Kansas - “Virtual Learning Accelerator”
Ready to take your virtual learning program to the next level?
The Virtual Learning Accelerator is a powerful, statewide initiative designed to help K-12 virtual schools and programs strengthen quality, increase impact, and operate with greater confidence and clarity. Developed through a strategic partnership between the Kansas State Department of Education and the EmpowerED Research Institute, this grant-subsidized program gives schools access to a full suite of research-based tools and supports - all grounded in the 2025 National Standards for Quality Online Programs.
Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)
The Comprehensive Needs Assessment is a structured, research-based process designed to help virtual programs take a clear-eyed look at where they stand. Using the 2025 National Standards for Quality Online Programs as a guide, the CNA examines key areas of strength, identifies gaps, and offers actionable insights. This foundational step empowers school leaders with the clarity and direction needed to prioritize improvement efforts and make informed decisions.
Monthly Leadership Coaching
Through personalized, one-on-one virtual coaching sessions, school leaders receive ongoing support tailored to their unique goals and challenges. Whether it’s navigating instructional leadership, refining operational processes, or executing improvement plans, monthly coaching provides strategic guidance, expert feedback, and a sounding board to help leaders stay focused and confident in driving program success.
“Ask Eddie!” AI Assistant
“Ask Eddie!” is your on-demand, AI-powered assistant built specifically for virtual program leaders. Available 24/7, Eddie provides quick, practical answers and standards-aligned advice rooted in best practices for online learning. Whether you need support with strategic planning, instructional practices, or day-to-day decision-making, Eddie delivers intelligent help right when you need it.
Micro-courses for Leaders
Designed with busy administrators in mind, these self-paced micro-courses help virtual leaders build their capacity in key areas such as instructional design, digital leadership, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Grounded in the National Standards for Quality, each course provides relevant, actionable content that directly supports the continuous improvement of virtual learning environments.
Teacher Professional Development
These flexible, high-impact micro-courses give virtual teachers access to affordable professional development that truly fits their needs. Focused on essential areas like student engagement, assessment strategies, and personalized instruction, the courses are designed to be immediately useful and deeply relevant to the online classroom experience.
Virtual-Specific Teacher Evaluation Tool
Built around the Redmer Model, this research-based evaluation tool is purposefully designed to assess and support teaching in virtual environments. It provides school leaders with a framework to offer meaningful, context-specific feedback that drives instructional growth, recognizes excellence, and supports educator development in online settings.
Student Data Privacy Agreements
The Accelerator includes access to an intuitive and easy-to-use platform for managing Kansas-specific student data privacy agreements. Schools can quickly find, review, and sign the necessary agreements - ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements while saving time and simplifying workflows.
Whether you're just starting out or refining a mature program, the Virtual Learning Accelerator is your roadmap to meaningful, measurable improvement.
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*** FOR KANSAS ONLY ***
Cost for joining the Accelerator program is only $6,800 thanks to an internal grant from the EmpowerED Research Institute.
Would you like to speak to someone at DLW to discuss being a part of the Virtual Learning Accelerator? Please complete the form below!
From a comprehensive needs assessment and expert coaching to micro-courses, an AI-powered assistant (“Ask Eddie!”), a virtual-specific teacher evaluation tool, and ready-to-use data privacy agreements, the Virtual Learning Accelerator meets your school where it is - and helps you grow from there.