Virtual Learning
Virtual education programs provide instruction for students in non-traditional settings through distance learning options. Virtual learning programs offer flexibility to students while providing instruction aligned with the Standards of Learning. Virtual instruction in the commonwealth’s public schools includes programs operated by multidivision online providers approved by the Board of Education and VDOE's Virtual Virginia, an online school offering Advanced Placement and foreign language courses. Public television stations also provide instructional services and programs.
Virtual Schools & Courses (Multidivision Online Providers)
In approving Governor Bob McDonnell's "Opportunity to Learn" education reform agenda, the 2010 General Assembly directed the Board of Education to establish criteria for the approval of virtual school programs that provide instruction to students in multiple school divisions. The criteria and processes approved by the board in November 2010 provide flexibility for diverse learners and ensure that instruction provided by multidivision online providers is aligned with state standards and provided by highly qualified teachers.
Visit Virtual Schools & Courses for information of interest to providers, school divisions and students and parents.
Virtual Virginia
VDOE’s Virtual Virginia program offers pre-Advanced Placement (AP), honors and AP classes as well as academic electives and world languages. Virtual Virginia is designed to meet the needs of students who otherwise would be unable to take these courses due to a lack of availability or scheduling conflicts within their school. Eligible students enroll in Virtual Virginia through their local schools. The deadline for registering is the end of the first week of the local school calendar. The deadline for spring semester 4X4 block courses is the end of the first week of the local school spring semester.
Visit Virtual Virginia for details about the program, including the course catalog, school registration information and more.
Instructional TV
Virginia public television stations provide a full schedule of K-12 curriculum-based video programs and services for school divisions. The Regional Schools Contracting and Planning Committee (RSCPC) provides a unique opportunity for school divisions to have input into services that are provided by the public television stations. Recommendations from the RSCPC guide the public television station in determining regional needs for services and resources that support student achievement and mastery of Virginia’s SOL.
More about RSCPC and Virginia public television stations.
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