Creating Innovative Education Programs, One District at a Time

In the spring of 2005 the administrators at Halifax County Public Schools were looking for a program to meet the unique needs of their upper-elementary students who were showing exceptional aptitude in mathematics. Halifax wanted a program that allowed students in grades four through six to move ahead at their own pace and that allowed teachers to address each student’s unique learning abilities.

They turned to K12, a curriculum development company in Herndon, Virginia, and one of the leading providers of distance learning curriculum to the K-12 market.

Superintendent Paul Stapleton saw virtual school courses as a way to help his students master the 21-century skills that they would need to be successful in a global economy. A K12 Virtual School Program was the ideal solution.

Prior to the launch, K12 identified all of the essential ingredients to launch a great program:

• A research-based, content-rich curriculum that met state content standards.
• The ability to offer an individualized learning approach scalable for different learning styles.
• A strong track record of success demonstrated by a large base of students (over 25,000) using the curriculum.
• Content-rich, mixed media courses created by cognitive scientists, mathematicians, and master teachers, featuring clear, measurable lesson objectives, both online and off.
• Assessments and accountability tools that improved student achievement integrated with lessons to make it simple for administrators and teachers to determine academic progress.
• Customized professional development support to empower teachers with the tools to implement the program successfully.

During the launch, K12 provided ongoing support to ensure a seamless implementation.

The administrators used the Virginia standards of learning assessments to identify qualified students who demonstrated outstanding talent in math, but Halifax welcomed all types of learners.

"It is our goal in Halifax County to help every student realize his or her maximum potential," said Mr. Stapleton. "The K12 Math Acceleration program provides a unique experience for our students. It differentiates instruction for students capable of advancing in math and allows them to work at their own pace. The students are benefiting greatly. They are excelling and developing skills that prepare them for the higher-level math courses."

Halifax instructors agree that the K12 curriculum is on target. And the support that K12 provides them also allows instructors without prior advanced math subject matter expertise to teach the acceleration program.

Parents are equally impressed. Their kids are able to master a challenging curriculum. The program is also helping parents identify and build on long-term goals for their children, with help from K12.

The program started out with 23 students. After the first year, participation doubled. Students have seen extraordinary gains. Their confidence and their ability to go above and beyond their initial expectations are increasing.

To learn more about K12 Virtual School Programs, visit educators.K12.com.