Illinois Virtual High School

The Illinois Virtual High School (IVHS) should be designed to serve three primary purposes: Assure equitable access to rich and varied learning opportunities for Illinois students, with emphasis on curricular areas needed to ensure that all students can meet the Illinois Learning Standards and succeed in higher education and the workplace; Expand h... igh-quality professional development opportunities for Illinois teachers and other educators; and Support schools in integrating technology into teaching and learning. The IVHS should be designed to supplement and complement local efforts. It should not be a degree-granting high school. The IVHS should begin operation no later than January 2001, with programs and services phased-in to reflect ongoing assessment of needs and the availability of resources. All students should have access to the IVHS curriculum, regardless of whether they attend public, private or home schools. However, students must be registered through a local public school district. The curriculum of the IVHS should meet specified criteria and include both IVHS-designed courses and courses that are available through commercial or other sources. Partnerships and linkages should be developed to expand the resources and opportunities available to Illinois students. Teachers for IVHS courses should be well-qualified in the subject or area in which they are teaching and have knowledge and skills specific to teaching on-line or through other technologies. Local school districts and IVHS should share responsibility for the success of student participants.Read More