Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Hillsborough Virtual School - A New Way of Educating Students in the 21st Century (Secondary Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hillsborough Virtual School has evolved in the last year and a half into a complete K-12 virtual ‘school choice’ for Hillsborough County students and their parents. By entering the world of academic cyberspace, students acquire 21st century learning skills that will allow them to compete in a global marketplace. As they demonstrate mastery in their online class, the challenging curriculum forces them to practice these skills. Students learn to manipulate cyberspace by uploading class work, homework, and other assignments to their teacher’s cyber-office. Students also learn time management, organization skills, self-motivation, and communication through email. We are currently training faculty to move to the next level on the use of Elluminate. Elluminate is a conferencing software used by teachers as a tool for class presentations, tutoring, enrichment activities, as well as meetings.

The use of text messaging by society, an effective way to communicate, exceeds 6.8 billion per day. The use of technology has changed the world. Hillsborough Virtual School continues to grow to meet these ever-increasing demands, and helps prepare students to meet these ever-changing needs.

Targeted Population: Students in grades K-12 who meet eligibility requirements

Strategic Objectives: Increase the promotion rates at all grade levels and the percent of high school graduates by providing an additional ‘school choice’ that motivates students to become responsible learners.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

There is no financial impact to the District.

EVALUATION

N/A

SUBMITTED BY:

Denny B. Oest
General Director, Secondary Education
(813) 272-4451
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090210_343 * Section B Item# 01