News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren Schools have increased funding for online career and technical learning.
The Board of Education approved a budget amendment adding about $6,500 to purchase a new online curriculum. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said the school system was not prepared for classes to move virtual, and lacked online programs.
“We found this program,” Cole said. “It is called iCEV. Our instructors work well with it, and it encompasses what they need to teach. For those kids that go virtual, this is a virtual component of it.”
Cole said providing high school students with trade skills during a pandemic can be difficult but remains a priority. The program will replace the hands on learning for about 40 students. The curriculum includes real world projects and detailed lesson plans for instructors.
“It would be ideal for them to be here, but I understand there are reasons they can not be, and that is fine,” Cole said. “We have to equip them with as much as we can, as much hands on as possible, and them not be here.”
Cole said the school system has enough technology to provide the total 88 students learning virtually. The purpose of iCEV is to prepare students to become industry certified in their specific field.
