Brandman University, Capistrano USD Partner To Enhance Online Learning and Teacher Development

  • By Kevin Hudson
  • 02/12/13

Brandman University and the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) have partnered to improve the online and virtual learning of California Preparatory Academy and Capistrano Virtual School (CVS) students.

Included among the online offerings enhanced via the partnership are the hybrid model Cal Prep offers in which students can take classes online but have regular face-to-face sessions with credentialed teachers, and CVS' online service of K-8 students with a curriculum that also allows participation in optional workshops and field trips.

These two virtual schools will function as a "lab" setting for CUSD teachers and Brandman University School of Education candidates in master's and doctoral degree programs. The lab school is intended to offer an authentic instructional environment for projects, observations, and action research surrounding the virtual learning modality.

The intended benefit of the partnership for Cal Prep and CVS teachers will come via their ability to participate in applicable professional development opportunities sponsored by Brandman University, which will also identify faculty members to provide customized support and professional development to CUSD teachers in the development and delivery of online learning.

"The students and staff of our virtual schools are the latest to benefit from the important relationship between our district and Brandman," said CUSD Superintendent Joseph Farley. "We look forward to working with Brandman students and faculty to provide our children with an exceptional educational experience."

As part of the partnership, Brandman University, CUSD, California Preparatory Academy, and Capistrano Virtual School will now be listed as partners in the California Alliance for Teacher Education, which serves as a central means of communication among all institutions listed in California who are developing partnerships to improve teacher education, with the stated purpose of highlighting effective strategies which focus on improvement and should be replicated and expanded throughout California.

Brandman University is a private, non-profit institution established in 1958 and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Brandman is a part of the Chapman University System and serves more than 12,000 students annually in 50+ undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs in arts and sciences, business, education and health, both offered online and through 26 campuses in California and Washington.

The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is a public school system founded in 1965 and serving seven cities in South Orange County, CA. CUSD is the 10th largest school district in the state of California and currently educates 52,000 students on 56 school campuses.

About the Author

Kevin Hudson is a freelance journalist based in Portland, Oregon. He can be reached at [email protected].

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