E-Learning produces first graduate for Hopkins County Schools Academy

Several weeks ago, the Bluegrass Institute released my new report, “Virtual schooling in Kentucky: Great promise with challenges,” about virtual learning systems in Kentucky.

It focused on the Kentucky Virtual High School system which serves both advanced students who want to take Advanced Placement courses and those students who have fallen behind and need special help.

Now, another variation of an e-learning program is starting to produce benefits in Hopkins County.

The Kentucky School Boards Association is echoing a Messenger (Madisonville) article about a new e-learning based program in Hopkins County that has already produced its first graduate. Instead of being a dropout, newly graduated Dillion Ellis is on his way to a potentially very worthwhile career as a diesel engine mechanic.

My only concern as I read the article is that the new Academy will graduate students with only 23 credits while the regular high schools in Hopkins County require either 25 or 27 credits to graduate. All still exceed the state minimum of 22 credits, however.

A “Well Done!” is in order for Hopkins County for harnessing the promise of technology for students who need extra help. This technology-based system is meeting needs of students who must work and need special schedules and other assistance which can be greatly facilitates with E-learning approaches.