Bill Bennett Announces New Virtual Public Education Alternative for Arkansas Families: the Arkansas Virtual School

10/15/2002

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

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 15 -- 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 Arkansas. The Arkansas Virtual School (ARVS) is a new public education program utilizing traditional academic content and innovative technology. ARVS, which will offer courses to children from across Arkansas in grades K-5, is a pilot program of the Arkansas Department of Education. ARVS is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Voluntary Public School Choice Program. Bennett serves as Chairman of K12, an education company that provides ARVS with a world-class academic curriculum.

"This new public education program will broaden access to an excellent education and foster greater parental involvement in education," said Bennett. "The Arkansas Virtual School will feature a self-paced, customized curriculum that benefits students of all abilities, support and guidance from certified Arkansas teachers, and a safe learning environment where character education can be an essential part of the academic program. We are pleased and excited to be working with the Arkansas Department of Education in delivering this outstanding new public school choice to parents and children."

"I am thrilled that Arkansas students are going to have access to this wonderful program," said Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. "I have long admired Bill Bennett's commitment to character formation and to high, measurable academic standards. This is one more way for us to offer a choice to Arkansas parents seeking the best education possible for their children."

The Arkansas Virtual School offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades K-5; grades 6-12 will be available in future years. Since ARVS is funded through a grant from the federal government, there is no tuition. The full ARVS program includes:

-- K12's world-class, standards-based curriculum for the school year in six subjects (Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Art and Music) -- Computer system with printer and internet access provided at no cost -- 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

ARVS's unique "team teaching" approach involves a powerful partnership between parents and teachers in which children receive individual attention and a personalized course of instruction. At ARVS, students will complete daily lessons delivered online by K12. However, most student work will be completed away from the computer using books, workbooks, art supplies, and manipulatives. ARVS classes in grades K-5 will begin December 9, 2002.

"This program represents a tremendous opportunity for Arkansas students and parents," said Ray Simon, director of the Arkansas Department of Education. "This project brings together a standards-based curriculum, quality instruction and the latest technology. AVRS expands the definition of public school choice in Arkansas, and gives parents a new and innovative way to provide their children with a quality educational experience."

The Arkansas Virtual School is funded by a competitive grant under the new Voluntary Public School Choice Program authorized by the landmark education reform law, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The competitive grant program supports five-year projects that offer the widest variety of choices to students in participating schools.

"We congratulate the Arkansas Department of Education 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," said Bennett. "And we are especially thankful that the U.S. Department of Education is providing grant monies that will help Arkansas offer this exciting new choice in public education to parents from across the state."

About K12 Led by former U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett and an experienced team of learning and technology experts, K12 provides world-class education curriculum, innovative instructional tools, and top-quality education management services to public virtual charter schools, traditional public and private schools, and homeschool parents across the nation. K12's rigorous, standards-based curriculum combines traditional materials with innovative technology. A recent independent study in Pennsylvania from KPMG found that K12's Partner School, the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, provides the state's "highest quality program" and consistently delivers a "high-quality, interactive, family-centered educational program."

K12 currently works with partner virtual schools in six states: 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.

The Arkansas Virtual School will host free informational Open Houses during the week of October 21-25 all 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. Bill Bennett is schedule to attend a number of these Open Houses -- a final schedule of all the ARVS Open House will be released later this week. Parents can call 1-866-512-2273 (toll free) or visit www.arvs.org for additional information.