Former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett Announces New Virtual Public Education Alternative for Wisconsin Families

2/6/2003

From: Bryan Flood of K12 Inc., 703-970-8135, bflood@k12.com

MCLEAN, VA., Feb. 6 -- Bill Bennett, editor of "The Book of Virtues," and former U.S. Secretary of Education, today unveiled a new virtual alternative in public education for families in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) is a new public education program blending traditional academic content with innovative technology. WIVA, which will offer courses to children from across Wisconsin in grades K-7 beginning in September 2003, is a virtual charter school, chartered by the Northern Ozaukee School District, in Fredonia, WI. Bennett serves as Chairman of K12 Inc. (K12) an education company that will provide WIVA with a world-class academic curriculum.

Due to the requirement of Wisconsin's Open Enrollment Law, students who may wish to enroll in WIVA must complete an application by February 21, 2003. Submitting an application only secures an option to enroll in WIVA in September 2003, it does not commit a student to attending WIVA.

"This new public education program will broaden access to an excellent education and foster greater parental involvement in education," said Bennett. "The Wisconsin Virtual Academy will feature a self-paced, customized curriculum that benefits students of all abilities, support and guidance from certified Wisconsin teachers, and a safe learning environment where character education can be an essential part of the academic program. We congratulate the Northern Ozaukee School District for its leadership in creating this 21st-century public school that combines the best of modern technology, an exceptional curriculum, and research-based teaching methods."

The Wisconsin Virtual Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades K-7; grades 8-12 will be available in future years. WIVA is publicly funded, so there is no tuition. The full program includes:

-- K12's world-class, standards-based curriculum for the school year in six subjects (Language Arts/English, Math, Science, History, Art and Music) -- Computer system with printer provided at no cost; ISP costs are reimbursed -- All instructional materials, including textbooks, workbooks, planning and progress tools, maps, math and science supplies, CDs, and videos -- Access to a licensed teacher for guidance, support, and advice -- Optional educational outings to enhance lessons and build a sense of school community

"This new program of virtual learning provides a unique and exciting public school option for any student in Wisconsin, regardless of where they live," said Bill Harbron, Interim Superintendent of the Northern Ozaukee School District. "As a public school program, the Wisconsin Virtual Academy has built-in accountability in addition to the outstanding academic curriculum provided by Bill Bennett's team at K12. The Northern Ozaukkee School District is both proud and honored to be a part of this project."

WIVA's "team teaching" approach involves a powerful partnership between parents and teachers in which children receive individual attention and a personalized course of instruction. At the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, students will learn at home with a parent or other responsible adult who guides students through daily lessons provided by K12. Though the lessons are delivered on-line, most of the actual student work is completed away from the computer using traditional materials including books, workbooks, art supplies, and manipulatives. A certified Wisconsin teacher provides guidance, support, accountability, and advice through this process, via e-mail or telephone.

Families enroll in virtual academies for a variety of reasons, including: academic options (gifted or struggling students); special needs (physical or learning disabilities); need for flexible schedules (military families, extracurricular activities); or, desire for other high-quality education alternatives.

About K12 K12 Inc. (K12) is an education company led by William J. Bennett, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, editor of The Book of Virtues and author of The Educated Child. K12 is building a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum and learning program. We work with educators and parents across the nation, blending traditional content with innovative technology. K12 is not a school; it is a company that provides a research-based curriculum, innovative instructional tools, and top-quality school management services to schools across America. K12 also serves homeschooling families by making a portion of its curriculum available for direct purchase by consumers.

K12 currently works with virtual public schools in seven states: the Arkansas Virtual Academy; the California Virtual Academies, the Colorado Virtual Academy, the Idaho Virtual Academy, the Minnesota Virtual Academy, the Ohio Virtual Academy, and the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School.

WIVA and K12 will host free Parent Information Sessions from February 13 through February 21 in communities across the state. At these 90-minute sessions, parents can learn about the school, explore the K12 curriculum and materials, and learn about the requirements for enrolling for this coming fall. All events are OPEN to the MEDIA.

Bill Bennett is scheduled to attend a Parent Information Session on Tuesday evening, February 18, in Milwaukee. A final schedule of all the WIVA Parent Information Sessions will be released early next week.

Parents can call 1-866-512-2273 (toll free), or visit http://www.wivcs.org for additional information.