Learn Anywhere Oklahoma Reopens For School Districts To Claim Credits For Digital Learning Resources

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 15, 2021) - Learn Anywhere Oklahoma, a digital learning initiative launched by Governor Kevin Stitt in August 2020, announced today it is re-opening the window for PreK-12th grade schools to claim credits for free digital learning resources to support education efforts and supplemental course needs during the pandemic. Learn Anywhere Oklahoma has provided flexibility to districts to expand course options and provide virtual learning tools to meet individual student needs all while keeping them enrolled and engaged in the district. 

Roughly $1.2 million in unclaimed credits are available to all school districts until funds are depleted on a first come, first served basis. School districts can claim these credits by visiting https://www.learnanywhereok.org or calling the help desk at (405) 645-7750. 

“I have been thrilled to witness the success of Learn Anywhere Oklahoma in bridging the gap in education resources and courses no matter where a student lives or chooses to attend school in our state,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters. “Partnerships between virtual education entities and brick-and-mortar schools have never been in higher demand, and we must continue to cultivate these collaborations to empower Oklahoma students, parents, and educators with expanded access to quality education well into the future.” 

The virtual curriculum provider Edmentum has also agreed to return early $900,000 in unclaimed program funds for reallocation through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.  

“Programs like Learn Anywhere Oklahoma that provide quality resources to our students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources are exactly what Oklahoma needs,” said Gov. Stitt. “We went into the fall semester unsure of what learning was going to look like. The Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program partnered with the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center to put together a program that has given our brick-and-mortar public schools flexibility and nimbleness to enhance their local education plans and to keep schools open and serving all students well and seamlessly.” 

Learn Anywhere Oklahoma partnered with virtual curriculum provider Edmentum to offer a robust library of learning resources to students and school districts during a year when virtual learning was absolutely crucial, yet still new to many. The program’s total budget was $12 million, and thanks to the efficiency of the program administrators at the Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program and the Learn Anywhere Helpdesk team at the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, the state will see some of those unused dollars returned. 

Through Learn Anywhere Oklahoma, two different digital learning support paths are being offered to students across the state: a free digital content library for all Oklahoma students grades 6-12 and a district allocation program that provides K-12 courses for public school districts. Claimed credits will be eligible for districts to use throughout 2021, including the spring, summer and fall semesters.   

Since its inception, 265 of Oklahoma’s 547 districts opted into the free virtual courseware program, giving students access to Edmentum’s library of more than 300 courses as well as OnDemand onboarding support and resources for administrators, and teachers on the use of the curriculum. To date, $2,783,510 has been granted to public school districts to provide K-12 courses through the virtual instruction program, allowing schools to offer virtual courses in specialized subjects like advanced placement courses, STEM subjects and world languages all taught by certified Oklahoma teachers. 

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of new social and mental health challenges for the students and families we serve, Learn Anywhere Oklahoma is equipping our school to provide much-needed stability,” said Millwood Public Schools Superintendent Cecilia J. Robinson-Woods. “The program’s structure allowed us to communicate clear plans for the school year with families, giving our teachers confidence and easing the fear of the unknown when it comes to digital learning.” 

“The Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program is a clear win for public schools, regardless of size or pre-established virtual learning plans,” said Jenks Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stacey Butterfield. “This public-private partnership offers access to quality, diversified courseware for our students at no additional cost to the district to complement our current virtual learning resources.” 

“Enriched course offerings are incredibly beneficial for smaller school districts like ours,” said Pauls Valley Public Schools Superintendent Mike Martin. “In addition to granting access to specialized coursework, Learn Anywhere Oklahoma also provides training for our educators, preparing them to teach under new and challenging circumstances.”