Richard Thompson is the Dean of Students and Director of Operations at Swartz Creek Academy. The Academy is an alternative education school in Swartz Creek, Michigan, that provides students an opportunity to earn their diplomas by taking courses in online or blended formats. Richard’s program emphasizes rigor, responsibility, and growth when working with students in alternative settings. Michigan Virtual™ staff spoke with Richard about how his school establishes practices that focus on relationship building and allow students to take control of their learning. Hear directly from Richard in the videos below, and check out the YouTube playlist for even more insights.

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Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI) is a non-biased organization that exists to expand Michigan’s ability to support new learning models, engage in active research to inform new policies in online and blended learning, and strengthen the state’s infrastructures for sharing best practices. MVLRI works with all online learning environments to develop the best practices for the industry as a whole.

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Research

Innovation

Online Learning Program Self-Assessment Tool