The Williamsburg board of education unanimously approved a virtual academy that will allow synchronous instruction for K-12 students both in the classroom and online during its regular meeting on April 20.
The district is currently utilizing synchronous learning because of the pandemic. Synchronous learning refers to online students learning at the same time as in-person students.
Williamsburg schools utilize campus learning, which is a system through infinite campus.
“We are putting together a plan that allows for synchronous work, whether it be elementary, middle or high, that come in from our teachers,” said Tim Melton, superintendent for Williamsburg Independent School.
Making sure the students stay connected and on track while learning virtually is a key part of the virtual academy.
The Corbin Board of Education took the first step to keep virtual learning as an option for the 2021-22 school year during a special called meeting Tuesday night by approving a virtual learning waiver.
Superintendent Dave Cox said it is not a guarantee that virtual learning will be offered at Corbin schools.
“The Kentucky Department of Education is just keeping track of which districts may offer some type of virtual learning,” Cox said explaining that the district may opt at a later date not to do so.
Cox said before a final decision is made, a survey will be sent out to parents/guardians to guage the amount of interest in students participating in virtual learning.
(Editor’s note: Towards the end of December, news organizations across the world annually publish lists of the top stories from each year. Let’s face it, COVID-19 is going to be the top story on pretty much every top 10 list everywhere. Given that 2020 is a year unlike any others, the staff of the News Journal has decided to do a top 10 list unlike any other.
With in-person classes canceled for the rest of the school year, and traditional graduations not possible because of COVID–19, local residents tried to help seniors make this a special year by placing signs on the north end of downtown Corbin celebrating the Corbin seniors in May. Williamsburg and Whitley County had similar efforts.