Virtual courses are a trend sweeping high schools across the nation and even becoming a requirement in some states. As student choice and course flexibility become a higher priority, demand is only expected to grow. In Coffee County, GA, and Carthage, MO, two administrators took the next step by launching their own virtual schools. Leaders from each of these districts recognized the need and saw the benefits of providing their entire student population, regardless of ability level, the freedom to choose their own learning paths. Both districts use a blended learning approach that gives students the freedom to attend school in-person to complete courses or take them virtually, whatever fits their schedule the best.
The success of Carthage Virtual Learning Center (VLC) can clearly be seen through increased graduation and completion rates. In Coffee County, a partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) has helped the district blaze a trail with a regional, dual-credit program that accelerates education by offering students the option to graduate from high school with a diploma and a 2-year college degree. Here’s how the two districts have made virtual schools a reality.
Coffee County School System
In 2013, Coffee County opened the doors to its newest high school, the Coffee County College and Career Academy. The school was designed to offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. The following year, the district partnered with WGTC to create the Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy (WRCCA), expanding course offerings and creating a dual-credit pipeline so students can work toward their diploma and a 2-year degree simultaneously. The first-of-its-kind regional partnership and dual-credit option saves students years of completing general education courses, and saves their parents thousands of dollars, thanks to Georgia’s state-funded Move on When Ready program, which offers free college credits to qualified high school students.
WRCCA is available for students enrolled in Coffee County Schools and those in 11 surrounding counties throughout southern Georgia. Students in participating counties can enroll in the Coffee County School District and take advantage of WRCCA, making Coffee County a regional destination for graduation.
“The fact that we can offer a free, dual-credit program to students in 11 counties is a true testament to the dedication of our team and our community,” says Dr. Morris Leis, Coffee County’s superintendent. “It’s been my long-term goal to take our mission of preparing students for the future beyond Coffee County. Thanks to our partnership with WGTC, we’re able to do that, offering online options to thousands of students outside our district lines.”
Creating a blended-learning curriculum that meets the standards of 20 area high schools and aligns with college requirements takes a great deal of planning for both high school teachers and college professors. To customize each course and lesson to fit the needs of each student, the teams collaborate using the flexible online curriculum Odysseyware.
Some students enrolled at WRCCA take most of their courses virtually, so they visit a school building less than one day a week. Even when students are taking classes virtually, they have teachers at their disposal and can contact them via email, or schedule virtual or in-person meetings for additional help. The freedom to choose what courses they prefer to take in-person or online puts students in charge of their own education. Taking on this responsibility gives them a taste of life after high school and builds their confidence in their future.
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