The Virtual High School to Speak This Week at CASIS STEM Education & Outreach Workshop

MAYNARD, Mass. - Jan. 7, 2015 - PRLog -- The Virtual High School (http://www.theVirtualHighSchool.org), a non-profit empowering schools with the industry’s best online learning programs, today announced they are accelerating their partnership with The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) through participation at this week’s STEM Education Summit. The event, which includes activities at the Kennedy Space Center and sessions led by former NASA astronauts, is ideally suited to highlight VHS’ innovative approach to STEM education.

At this leadership conference being held on Thursday and Friday in Cape Canaveral, FL, VHS President & CEO, Jeff Elliott, and Dan Barstow, Development Director, will discuss the Space Station Academy (SSA) experience developed by VHS last spring. The course will be a springboard to show how digital learning is opening up new opportunities in STEM programs and offering challenging real-world investigations that deepen learning at the middle school level. The cutting-edge technology being used by students in the SSA course is a perfect example of how resources on the International Space Station can be used as the context for learning STEM content and skills.

As leaders in education technology and creators of the Space Station Academy, VHS was called on by CASIS to help provide the expertise needed to leverage the International Space Station (ISS) for student enrichment. At this meeting, Elliott and Barstow will provide attendees with ideas for how to effectively utilize ISS as a platform for STEM education, educational outreach and general awareness.  CASIS provides technical and financial support for this global educational program.

“As educators it is vital that we inspire students to pursue careers in STEM-related fields,” said Elliott. “The work CASIS is doing with the International Space Station is an exciting and important part of this strategic objective. “We are proud to be a key part of this effort.”

VHS’ mission is to provide students with access to high quality online and blended learning experiences, while supporting educators with the professional development and services they need in order to provide an effective 21st century education to every student. VHS partner schools have access to a wide range of core, elective, and AP® courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning as well as enable students to develop independent learning skills, explore college majors and careers, earn credits and participate in global classrooms. Courses are taught by highly qualified teachers who are specially trained in online teaching best practices, and are certified in their subject areas.

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About The Virtual High School

The Virtual High School is the pioneer of K-12 online learning. Since 1995, the nonprofit organization has been setting the standard for quality online education. VHS provides courses taught in global online classrooms for secondary school students and online professional development in 21st century teaching for educators.  The organization also meets the unique educational needs of schools through custom course development, individualized course offerings, and support for blended learning initiatives.

VHS’ design and delivery standards was the model used by the National Education Association in their recommended standards for online learning.  The organization has won numerous awards, including the Stockholm Challenge Award for Global Excellence in Information Technology and is a three-time winner of the United States Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) award for Excellence in Programming and Excellence in Best Practices. For more information, visit www.TheVirtualHighSchool.org or call (978) 897-1900.