6 steps to help your student succeed in VHS Learning courses

By: Amy Michalowski

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more students have utilized online learning than ever before. But all students are different; some might be self-starters while others are still learning to develop their time management skills. Rest assured, with the proper support and encouragement students can succeed in online learning. You can help your student by meeting with them periodically, reviewing their progress together, and helping them develop healthy study habits. Monitoring and early intervention helps students get back on track before their work becomes too overwhelming. Here are 6 steps you can take to help your student succeed in their VHS Learning class:

1. Be aware of course expectations and due dates
   Make sure your student prints out the checklist found in the overview of each week. Sit down together to strategize how and when your student will complete each week’s assignments.
2. Encourage communication with the teacher
   VHS Learning courses are taught by experienced high school teachers. Each student has a private topic discussion thread where they can request support from their teacher one-on-one by asking questions, seeking clarification, and sharing their individual circumstances.
3. Encourage attendance at office hours
   If your student is struggling to complete work or has a question about an assignment, encourage them to attend office hours. Teachers host office hours to explain challenging concepts, answer questions, and chat with students. Office hours are shared through class News items and can be requested by students as needed.
4. Show interest in your student’s progress
   Students perform better when they know an adult in their life is interested in their success. Talk to your student about managing due dates and ask your student to check off assignments as work is completed, to help stay on track.
5. Review the weekly progress report
   When parent or guardian information is entered into our student information system, you will receive a weekly progress report via email. Review the email with your student each week, paying particular attention to the last date they accessed their course. Remind your student, if needed, that they must log in consistently throughout the week to complete assignments. If you do not receive this email, click here to learn how your student can add your email address to the mailing list.
6. Establish a Routine
   One benefit of VHS Learning classes is being able to work at any time, day or night. However, when something can get done at anytime, it sometimes gets done at no time. Help your student establish a schedule and routines so they learn to manage their time and pace their work. Students are expected to attend and participate in their courses daily throughout the week and complete their work by the due dates. VHS Learning courses take about 6-8 hours per week (10-12 for Advanced Placement^®).