VLA Teacher Blog

Monday, September 29, 2025

Live Webinar Alert (9/19/25)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

📢 LIVE Webinar Alert! 🎉

Join the Jefferson County ESC Virtual Learning Academy for an exciting webinar on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at 11:11 AM!

We'll be featuring Mike Edelman, Director of Education from Ideastream Public Media, as we highlight our partnership and explore how NewsDepth is bringing current events to life for students. 🌍✨

🗓 Date: September 25, 2025

⏰Time: 11:11 AM – 11:30 AM

📍Location: Zoom

🔗 Zoom Link: https://jcesc-org.zoom.us/j/5587795858?omn=89193437642

Want to add this event to your calendar?

Click this link! https://calget.com/14i66pcr

Don't miss this chance to see how engaging, real-world learning connects to our Current Events course!

In case you missed it!

Below are links to view previous webinars:

December, "Current Events": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6769a7e1c67105b88e3b7cfd

January, "Conservation Science": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6793d7543faeb7b5954a4b4a

February, "VLA Review of OETC '25": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67c1f48417e65ab15aa932b6

March, "What is VLA?": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67e6f330c454d1e13e26b2fe

April, "VLA in Full Bloom": https://edpuzzle.com/media/680bb04afbad2de94d4871c4

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Current Events Course (9/12/25)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

Did you know the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy offers a Current Events course to students?

What is NewsDepth?

NewsDepth is a weekly digital series created by Ideastream Public Media that breaks down major news stories into engaging, teachable lessons. It also covers science, civics, Ohio history, and art, all aligned with Ohio's learning standards.

Educational Design & Engagement

Each episode encourages student interaction through letter writing and online polls, with standout responses featured on the show. The “A+” segment highlights creative student work and community contributions while supporting media literacy.

At VLA, we use this series as the foundation for our Current Events course, which includes multiple-choice, extended response, fill-in-the-blank, and feedback-based questions.

For more information, see the video below!

In case you missed it!

Below are links to view previous webinars:

December, "Current Events": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6769a7e1c67105b88e3b7cfd

January, "Conservation Science": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6793d7543faeb7b5954a4b4a

February, "VLA Review of OETC '25": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67c1f48417e65ab15aa932b6

March, "What is VLA?": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67e6f330c454d1e13e26b2fe

April, "VLA in Full Bloom": https://edpuzzle.com/media/680bb04afbad2de94d4871c4

Friday, September 12, 2025

Important VLA Update (9/5/25)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

📢 Attention VLA Users

Important Update: The VLA system has been enhanced to encourage better student engagement and comprehension.

⏱️ 10-Minute Assessment Timer

Most regular VLA courses now include a 10-minute delay before students can access assessments.

This short pause gives students time to:

- Read the lesson content

- Watch videos

- Complete interactive activities

🏷️ Courses Without the Timer

Courses labeled “CR” (Credit Recovery) or “M” (Modified) do not have this timer, allowing students to work at their own pace.

✅ Why This Matters

We have found this approach:

- Reduces the tendency to skip straight to the questions

- Encourages meaningful engagement with lesson content

- Supports comprehension, confidence, and academic honesty

(740) 283-3347

vla@jcesc.org

In case you missed it!

Below are links to view previous webinars:

December, "Current Events": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6769a7e1c67105b88e3b7cfd

January, "Conservation Science": https://edpuzzle.com/media/6793d7543faeb7b5954a4b4a

February, "VLA Review of OETC '25": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67c1f48417e65ab15aa932b6

March, "What is VLA?": https://edpuzzle.com/media/67e6f330c454d1e13e26b2fe

April, "VLA in Full Bloom": https://edpuzzle.com/media/680bb04afbad2de94d4871c4

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Computer Science Temporary Licensure (9/2/25)

9-02-2025

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Email bulletin

Computer Science

Computer Science Temporary Licensure

As part of Ohio's effort to increase computer science education, Ohio has made permanent the provision that allows a school district, community school, or STEM school to permit an individual who holds a valid educator license in any of grades kindergarten through twelve to teach a computer science course. This is possible if, prior to teaching the course, the individual completes a professional development program, approved by the district superintendent or school principal, that provides content knowledge specific to the course the individual will teach.

This provision allows the individual to teach a computer science course in a school district or school that employed the individual at the time the individual completed the professional development program.

The superintendent or principal shall approve any professional development program endorsed by the organization that creates and administers the national Advanced Placement examinations as appropriate for the course the individual will teach.

The superintendent or principal MUST approve any College Board professional development.
The superintendent or principal MAY approve any other professional development.

To ensure all data is reported accurately and to provide schools, districts, and the public with an accurate picture of how your district is serving students, the Department has created the Computer Science Eligibility Verification Form for reporting the computer science courses and teacher professional development that was completed. The deadline for the Computer Science Eligibility Verification for the FY 2026 school year is December 31, 2025.

Please contact computerscience@education.ohio.gov with any questions.

Friday, August 29, 2025

Workplace Readiness Skills Course (8/29/25)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

Did you know the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy offers a Workplace Readiness Skills course to students?

This 36-unit course teaches students the essential skills needed to succeed in today's workforce. Workplace Readiness Skills units aim to give students the knowledge, confidence, and tools necessary to thrive in any work environment!

This course equips students with essential workplace readiness skills, including communication, professionalism, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management to prepare them for career success.

Want to learn more?

Click the video below!