VHS expands commitment to computer science education, participating in CSforALL for the fourth consecutive year
The Virtual High School (VHS, Inc.) has participated for a fourth year in the CSforALL Summit, held October 21-23 at the University of Utah. VHS Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Computer Science, Jeremy Woodward, has represented VHS at the summit.
“What spoke to me the most was the amazing amount of dedication to reducing the Digital Divide in our communities,” said Woodward. “In every panel, there was a strong focus to turn students from content consumers into content creators.”
The Virtual High School has embraced the CSforAll movement since its inception and has made an ongoing commitment to expand access to computer science education for all students. This year, VHS is piloting a new high school semester-length Cybersecurity course and a revised Advanced Placement® (AP®) Computer Science A course in at least 10 school districts, to expand computer science offerings and serve students with an interest in technology.
The national nonprofit also continues its commitment to rural students by expanding access to AP® Computer Science Principles in rural districts in at least two new states during the 2019-2020 school year. The organization currently offers 23 teacher-led online AP® courses that can help rural districts expand local AP® offerings.
In addition to developing its new Cybersecurity course VHS is offering its popular AP® Computer Science Principles course and 10 other online computer science courses this academic year. In the 2017-2018 academic year, VHS students achieved an AP® exam pass rate of 96 percent for the online AP® Computer Science Principles course, far exceeding AP® exam national averages.
“VHS is proud to continue our commitment to CSforALL and help more students develop foundational computer science and critical thinking skills,” said Carol Ribeiro, President & CEO of VHS. “Students who have taken an AP Computer Science Principles course with VHS have seen high levels of success on their AP® exams. We’re pleased to help students, especially those in rural areas, earn credit that can lead to success in college and beyond. All students, regardless of their geographic location, should have equal access to great teachers and great courses.”
Other teacher-led computer science and technology courses offered by VHS include CAD, Video Game Design, Java Programming, and Creative Programming with Scratch. VHS also offers a computer science certificate program. Students may enroll in any VHS course of their choosing, as long as they meet course prerequisites. Students have the option to enroll in VHS courses individually, or through their school’s participation in the VHS program. The program is turnkey – only internet access is required for participation.
VHS is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has, for over 23 years, provided middle and high schools from 45 states, U.S. territories Guam and Puerto Rico, and 44 countries with access to high-quality online and blended learning experiences. 668 schools currently use the VHS program to supplement their school’s course offerings.
About The Virtual High School
The Virtual High School (VHS Inc.) is an online learning pioneer. Since 1996, the organization has set the standard for quality online education. VHS prepares students for college, careers, and life through supportive, instructor-led online and blended classroom experiences. The nonprofit organization provides student courses taught in global online classrooms, as well as online professional development for educators. Custom course development and offerings can be tailored to meet each school’s unique needs. The Virtual High School is accredited by both Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), and AdvancED. Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information, visit www.vhslearning.org or call (978) 897-1900.
