TAYLOR — District students who dropped out or were expelled might get a second chance at an education.

Assistant Supt. Brian Theil said school board members are “seriously considering” bringing in an outside company to help lower dropout rates.

The American Academy, based in Salt Lake City, gave a presentation to the board Aug. 16, showcasing its dropout recovery program, but board members have not yet approved a contract.

According to a press release, The American Academy “serves high school-age students by enrolling them back into their local school district and providing a full-time online program with local mentoring.”

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) Two thousand Utah students are in a school without classrooms and their teachers could be across the country. The first public virtual charter school in Utah welcomed back students online this week.

Utah Virtual Academy offers classes to students K-12. Jeff Herr, Head of School for the academy says it’s accredited, and utilizes only certified teachers. It is tuition free, public education. All materials, including workbooks, text books, and instructional materials are delivered to the student’s home.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Monday students from Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA), the first public virtual charter school in Utah, begin online classes for the start of the 2010-2011 school year. The Utah Virtual Academy uses the award-winning K12 curriculum. The academy is a high-quality, tuition-free public school that creates an online learning experience individualized for each child.

“Utah Virtual Academy customizes its academic programs to each child’s specific learning needs, supported by the best certified teachers in Utah,” said Jeff Herr, Head of School for Utah Virtual Academy. “We are looking forward to another successful and fun school year.”

For the rest of the article, go to Power Up the Computer, Utah Virtual Academy Begins 2010 School Year

SALT LAKE CITY — A math teacher from the Open High School of Utah has been named Utah Charter Educator of the Year by a statewide association for charter schools.

Sarah Weston is the first online teacher to receive the award from the Utah Association of Public Schools. The group annually recognizes charter school teachers for excellence and innovation.

There are 72 charter schools across Utah. The Open High School is an online-only curriculum.

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Park City Independent