, the nonprofit pioneer of K-12 online learning, today announced that their President & CEO, Jeffrey A. Elliott, has been selected to serve on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s Digital Learning Advisory Council.

The Council was created this year as a result of the 2013 virtual schools legislation to advise the Massachusetts Board of Education and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education on the creation of virtual education policies and online education best practices. Elliott joins representatives from schools, colleges and organizations, such as Harvard University, Boston Public Schools, Boston College and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

VHS’ mission is to provide students with access to high quality online and blended learning experiences, while supporting educators with the professional development and services they need to provide an effective 21st century education to every student. VHS partner schools have access to a wide range of core, elective, and AP® courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning as well as enable students to develop independent learning skills, explore college majors and careers, earn credits and participate in global classrooms. Courses are taught by highly qualified  teachers who are specially trained in online teaching best practices, and are certified in their subject areas.

“VHS has been providing online courses to Massachusetts middle and high school students for 18 years so we are uniquely suited to help shape the future of education in the commonwealth,” said Elliott. “I look forward to lending my expertise and helping to improve access and equity for all.”

About THE VHS Collaborative
The Virtual High School Collaborative is the pioneer of K-12 online learning. Since 1995, the nonprofit organization has been setting the standard for quality online education. VHS provides courses taught in global online classrooms for secondary school students and online professional development in 21st century teaching for educators.  The organization also meets the unique educational needs of schools through custom course development, private course offerings, and support for blended learning initiatives.

VHS’ design and delivery standards was the model used by the National Education Association in their recommended standards for online learning.  The organization has won numerous awards, including the Stockholm Challenge Award for Global Excellence in Information Technology and is a three-time winner of the United States Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) award for Excellence in Programming and Excellence in Best Practices. For more information, visit www.thevhscollaborative.org or call (978) 897-1900.