Ohio Virtual Academy to Host 'Innovation in Education Expo' in Columbus on Saturday

4/2/2003

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

News Advisory:

The Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), a virtual charter school offering students across the state an outstanding public education program, will host the first-ever "Innovation in Education Expo" at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, OH on Saturday, April 5, 2003. The Expo will provide families of students enrolled in OHVA - and any family interested in the K12 curriculum or virtual education - an opportunity to learn more from a host of experts.

The Columbus Expo will feature former U.S. Secretary of Education and K12 Chairman William J. Bennett who will give a keynote address and take audience questions via satellite from Washington, DC. K12 Inc. is the education company that provides OHVA with a world-class academic curriculum.

In addition to the speeches, families attending the Expo can participate in numerous 45-minute workshops hosted by virtual school teachers and families, curriculum developers, and education experts. Workshop topics will include: Teaching Multiple Children; Time Management; Gifted and Talented Children; Setting Up Your Teaching Environment; Virtual Schools; and, Development of the K12 Curriculum.

The Expo is free, open to the public, and open to the media.

Saturday, April 5, 2003 - all times EST

Event: Innovation in Education Expo, hosted by the Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA)

Location: Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Times: 8 a.m.: Registration Opens

9 a.m.: Expo Program begins - speeches, workshops (various Hyatt Regency locations)

1 p.m.: Keynote speech - Dr. William J. Bennett, K12 Chairman (Union Ballroom - via satellite)

1:30 p.m.: Expo Program resumes

6 p.m.: Expo Program concludes

About OHVA The Ohio Virtual Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades K-5; grades 6-8 will be available next year, with additional grades available in future years. OHVA 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 Ohio teacher for guidance, support, and advice -- Optional educational outings to enhance lessons and build a sense of school community

OHVA'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 Ohio Virtual Academy, students 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 Ohio teacher provides guidance, support, accountability, and advice through this process.

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 eight states: the Arkansas Virtual School; the California Virtual Academies, the Colorado Virtual Academy, the Idaho Virtual Academy, the Minnesota Virtual Academy, the Ohio Virtual Academy, the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, and the Wisconsin Virtual Academy.