Leadership and Advocacy
Leading the Way in Online Learning: Leadership, Advocacy, and Impact
At the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), our member organizations and their experienced staff stand at the forefront of online education, driving meaningful change and setting the standard for excellence. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of online pedagogy, our members not only lead successful virtual programs but also advocate for policies, resources, and practices that ensure online learning remains accessible, effective, and impactful for every learner—regardless of background, or location.
Through a commitment to continuous improvement, VLLA leaders address emerging challenges, share proven strategies, and shape the future of online education.
Discover how the VLLA leaders drives innovation, and expand opportunities, making quality online education a reality for all learners, one state at a time, nationwide.
Member Projects
1
Michigan Virtual AI Lab: Local mission, National impression
The Michigan Virtual AI Lab emerged with the trailblazing release in August 2023 of a comprehensive AI Integration Framework to guide K-12 schools and districts. This was soon adopted by the VLLA for its member states. Building on this foundation, the lab officially launched in October 2023 with a clear mission: advancing ethical and practical AI applications in K-12 education. The lab’s influence grew rapidly through extensive community engagement, reaching over 13,000 participants through 300+ events during the next 18 months.
A significant milestone came in December 2023 with their first AI Summit, partnering with MACUL to host 400 educators. The lab then launched an innovative Khanmigo pilot program, bringing AI-assisted learning to 700 students across 13 districts. Collaboration became a cornerstone of their approach, forming a Statewide AI workgroup with 17 education associations and providing direct AI integration support to school districts.
The impact appeared to reach crescendo at the 2024 AI Summit, which more than doubled attendance to 875 participants! During that same month, the USDOE linked the AI Lab to the AI Lab as the only state-level organization among three national organizations. This was followed by Michigan Department of Education’s endorsement as a “national leader” and endorsing their resources as the state’s official AI guidance for districts. Through research, publications, and training programs reaching 40+ districts, the Lab has become an essential resource for AI integration in education.
All of these resources and contact information for support from the AI Lab can be located at: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai/
2
The National Standards for Quality Online Learning (NSQOL) – Framework for Quality
The National Standards for Quality Online Learning is a collaborative initiative dedicated to promoting and continuously refining the National Standards for Quality Online Courses, Programs, and Teaching. Led by a partnership between the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance, Quality Matters and DLAC, formerly the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC), this effort is strengthened by broad community input and support, ensuring the standards remain relevant, effective, and aligned with best practices in online education.
The three sets of standards provide the K-12 online learning community with a current, openly licensed framework for evaluating and enhancing online courses, teaching, and programs. Designed for flexibility, these standards empower educational leaders to adapt them to the unique needs of various program types, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with best practices in online learning.
3
Partnership in Action: Supporting AI Integration for Educators
Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS), Wisconsin eSchool Network (WEN), and Michigan Virtual, all members of the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), collaborated to support Wisconsin educators in developing their Roadmap for AI in local schools. Leveraging the expertise and shared resources of the VLLA, this initiative was guided by the Planning Guide for AI: A Framework for School Districts, created by Michigan Virtual.
In Wisconsin, WVS and WEN partner with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to form the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC), a unique collaboration that provides access to digital learning opportunities and professional development to public and private schools statewide.
This partnership was showcased at the School Leaders Advancing Technology through Education (SLATE) annual conference in Wisconsin. The WDLC Pre-Con event attracted over 100 attendees and featured keynote sessions by Justin Bruno and Ken Dirkin from Michigan Virtual. Breakout sessions equipped teams with actionable planning tools and resources to spark meaningful AI discussions in their home districts. This event highlights the power of collaboration among VLLA members to empower educators and foster innovation in digital and AI integration
