"We are signing up new schools every day and our biggest priority right now is recruiting teachers to teach the courses," Governor Rell said. "We are specifically looking for teachers certified in the areas of Earth Science, Health, U.S. History, Civics, English, Math, Chinese and Forensic Science. About 300 students have signed up so far, and our rolling enrollment ends on February 25."
"We want to use online courses to increase access to high quality content so that every student in Connecticut will have access to the courses they need when they need them," said Governor Rell. "In preparing our young people for the 21st century workforce, it is necessary that we employ these same powerful tools to improve access, equity and employment readiness."
Funded by the General Assembly within the 2008 budget, this pilot project is available at no cost to school districts. Students will remain enrolled in their current schools, but will have the option to take online courses that meets their academic needs.
"The state has created a high speed optical computer network, called the Connecticut Education Network that connects all the school districts in the state," said Governor Rell. "The Connecticut Virtual Learning Center will be using this state resource in the delivery of its online content."
The primary focus for the program is twofold:
- Courses for students at risk of falling behind or failing will be offered in Algebra, Geometry, English, Civics or Health. Students can avoid summer school and recover credit by taking these online courses during the school year.
- Interesting electives that may not be available at many schools, such as Mandarin Chinese, Biotechnology and International Business.
"Online learning is an option for students that need the flexibility to learn at their own pace," Governor Rell said. "The online experience is relevant and transferable to future opportunities."
