NNDS, Alliance for High Quality Education to Host Blended Learning Seminar

Guest Speaker: Dr. Robert Sommers, Director of Ohio Governor's Office for 21st Century Learning

BEAVER, Pa., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Network of Digital Schools and the Alliance for High Quality Education will host a seminar on blended learning for representatives from 20 of Ohio's high-performing school districts on Wednesday, September 14. Dr. Robert Sommers, Director of Governor John Kasich's Office for 21st Century Learning, will lead a discussion on the future of blended learning in Ohio schools.

The Alliance for High Quality Education is a consortium of 60 of the highest-performing school districts in Ohio. The Alliance for High Quality Education represents its members' interests on matters of state education policy and funding, as well as improving educational opportunities for students in their districts.

Alliance consultant Jim Betts said the seminar is a result of the Alliance's desire to learn about the possibilities of a blended model and how online learning can be integrated into its member's schools. "We are sponsoring this event in an effort to be better informed about the potential for online learning being integrated into the traditional K-12 curriculum. Specifically, we want to know how content quality and rigor are established and maintained in online learning, and how instruction is monitored and facilitated using an online curriculum," said Betts.

The National Network of Digital Schools is the developer and exclusive provider of Lincoln Interactive, the nation's premier online curriculum. A fully accredited early kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum, Lincoln Interactive is used by more than 400 schools nationwide, including statewide online schools in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Colorado.

According to Bryan Bown, NNDS Director of Educational Services, "Lincoln Interactive combines traditional and technology-enabled teaching methods in the 21st century classroom, making it the nation's leader in curriculum for blended learning. "

Betts added that the majority of schools in the consortium are aware of NNDS' products and services, making the company an ideal partner for this event.  

Superintendents, curriculum directors, and other school representatives in attendance will learn how NNDS and Lincoln Interactive facilitate blended learning in schools, how the Lincoln Interactive online curriculum is developed and taught, and will have an opportunity to visit with virtual teachers.

The day will end with a discussion led by Dr. Robert Sommers regarding the integration of blended learning into Ohio schools. Dr. Sommers was appointed by Governor Kasich to the Office of 21st Century Learning in February of this year. He has over 25 years of experience in education, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Charter Schools in Detroit, and Chief Executive Officer of Butler Tech in Hamilton, Ohio.  

Members of the press are invited to attend. Please contact Toni Cicone Craig for more information.

Toni Cicone Craig |Communications Specialist
724.544.3744 | [email protected]

SOURCE National Network of Digital Schools