Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• Pennsylvania does not have a statewide virtual school, but the state does have 14 multi-district cyber charter schools. 

• Several school districts offer online education, such as the Virtual Academy by the Philadelphia School District, Pittsburgh School District’s Online Academy, Allentown School District’s Virtual Campus, and Reading School District’s Virtual Academy. 

• Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Units (IUs) have 14 virtual school options, including the Capital Area Online Learning Association (COALA), the state’s online learning consortium and supported by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit.

• Impressively, Pennsylvania is home to 15 members of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Pennsylvania Department of Education hosts resources on its website, including some that offer online, virtual, and remote learning opportunities.

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Pennsylvania has multiple regional Career Technology Centers (CTC) that offer community-based career and technical training. Some of these programs have partnered with post-secondary institutions to allow students to pursue college-credits while finishing their high school education. Students can pursue industry-recognized credentials for these programs.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• Pennsylvania has yet to meaningfully promote policies that customize learning for all students, but there are a few grassroots efforts in promoting innovation across the state.

• The Southwestern Pennsylvania Personalized Learning Network connects educators and provides resources for personalized learning.

• In 2019, HB1615 established Innovation Schools, which provide flexibility within eight categories, including academic testing, behavioral health services, and academic assistance. However, the legislation stipulates eligibility requirements; schools able to apply for innovation designation must be operating within a federal promise zone, have an established partnership with behavioral health specialists, and are within the lowest 5% of all schools in the Commonwealth, determined by the percentage of economically disadvantaged enrollment. It is unclear whether any schools or districts have elected into the Innovation designation.