or to register students, visit VHSLearning.org or call Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of The College Board.

2 Driven by Results At The Virtual High School (VHS), our courses offer proven results. Our students learn with, and from, one another and their teachers. Our programs exceed national standards and offer students a comprehensive education that will better prepare them to be successful in a global society. Why Choos e VH S? 97% Membership retention rate, 2016 We use student data and membership retention rates to continuously improve our services and support. Recent analysis shows a 97% retention rate in the school year. In addition, students had an average pass rate of 77% over the last 5 years ( ). Ad va nce d Placem ent The Virtual High School offers 23 College Board Approved courses - one of the largest Advanced Placement (AP ) course catalogs of any online education provider. Our online learning model has proven so successful that in 2016, 66% of VHS students sitting for AP exams passed with a score of 3 or higher, exceeding the national average of 60.4%. 77% Average student pass rate, Below is a sampling of 2016 VHS pass rates in comparison to the national average: % of Students Who Passed the AP Exam with a Score of 3 or Higher AP European History AP English Literature and Composition 60.4% 66% VHS Students National Average % of Students who passed the AP exam with a score of 3 or higher, 2016 AP Environmental Science VHS Students 73.7% National Average 53% VHS Students 90.9% National Average 55% VHS Students 76.3% National Average 46% Lear n Mo re For more information about VHS or to register students, visit VHSLearning.org or call Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of The College Board.

3 Preparing Students to be Successful in College, Careers, and Life

4 The Virtual High School is a non-profit organization offering over 200 unique high school and middle school courses including 23 AP courses, core courses, engaging electives, credit recovery, and summer/after school programs. Courses subject to change. For a complete list of courses and their descriptions visit VHSLearning.org/catalog. Advanced Placement AP Art History AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP Economics AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition AP Environmental Science AP European History AP French Language and Culture AP Government & Politics: U.S. AP Human Geography AP Music Theory AP Physics 1 AP Physics C AP Psychology AP Spanish Language and Culture AP Statistics AP U.S. History AP World History Arts American Popular Music AP Art History AP Music Theory Art History Art History and American Identity Art History: Art of the Caribbean Creating Art History History of Photography Music Listening and Critique Music: Fundamentals of Composition Business Business and Personal Law Business Math Entrepreneurship International Business Investing in the Stock Market Marketing and the Internet Personal Finance

5 Computer Science and Technology AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles CAD Creative Programming with Scratch Introduction to Computer Science Principles Java Fundamentals for Science and Engineering Java Programming Programming in Visual Basic Video Game Design Web Design Engineering CAD Engineering for Sustainable Energy Engineering Principles Java Fundamentals for Science and Engineering English as a Second Language (ESL) American Studies English Foundations Introduction to Natural Science for ESL Students Language Arts 101 Ways to Write a Short Story Academic Writing AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition Creative Writing English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12 Essay Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction Short Stories Film and Literature Folklore and Literature of Myth, Magic and Ritual Ghoulies, Ghosties, and Long-Legged Beasties Horror Writers Journalism in the Digital Age Literature of the World Mythology Poetry Writing Screenwriting Fundamentals Shakespeare in Film To Kill a Mockingbird Twentieth Century Women Authors Young Adult Literature Life Skills/Health Digital Citizenship Employability Skills Health Kindergarten Apprentice Teacher Now What Will You Do? Parenting in the 21st Century Physical Education: Personal Fitness Preparing for College Study Skills+ Who Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up? Mathematics Algebra 1 Algebra 2 AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics Business Math Differential Calculus Essential Math for College and Careers Geometry Math and Modern Logic Mathematics of Electricity Number Theory Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus: Advanced Trigonometry Pre-Calculus: Functions Statistics Statistics Honors Science, Life Anatomy and Physiology Animal Behavior and Zoology AP Biology AP Environmental Science Biochemistry Bioethics Biology Biotechnology Environmental Science Environmental Science Honors Epidemics Evolution and the Nature of Science Genes and Disease Oceanography Preveterinary Medicine The Human Body

6 Science, Earth & Space AP Environmental Science Astronomy Principles Climate Science Earth and Space System Science Environmental Science Environmental Science Honors Meteorology Oceanography Science, Physical AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1 AP Physics C Astronomy Principles Chemistry Climate Science Earth and Space System Science Environmental Science Environmental Science Honors Forensic Science Meteorology Nuclear Science Oceanography Physics: Mechanics Social Studies AP Economics AP European History AP Government & Politics: U.S. AP Human Geography AP Psychology AP U.S. History AP World History Constitutional Law Contemporary Issues in American Law and Justice Criminology Economics Modern Middle East Peacemaking Philosophy I Practical Law Psychology Honors Psychology I Psychology of Crime Sociology Sports and Society The Glory of Ancient Rome The Holocaust U.S. Government U.S. History: U.S. History: 1877-Present World Conflict, a United Nations Introduction World History: 1450-Present World History: Pre-history-1500 World Religions World Language AP French Language and Culture AP Spanish Language and Culture French Language and Culture German Language and Culture Italian Language and Culture Latin 1 Latin 2 Mandarin Chinese Language and Culture Portuguese 1 Russian Language and Culture Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish Culture and 20th Century Hispanic Literature Middle School MS Business Foundations MS Creative Writing MS Engineering MS Number Theory MS Pre-Algebra MS Science from Space MS The Teenage Brain MS World War II Through the Eyes of Dr. Seuss Study Skills+ Full-year course Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board.

7 Summer School 8-Week Courses Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Biology Chemistry English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12 Geometry Pre-Calculus World History: 1450-Present 4-Week Courses CAD Part 1 CAD Part 2 Criminology Cryptography: Math Behind Secret Messages Digital Photography English Literacy Skills: Short Stories English Literacy Skills: The Novel Government Health Mission to the International Space Station Personal Finance Physical Education: Personal Fitness Part 1 Physical Education: Personal Fitness Part 2 Planning for College Pre-Algebra/Algebra Preparation Pre-Calculus: Functions Solar Energy Design Study Skills+: Class Organization and Time Management Study Skills+: Organization of Information U.S. History: U.S. History: 1877-Present Your Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience Flexible Credit Recovery Flexible or Flex courses are self-paced and teacher-facilitated and can begin mid-semester. Students progress through the coursework at their own pace, taking as much or as little time as needed to complete their course. 1 Credit Courses Algebra 1 Flex Algebra 2 Flex Biology Flex Geometry Flex English 9 Flex English 10 Flex English 11 Flex English 12 Flex 0.5 Credit Courses Health Flex Personal Finance Flex US History: 1877-Present Flex US History: Colonial America-1877 Flex

8 4 Mill and Main Place Suite 510 Maynard, MA VHSLearning.org

9 About The Virtual High School 4 Mill and Main Place Suite 510 Maynard, MA Phone: Fax: VHSLearning.org Characteristics of High-Quality Online and Blended Learning 4Quality of Teachers 4Personalized Attention 4Localized Support 4Global Perspectives Not all online learning programs are created equal. When looking at the quality of an online program, there are many considerations such as educator training, student/ teacher ratios, support services, and learning models that schools will need to examine to determine if a program is right for them. Teacher Training Have the teachers engaged in graduate level studies focused on online teaching and learning best practices? Online teaching requires different skills than classroom teaching. New online teachers need professional development training to learn to teach effectively in an online environment. Student/Teacher Ratios Is the student/teacher ratio and allotted teaching time sufficient to allow teachers to assess individual student work? Does the teacher provide personalized feedback, engage students in discussions, and proactively address individual students challenges with the materials? High quality online courses should have similar student/teacher ratios to classroom training. Effective online teachers should be spending more of their time on highvalue interactions with students and less of their time on rote lectures and classroom management. Local Support Is there an adult locally available to monitor student progress and help identify and troubleshoot any problems? The most successful online programs involve a dedicated teacher, counselor, parent, or mentor who is physically present with the student on a regular basis to help monitor progress and troubleshoot any issues or problems. Time Management Are courses scheduled in a way to allow students to manage their time effectively and keep up with their course work? Scheduled online learning with allotted time during the school day, weekly assignments, and a fixed semester or year-long schedule can help students keep up

10 with their course work and manage their time effectively. Students who have successfully completed an online course can show colleges and employers that they have mastered time management and independent learning skills. New Opportunities Are online offerings allowing students to take interesting courses, explore potential college majors or careers, and select courses of study not otherwise offered by their schools? Most schools can t offer a wide range of courses to students. Online courses can expand opportunities for students to study languages like Chinese, take additional Advanced Placement courses like Physics or Art History, or explore college or career interests in areas such as the law, engineering or veterinary medicine. Students who are interested in their courses will be more engaged in their studies and are more likely to be successful and stay in school. Technology Skills Are students learning valuable computer and technology skills that they will be able to apply in college and in the workplace? Well-designed online courses give students practical, hands on experience using online resources effectively. When students graduate they will need these skills to succeed in college or in the workplace. The Global Classroom Who comprises your online classroom can be just as important as the subjects that are offered? Are students and teachers coming together from a wide variety of cities, states, and countries so they can be exposed to different points of view and broaden their understanding of themselves as global citizens? When students and teachers from different regions, cultures and background come together in an online course, they share their different perspectives on the world. In local schools, teachers and students often share similar perspectives and experiences. Participating in a global online classroom allows students to expand their horizons and prepare to live and work in a diverse, global economy. About The Virtual High School VHS is a nonprofit that has set the standard for online and blended learning since Through our global online classrooms, schools offer STEM, AP, Honors, Gifted & Talented, and elective courses that prepare students for college and careers. For more information, visit VHSLearning.org or call Mill and Main Place Suite 510 Maynard, MA Phone: Fax: VHSLearning.org

11 The VHS Teaching Membership An important part of our mission is to offer your students quality courses taught by highlyqualified teachers. Our Teaching Members play an integral role in our program s success. As a Teaching Member School, you are asked to provide a classroom teacher, one period per day, to facilitate a VHS course. In exchange for your faculty s participation, we provide extensive training and mentoring to guarantee a successful transition to a global classroom, and offer your school a significant reduction in tuition for seats in our online courses. Teaching Members also designate a staff member to become their site coordinator and direct all VHS activities at your school. By becoming a VHS Teaching Member you help your staff develop new 21st century teaching skills and increase student enrollments more affordably. Teacher Training Every VHS teacher completes our 6-week, graduate-level training course, Online Teaching Methodologies (OTM). This course introduces essential strategies and techniques to facilitate and assess online courses. Experienced online teachers provide guidance and one-to-one support to teacher-trainees as they progress through the program. Teachers benefit from the collaboration with peers to learn the pedagogical and technical skills needed to: Engage their students in online discussions Use interactive web tools Facilitate online student-centered activities Support the formation of online teams Encourage discussions and collaboration on activities and group projects Understand and coordinate VHS policies on issues such as discipline, absenteeism, plagiarism and grading Teacher Mentoring During the first semester, the new VHS teacher is paired with a faculty advisor who provides ongoing support and evaluation on a weekly basis. Teachers who meet VHS standards in their first teaching semester continue to collaborate with and receive support from a VHS Curriculum Coordinator on an as-needed basis. The Benefits of Having a VHS Teacher on Staff Your participation of one or more teachers results in: The introduction of new 21st century teaching and technology skills that can help launch blended learning initiatives and new lessons. A substantial discount on enrollment fees in our online courses than those that participate without a teacher or purchase seats individually. Reducing concerns among faculty that the introduction of online learning will replace traditional teachers as our courses are taught by our member school classroom teachers. Supporting a vision of nonprofit collaborative online education that provides students everywhere with access to high-quality online courses. Your VHS Site Coordinator All VHS Member schools select a site coordinator on staff. This individual plays an important role in both the growth, strength and success of the program, and helps the school make the most of your participation. The site coordinator is a designated member of your faculty that manages the day-today activities of the VHS program at your school. Often based in the guidance office, a computer lab, library media center, or offering specific office hours to students, the site coordinator is the primary contact person for all VHS matters and the go-to person in the building for this virtual learning program. We offer complimentary Site Coordinator Orientation that provides the necessary training this individual will need to achieve maximum results for your school. Site coordinators will learn to: Identify and assist with enrolling students in VHS courses Manage administrative needs of VHS students and oversee their progress in the program Field and answer questions from students, parents and administration about VHS matters Promote VHS to peers, students, parents and school administration Some participating schools may benefit from the use of more than one site coordinator. Our complimentary Site Coordinator Training is available to you for multiple staff members. VHSLearning.org