Providing software solutions since 1976
Providing software solutions since 1976
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SAS® Curriculum Pathways® valuable in event of H1N1 closingExtensive online resources support Chicago academy's "continuity-of-learning" strategyCARY, NC (Dec. 15, 2009) – With the possibility of widespread school closings due to H1N1, schools are struggling with how to sustain teaching and learning if that occurs. At Chicago's VOISE (Virtual Opportunities In a School Environment) Academy, SAS Curriculum Pathways, available at no cost to all US educators, is part of the H1N1 contingency plan. Used by thousands of educators in all 50 states, SAS Curriculum Pathways provides standards-based content in the core academic disciplines – English, mathematics, social studies, science and Spanish – for grades 8-12. VOISE Academy already blends an online curriculum with face-to-face instruction. A recent continuity-of-learning drill showed how teachers can engage students, even if flu – or any emergency – causes a shutdown. For the drill, 150 sophomores stayed home for the day and participated in classes over the Internet. Kemi Jona, Director of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships and member of the VOISE Design Team, was pleased with the results and the role of SAS Curriculum Pathways. "The engaging digital content of SAS Curriculum Pathways is a valuable part of the technology structure students and teachers need to continue meaningful instruction away from the classroom," said Jona. The US Department of Education and International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) list SAS Curriculum Pathways as a recommended resource. Aligned with state standards, SAS Curriculum Pathways offers more than 1,000 academic resources, including lessons, engaging activities and interactive teaching tools, plus links to more than 4,000 academically appropriate Web sites. Designed for wide-ranging classroom environments, technology capabilities and learning styles, the product is used in one-computer classrooms, virtual schools, small groups and 1-to-1 computing initiatives. SAS Curriculum Pathways offers various training and professional development activities to help teachers maximize the resources. "We'll work with any school or district concerned about maintaining teaching and learning during a closure to best incorporate our resources into their continuity plan," said Bruce Friend, Director of SAS Curriculum Pathways. About VOISEA model of the future of schooling, VOISE Academy is one of the only urban public (non-charter) non-selective schools in the country to use online materials all the time. VOISE is open to all neighborhood students who choose to apply. It uses a hybrid model, integrating face-to-face teacher instruction with rigorous online curriculum. VOISE’s mission is to provide all students with choice, flexibility, scholarship and individual attention by combining the use of technology, best distance-learning practices and quality online curriculum with exemplary secondary classroom teachers and a student-centered philosophy.
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