STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy will address new developments in education with two presentations during the Ohio School Boards Association’s 70th annual Capital Conference Nov. 16-19 in Columbus.

On Nov. 17, from 12:30-12:40 p.m., Director Mark Masloski will share his and his staff’s expertise with “How ESCs Enhance Virtual Learning Success.” The session will explore the role of educational service centers in supporting school districts through virtual learning solutions.

Masloski will highlight strategies for improving student engagement, accessibility, and sustained instructional support, showcasing how ESCs help districts meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.

Later that day from 4-5 p.m. Masloski and Assistant Director Martariesa Logue will present “From Data to Decisions: Mastering ODEW Compliance,” directed at helping school administrators and district leaders navigate Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reporting requirements. This talk will delve into best practices for accurate reporting, strategies to avoid common compliance pitfalls, and how to leverage educational data to both meet mandates and drive meaningful, data-informed decisions at the district level.

Masloski said school board members, superintendents and treasurers from across the state will be in attendance throughout the conference.

“Every area of Ohio will be represented,” he said.

He added JCESC has been an integral part of the conference for more than a decade. The VLA program itself has kept pace with the evolving educational landscape and adapts its services.

“One of our prime focuses is the online curriculum and making sure that we’re meeting the needs of the schools today,” Masloski said. “Just letting everybody know the variety of things that we’re able to do, and also letting them know how important this mission in education is to be effective in a timely manner.”

Masloski said VLA is also prioritizing ensuring the credibility of curriculum and the students’ own work, particularly in an age of artificial intelligence.

“Making sure we’re able to get the most authentic responses from our students as possible,” he said.

Assistant VLA Director Martariesa Logue said they check for critical thinking by providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their comprehension of the material when writing their essays.

“We ask the students for their opinion instead of asking for facts, then following up,” she said.

Masloski and Logue also emphasized the role of JCESC in providing guidance and support to member districts. JCESC VLA serves multiple schools in Ohio and beyond.

“We try to do all the legwork for them, so all they need to do is concentrate on the student and themselves. We do that with a professional development team,” Masloski said.

Upcoming live webinars are scheduled for Oct 30, featuring Director of Communication Services Mark Bobo of the Ohio School Boards Association, Nov. 20 featuring School Partnership Associate Kailey Rinehart of Edpuzzle, and Jan. 29 featuring Sales Development Representative Hunter Dewey of Britannica Education. The Zoom link is https://jcesc-org.zoom.us/j/5587795858?omn=89193437642.

Located in the R. Larry George Training Annex at 1913 Estelle Ave., Steubenville, the VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx or contact VLA staff at vla@jcesc.org or 740-283-3347 ext. 100.