Pennsylvania Pumps $633,000 into Hybrid Learning -- THE Journal

Distance Learning

Pennsylvania Pumps $633,000 into Hybrid Learning

By Joshua Bolkan
05/28/13

Pennsylvania will award $633,000 to 34 educational institutions to speed up the implementation of hybrid learning programs in the state.

A reallocation of federal Title II, Part A funds, which are intended to go to efforts designed to improve teacher and principal quality, the money "will help pay for a rigorous professional development program to help educators transform the culture and infrastructure to accommodate student personalized learning," according to a news release about the awards. "The program includes onsite evaluations of current academic services, tours of existing hybrid schools and collaborative workshops, and digital content and information systems."

"Blending traditional teaching methods with new technology tools is creating student-centered classrooms that motivate students to succeed and increase their engagement in school," Governor Tom Corbett said, in a prepared statement. "This innovative instructional method accommodates all students regardless of their learning style. Hybrid learning is just one of the new 21st century models that keep students at the center of our education system to ensure their success. These schools are to be applauded for incorporating hybrid learning into their educational program for the benefit of students,"

This round of funding follows a $1.1 million grant that went to 15 districts to launch a pilot program in 2012. That program included more than 1,900 students and nearly 50 instructors, and is showing "evidence of increased student engagement and high levels of satisfaction from teachers, students, and parents," according to a news release from the governor's office.

The institutions and the amount of money received include:

Bethlehem Catholic High School, $17,500;
Bishop McDevitt High School, $13,250;
Brandywine Heights Area School District, $25,000;
Carbondale Area School District, $17,500;
Dayspring Christian Academy, $17,250;
Eastern Lebanon County School District, $17,250;
Hatboro-Horsham School District, $18,750;
Homer-Center School District, $20,000;
Indiana Area School District, $20,000;
Lancaster Catholic High School, $17,250;
Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 Alternative Learning Center, $17,500;
Manheim Township School District, $17,250;
Marian High School, $17,500;
Mid Valley School District, $17,500;
Mountain View School District, $17,500;
New Covenant Christian School, $11,750;
North Schuylkill School District, $20,000;
North Star School District, $19,500;
Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 Learning Center, $17,500;
Northern Cambria School District, $19,500;
Northwest Area School District, $20,000;
Parkland School District, $25,000;
Perkiomen Valley School District, $18,750;
Pine Grove Area School District, $20,000;
Pittston Area School District, $17,500;
Pius X High School, $17,500;
Richland School District, $17,500;
Schuylkill Haven Area School District, $17,500;
Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Technology Center, $17,500;
Shanksville-Stonycreek School District, $17,500;
Shenandoah Valley School District, $20,000;
Wallenpaupack Area School District, $17,500;
Wyoming Area School District, $17,500; and
York City School District, $30,000.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

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