Connecting to the virtual school.

Connections Academy (CA; Baltimore, MD), a division of Educate, Inc., the new company that took ownership, via a management-led buy-out, of Sylvan Learning Systems Inc.'s K-12 businesses, is navigating both the education and political aspects of virtual schooling and feeling very positive about

Mickey Revenaugh, vice-president for partnerships and outreach, told ETM that their model puts them on the side of the schools. Connections Academy operates in partnership with charter schools and school districts. The public entity contracts with CA to provide technology, instructional, and school management services.

CA believes that while virtual schooling isn't about technology, it is technology that makes it possible to deliver a truly personalized program to each student. Most of the CA curriculum is not computer based, but the computer is central to the program for assessing, managing and tracking student learning. Depending on the funding availability and other local arrangements, CA may provide students the use of a computer and/or reimbursement for an Internet Service Provider.

The program combines certified teachers; a proven, print-rich curriculum including textbooks and workbooks; community experiences; and technology tools. CA teachers create a Personalized Learning Plan for each student whose progress is tracked through the Learning Management System. Parents or other volunteer "learning coaches" deliver instruction to students. Community-based projects, such as field trips, service projects and even recreational activities are arranged by community coordinators who facilitate activities for families in their immediate vicinity.

Accountability is another important aspect of the program. Revenaugh says that CA provides much more feedback on performance than parents ever get from most traditional schools. In addition to a program of continuous assessment, students in levels 3 and above complete a set of standardized performance tests three times a year using the EdVision Performance Series. All students also participate in the standardized tests that are required in their state or district.

Currently, CA operates in K-8, but will be expanding to high school. They estimate the market is currently $50 million, expanding at 25% annually. They have a number of partnerships in place, including Little Planet Learning, NewsBank, The Princeton Review, Learning.com, AHA! Interactive, netTrekker, and BrainPOP. Revenaugh says that with the goal of providing a learning program tailored to the needs of each child, they are always on the look out for materials that support and enhance the CA curriculum.

Contact: Mickey Revenaugh, 718-284-4495, mrevenaugh@connection-sacademy.com