The Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC), along with Dellicker Strategies and the Hybrid Learning Institute (HLI), today announced a new “hybrid learning” initiative designed to promote academic growth and increase student engagement in three schools. The program blends the best of traditional teaching methods with promising new technologies to create “hybrid” classrooms in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for MRESC and our students,” said Gary Molenaar, Assistant Superintendent. “Our students will utilize content and technology tools to increase student achievement and improve their skills in ways that will benefit them for years to come.”
In the MRESC Hybrid Learning Program, students will receive personalized learning options and engage in collaborative, self-directed learning activities designed to teach skills like critical thinking, problem solving and digital citizenship. Teachers will infuse technology into the learning process, collaborate with one another to improve their understanding of learning strategies and be equipped to reach their students at an individual level in order to meet their personalized needs.
MRESC is implementing the program at NuView Academy (grades K-12), Raritan Valley Academy (grades 5-12) and at Middlesex County Academy (grades 7-12). “We believe that a blended learning program that includes direct instruction, collaboration and independent learning represents a shift in instructional strategy that will result in dramatic improvement in academic achievement,” added Molenaar.
MRESC provides support for each school including several full days of training and monthly professional development sessions with the teachers. A hybrid learning coach will also meet with the teachers on a regular basis in their classrooms to provide just-in-time support, feedback and resources.
About The Hybrid Learning Institute and Dellicker Strategies
The Hybrid Learning Institute helps schools adopt innovative technologies and teaching methods to personalize learning and motivate students. Dellicker Strategies is the lead consultant to The Hybrid Learning Institute, a national effort to promote, plan and implement promising blended models for student-centric education in mainstream schools. For more information visit: www.dellicker.com or www.hybridlearninginstitute.com
About The Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC)
The Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC), operates seven schools, providing a range of services for students ages 3-21 with autism, multiple disabilities and at-risk behavior, and facilitates a clinical support program for students 5-21 years old. For more information: www.mresc.k12.nj.us
