Gov. Kevin Stitt announced details regarding “Learn Anywhere Oklahoma,” a new initiative that will use the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to provide statewide access to digital content for both core classes and advanced coursework to students in kindergarten through grade 12.

The governor has designated $12 million for the online content with oversight from virtual teachers of record. The Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program (OSOCP) will purchase the content from education publisher Edmentum and ensure it is both rigorous and aligns with state standards.

“This initiative will help address academic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stitt. “While we must take the necessary precautions to slow the spread of the virus and keep our vulnerable populations safe, we must also prioritize our students’ learning. Learn Anywhere OK accomplishes both goals. It will allow schools to safely serve families with at-risk members, and should an outbreak occur, it can be used to continue remote learning.”

State officials say that Oklahoma continues to combat the issue of rural students often lacking access to some advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement, foreign language and STEM courses.

Learn Anywhere OK will help address this inequity by ensuring students, no matter their location, are given equal access to content that enriches and expands their learning.

“While there are many districts across the state that already offer quality virtual school options, some struggle with the costs of providing varied course offerings for multiple grade levels,” said Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent April Grace.

“The state providing this virtual opportunity may be helpful to those districts that may not otherwise have the financial resources necessary to expand their online learning options especially during this challenging time.”

For information, go to learnanywhereok.org or call 405-645-7750.