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South Dakota
Virtual High School opens
Training session offered later this month
High school students
across the state have a new option for taking coursework: the
South Dakota Virtual High School. SDVHS provides a storefront
for virtual classes being offered across the state, with the
Department of Education approving all providers and courses. The
Department of Education is hosting training sessions, via the
DDN, for school personnel later this month. Participants will
learn the basics of the new system – from when it’s appropriate
to use the virtual school to how to register students for
classes.
“The South Dakota
Virtual High School will be open for fall 2007 registration on
March 15,” said Melody Schopp, who has spearheaded the
department’s virtual school efforts. “We’re excited about the
possibilities, and we think it will provide a real benefit for
school districts and students across the state.”
The South Dakota
Virtual High School is online now at
www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us.
The department invites school personnel to check out the Web
site prior to attending one of the one-hour training sessions.
Sessions will be offered via DDN at the following times:
-
Feb. 26, 1 and 4
p.m. (CST)
-
Feb. 27, 10 a.m.
and 2 p.m. (CST)
-
March 1, 1 and 4
p.m. (CST)
According to Schopp,
the department approves all courses for the new Virtual High
School. That way, school districts, students and parents can be
assured that course offerings meet the state’s high academic
standards. In addition, the virtual school provides choice and
flexibility for students who need additional options – whether
it’s a case of credit recovery, a scheduling issue, or a student
pursuing additional academic challenge.
Since school districts pay for students to take courses via
Virtual High School, registration must go through the home
district. Students are not allowed to register on their own.
Rather, a designated person at each high school handles student
registration. Costs vary depending on the particular provider
and course offering.
Any high school student enrolled in a South
Dakota school district may take courses via the Virtual High
School. Home school students also can take advantage of the
curriculum offerings, as long as they register through their
home district.
Building principals at each high school in the state will be
asked to provide the name of one contact at their school,
usually a counselor or the high school principal, who will serve
as the building’s designated Virtual High School contact. This
person will oversee registration at the local level. It is
crucial that this person attend one of the training sessions
noted above.
Principals should watch for an e-mail from the Department of
Education asking for their designated Virtual High School
contact person. |
