Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

Catholic Schools Continue Long-Time Partnerships with VHS Learning to Give Students Hundreds of Course Options

Boston – U.S. Catholic schools have renewed their partnerships with VHS Learning to provide their students with continued access to high-quality, teacher-led online classes. Through these partnerships, many of which began 10 to 25 years ago, Catholic high schools are expanding their curricula and providing students with collaborative, engaging learning opportunities.

Catholic schools that have extended their long-time partnerships with VHS Learning for the 2023-24 school year, include:  

  • Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, Mass., began its partnership with VHS Learning 10 years ago.

  • Immaculate High School in Danbury, Conn.; Lowell Catholic High School in Lowell, Mass.; and Nativity B.V.M. High School in Pottsville, Pa., launched their partnerships with VHS Learning 15 years ago.

  • Saint Paul Diocesan Jr. Sr. High School in Worcester, Mass., and Berks Catholic High School in Reading, Pa., started with VHS Learning 20 years ago.

  • Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Mass., first partnered with VHS Learning 25 years ago.

“These long-time partnerships speak volumes about the relationships VHS Learning forms with Catholic schools and students,” said President & CEO of VHS Learning Carol DeFuria. “We value each of our partner schools and are thrilled to help them expand their curriculum and give their students extensive course options that rival those found at public schools, all without sacrificing quality. Working together, we help Catholic schools resolve scheduling issues, combat teacher shortages, and stay competitive.”…Read More

High Schools Worldwide Partner with VHS Learning for Teacher-Led Online Classes

Boston – Schools around the world and across the United States have launched partnerships with VHS Learning this year to provide their students with rich, engaging online courses in a variety of disciplines. These new schools join more than 600 high schools worldwide that use VHS Learning online courses to expand their school’s student offerings.

New international school participants this year include the American International School of Budapest in Nagykovácsi, Hungary; American International School of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China; American International School of Muscat in Oman; Qatar Academy Al Khor in Qatar; and

Frankfurt International School in Oberursel (Taunus), Germany.…Read More

VHS Learning Students Achieve Course Pass Rate of 91%

Boston – While many schools and families worry about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning, students who enroll in high-quality, teacher-led online classes with VHS Learning continue to show consistent progress. During the 2021-2022 academic year, students taking VHS Learning online courses had an average course pass rate of 91%. This average pass rate has remained consistent at 91% over the last three years.

Students who took VHS Learning summer school courses for credit recovery achieved success as well. In 2022, those students who previously failed a course and retook it with VHS Learning summer school had an average pass rate of 75%. 

In the 26 years that VHS Learning has been providing supplemental online high school classes, it has earned a reputation for its high standard of educational quality, which keeps schools and students coming back. In 2021-2022, VHS Learning had 18,899 course enrollments by students from more than 600 partner schools. Last year, 88% of schools previously utilizing the program continued their participation in the 2021-2022 school year. Further, 90% of administrators and 90% of site coordinators who manage the VHS Learning program at their school said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their school’s VHS Learning experience.…Read More

7 tips for teacher mental health

When COVID struck, schools and teachers had to pivot quickly, adapting to lockdowns and online classes on the fly. Naturally, there were a lot of stumbles. Teachers are only human, and trying to become familiarized with a new world of online technology and new teaching techniques while trying to keep students engaged–well, it was difficult, to say the least.

While the stress of those first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic has abated, teachers are still under pressure two years later. Many students lost ground during COVID, and teachers are still working hard to help them catch up. Some school districts have returned to in-person classes with social distancing, and others allow hybrid classrooms, so teachers have had to learn how to juggle both attendance options. Teacher prep time, lesson planning, grading, and other non-classroom tasks make for long days and often spill over into the weekends.

Teachers have always worked long hours, often using the weekends to catch up, but the pandemic shone a spotlight on the many demands of teaching. Fortunately, it also highlighted some solutions. Following are seven tips for maintaining teacher mental health and well-being that will help you manage your career and your personal life.…Read More

5 ways to prepare and teach online classes

Online tutoring is becoming more accepted for people every day. With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting the world, there’s never been a better time to work remotely.

Advancements in technology are opening doors to new ways of learning and removing geographical boundaries for everybody. Many traditional teachers are finding success in learning how to teach online. The ability to work from anywhere in the world while managing your own time, rate and workload is hugely appealing. Meanwhile, the number of students looking to learn online is skyrocketing.

That’s not to say that becoming an online tutor doesn’t come with its own challenges. Such a shift in the style of work can be overwhelming. But, fear not! Starting to teach online is easier each day. This guide will show you how to teach online classes and help you find your footing in your new career.…Read More

Language supports for offline schools worldwide

Lingoda, Europe’s leading online language school, is supporting offline language learning institutions across the world facing the sudden transition to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the #StayHomeKeepLearning initiative, Lingoda is offering free access to all its language learning materials, full assistance in setting up online classes, and masterclasses and guides on running a successful online class experience.

Over 2000 fully digital lessons in English, German, French, and Spanish are now accessible for free. Ranging from A1 to C1 CEFR levels, the curriculum covers a range of skills – grammar, speaking, reading, exercises – and topics of interest.

For institutions unfamiliar with online tools, Lingoda offers full support in setting up classes in an online environment. They can also request to participate in dedicated live masterclasses about how to teach successfully online run by Lingoda experts in remote teaching. The masterclasses will be in English and German, will take place online on selected dates, and will include a Q&A session where participants can directly ask their questions. Masterclass attendees will also receive via email a guide containing best practices and specialized know-how about online language teaching.…Read More

Free One-to-one Coaching for Kids Struggling to Learn

With schools around the country closed due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, teachers are scrambling to teach online classes, students are muddling through a new way to learn, and parents are worried their children will fall behind. For students who struggle in school during the best of times, one can only imagine the frustration they’re facing as they quickly try to familiarize themselves with new connectivity technologies and a novel way of learning from home.

Edge Foundation today is announcing free or reduced-price sliding scale fees for individual coaching aimed at students who are at home.

“This is a time of stress for many of us – students and adults alike,” said Edge Foundation Founder Neil Peterson. “Having an Edge coach can only help. Our coaches are not coaching English or math. Instead, they work on whatever issues a student or parent is concerned about. Edge coaches are specially trained to provide for youth what adults would receive from life or executive coaches.”…Read More

The Virtual High School, Quincy College announce dual credit program

The Virtual High School (VHS, Inc.), a nonprofit empowering schools with online learning programs, is announcing its new dual credit partnership with Quincy College, a two-year, municipally affiliated college with campuses in Plymouth and Quincy Massachusetts. Starting Fall of 2016, VHS students can earn college credit from Quincy College for taking online Virtual High School U.S History courses.

Developed by VHS and taught by VHS teachers that meet Quincy College faculty requirements, these online classes are now eligible for transcripted credits, which are transferrable within Massachusetts’ State College and University system. Students who register for dual credit will realize significant savings, since Quincy College offers a discounted rate to high school students, resulting in savings of at least 60% versus comparable State College or University credits.

“This is an exciting step forward for VHS. It has always been part of our mission to offer high quality programs for students who are ready and prepared to tackle college-level work,” said Amy Michalowski, Dean of VHS. “Now we’re able to help students earn college credit in an affordable way. This agreement will provide access to a program they may not have at their high schools, giving them a head start on their college careers.”…Read More