Riverton USD 404 offers expanded learning options with virtual learning program

                                                                                                       
For some students, virtual learning may provide a fit that can’t be found in a traditional classroom.

Virtual learning options are growing and USD 404 has partnered with the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, aka Greenbush, to offer a virtual learning program for students in grades 9-12 and adults within its district for the 2015-16 school year.

“The Greenbush virtual learning center partnership allows us to provide a quality virtual program that is approved annually by the Kansas State Department of Education,” said Mr. Todd Berry, superintendent of USD 404.

For some students, virtual programs offer a form of high-tech homeschooling. For others, online classes are a way to finish their high school education after a suspension or expulsion. Still others perform better in an online environment than in a traditional classroom or may have situations that necessitate flexibility that a traditional classroom setting cannot provide. And for adults it is an opportunity to finish their high school diploma through a program that offers the flexibility of a virtual program with the support of onsite instructors.

Mr. Berry said students and families seeking online programs often have turned to outside companies in the past because few school districts have been able to offer their own online programs. The availability of virtual programs through Greenbush makes it easier to offer a virtual program for any grade 9-12 or adult student in the district who might need that option. In addition Greenbush provides instructional supports onsite through the Cornerstone Learning Center in Galena to ensure that students make progress toward their goal of earning a diploma.

“The blending of virtual instruction with onsite instructional supports sets this program apart from many of the other virtual programs in Southeast Kansas,” Mr. Berry said.

Don Grosdidier, alternative learning services director for Southeast Kansas Education Service Center - Greenbush, said USD 404 is one of many partner districts that have joined the Greenbush Virtual Learning Center Partnership. Each district that joins the Virtual Learning Center Partnership will have its own full online program complemented by “face-to-face” onsite instructional supports through a virtual learning center. In addition Greenbush can provide each student use of a lap top computer for a $15.00 per semester technology support fee.  High School level online courses are developed by Edgenuity, which provides an engaging online and blended learning curriculum for every student.

The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, nicknamed Greenbush works to provide equal educational opportunities for all students. The Virtual Learning Center Partnership is just one of dozens of programs offered by Greenbush. More information is available at www.greenbush.org.

###

Click here for more information or call Don Grosdidier at 785-979-1495, or email Janice.bone@greenbush.org    or  don.grosdidier@greenbush.org.