Blended Learning

Middlesex Regional Ed Services Cooperative Deploys Hybrid Program for 3 Schools

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/29/15

New Jersey's Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC) has launched a hybrid learning program at three member schools in an effort to increase student engagement and promote academic growth.

As part of the program, English language arts and mathematics students at K-12 NuView Academy, grades 5-12 Raritan Valley Academy and grades 7-12 Middlesex County Academy "will receive personalized learning options and engage in collaborative, self-directed learning activities designed to teach skills like critical thinking, problem solving and digital citizenship," according to a news release. "Teachers will infuse technology into the learning process, collaborate with one another to improve their understanding of learning strategies and be equipped to reach their students at an individual level in order to meet their personalized needs."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for MRESC and our students," said Gary Molenaar, assistant superintendent at MRESC, in a prepared statement. "Our students will utilize content and technology tools to increase student achievement and improve their skills in ways that will benefit them for years to come."

Teachers at the schools will be provided with several full days of training, monthly professional development and regular meetings with a hybrid learning coach to provide support, feedback and resources.

"We believe that a blended learning program that includes direct instruction, collaboration and independent learning represents a shift in instructional strategy that will result in dramatic improvement in academic achievement," added Molenaar.