VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization with nearly 30 years of experience providing world-class online programs to students and schools everywhere. With a long history of setting standards for quality online education, VHS Learning continues to make significant contributions to the field. Amy Michalowski, the Dean of VHS Learning and an executive board member of the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), is currently co-leading a refresh of the National Standards for Quality Online Programs. This effort is part of an overall update of the National Standards for Quality, which are openly licensed standards designed to evaluate and improve online education.
The VLLA collaborates with Quality Matters (QM) and the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC) to oversee the standards and ensure their relevance. In addition to online programs, the NSQ leadership team is also addressing online courses and online teaching. Michalowski, along with Dr. Chris Harrington of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, is co-chairing the update of the online program standards.
Having been a long-time supporter of quality education, Michalowski also contributed to the original authoring of the National Standards for Quality by providing general review and feedback of the standards. She expressed her commitment to providing high-quality courses to schools and students who may not otherwise have access to them. As the Dean of VHS Learning, Michalowski is responsible for overseeing curriculum and instruction, developing strategic learning initiatives, securing accreditation, administering professional development offerings, and strategic planning.
With over 20 years of experience in online learning, Michalowski is a licensed superintendent and has participated in virtual school evaluations as part of Massachusetts’ Digital Learning Advisory Council. She emphasized VHS Learning’s commitment to setting standards for quality online education, highlighting that their design and delivery standards were used as a model by the National Education Association and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning.
The revised standards for quality online programs are set to be available in early 2025 on the National Standards for Quality Online Learning website. VHS Learning, accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), offers over 250 online high school courses to more than 500 schools worldwide. These courses include AP® courses, credit recovery, and enrichment courses, approved for initial eligibility by NCAA.
In conclusion, VHS Learning continues to be a leader in providing quality online education to students and schools globally. With their commitment to setting and maintaining high standards for online programs, VHS Learning ensures that students have access to quality online learning experiences. For more information about VHS Learning, visit their website at https://www.vhslearning.org/.