Virtual High Schools Offer Students Blended Classroom and Dual Credit Options

Carthage Virtual Learning Center

In southwest Missouri, Carthage R-9 School District serves approximately 4,500 K-12 students. Along with traditional in-person courses, students in grades 9–12 have the option to enroll in the Carthage VLC. Offered jointly since 2007 by the state-organized Missouri Options program and the Carthage school district, this alternative learning path helps students who need a non-traditional learning path receive a high school diploma. The serious, focused, and quiet atmosphere is aimed to help students determined to succeed. The program is popular with at-risk students on the edge of graduating on time, and many students also take advantage of the self-paced virtual option to move faster than the traditional classroom—and even graduate early.

The effectiveness of Carthage VLC can be seen in increased enrollment numbers, a decreased drop-out rate, and successful VLC graduates. In 2007, students passed only 49% of VLC classes. In 2014, the number jumped to 98.5%. As for VLC graduates, the number increased from 58 students in 2007 to 111 students in 2014.

“This generation has grown up with computers and technology everywhere, so they are quite comfortable in—and even oftentimes prefer—our classroom and method of learning,” says Leigh Shoup, the director of Carthage VLC. “We often have students that have not been successful in the traditional, seated classroom and are finally able to find success once they get here.”

Using Odysseyware’s customizable digital curriculum, teachers personalize digital courses for every student, from gifted and at-risk to English language learners and special ed. Teachers can also choose to create their own lessons from scratch by uploading tests and assignments into the platform.

Once students are enrolled, they get a list of assignments to be completed with guidance from VLC staff and a Carthage teacher or counselor. With 108 standards-aligned courses to choose from, students are allotted up to 18 weeks to complete a course, starting at any time during the school year. Incomplete work or a zero on any assignment for test is not accepted. As a VLC requirement and to ensure engagement in online courses, students are required to take handwritten notes that can be used during any tests, assignments, and on the finals. When they complete a course, students turn in their notes, which are graded. Students can earn 3-5 bonus percentage points for good quality course notes. As an added perk, VLC offers cash drawings at the end of each quarter to students who complete their coursework.

The VLC serves students with a wide variety of academic abilities. In one classroom, you can find a valedictorian and the person ranked last in their class. The self-paced and independent-focused environment gives VLC educators the freedom to work one-on-one with students without disrupting the pace of others. Teachers meet with every student at least once a week to discuss his or her progress and goals, and to address potential roadblocks when necessary. VLC teachers also keep parents updated about their child’s progress by sending letters home and making themselves readily available for conversations.

Their approaches may be different, but Carthage VLC and WRCCA both provide the type of education every student is entitled to—one that meets their individual needs, guides them to success, and prepares them for college, career, and beyond.