Episode 5: VLACS – Providing Personalized Learning for Every Student

VLACS, the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, is the only fully state-funded online charter school in New Hampshire, serving over 13,000+ students.  It offers online courses, project-based courses, career-focused learning programs, internships, and a myriad of other learning options.  But unlike a typical “course” as you might know them in typical school, students engaging in these courses are taking them individually with the personal assistance and support of a teacher working with them one-on-one, sometimes even co-designing the activities of the course connected to students’ specific interests.  In my words, it is “amazing,” because unlike most other charter schools, which are typically funded by a district, VLACS is fully funded by the state and any student throughout the state can attend for free, at no cost to the student, family, or the district.  The array of options is amazing.  FULLY competency-based – students progress at their own pace completely dependent on their achievement of the standards – and hence are able to fit it around THEIR schedule.  My two cents:  EVERY STATE SHOULD HAVE A VLACS AFFORDING THEIR YOUTH THE SAME OPTIONS!  The question is … why are they not?  On this episode you will hear from Steve Kossakoski, the founder, Julie Reece, the Director of Partnerships and Adult Education, Christie Dunlavey and Bette Bramante, both long time educators at VLACS, and three students on this episode, each offering their perspective on what VLACS is, how it operates, and its value for the students of New Hampshire.

A Revolution in Education