Preparing students for college and careers: Microsoft Certification Program

Preparing students for college and careers: Certification program positively validates in-demand technology skills

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Where do you want your learning to take you and how can KPBSD help you get there?

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program awarded 243 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications—an industry recognized, standards-based credential for validating Microsoft Office skills.

“As we reach this milestone of certifying 243 students and teachers so far in the two years since becoming a Microsoft Certification Testing Center, we have seen the immediate benefits of helping our students earn the Microsoft Office Specialist certification,” said Darren Jones, Distance Learning Technology Teacher for the KPBSD. “Many students and teachers discovered an interest in technology, and took advantage of the opportunity to increase their competence, productivity, and credibility with their expertise in the Microsoft Office products. We look forward to helping many more students and teachers earn this valuable industry credential in the coming years.” Every high school student in the district can enroll and take the necessary trainings to earn the coveted Microsoft Certifications through KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program.

Celebrate elite MOS status

Sarina Wilkinson, a Soldotna Prep ninth grader will attend Soldotna High School in August, and in her ninth grade year earned five of the six certifications offered during her first year of high school! She earned certifications in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and MS Word Expert. She earned two high school credits in her ninth grade year, and she will earn as many as 12 concurrent college credits from UAA. When she completes her final exam (she said it’s really tough!) she will earn the distinction of being the second and youngest KPBSD student to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master!

Emerald Miller, a Homer Connections Homeschool student graduated with the Class of 2019, and is the first student in the KPBSD to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master! She took Distance Computer Applications 1 and 2 during her junior year and Computer Applications 3 and 4 in her senior year earning her certifications in all six MS Office courses to the highest elite status. She will also have to opportunity to earn as many as 12 college credits from UAA for the successful completion of these KPBSD classes.

"We are pleased KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program has successfully implemented the MOS certification and is awarding these valuable credentials to help so many students prepare for a further education and build their resume," said Aaron Osmond, General Manager, Certiport. "As more students realize the value of certification, their program will continue to grow and these individuals will begin to proliferate and improve the local workforce.”

The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is delivered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, and recognized globally as the premier credential for individuals seeking to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the Microsoft Office applications. With more than two million exams taken annually in 148 countries, MOS is the leading IT certification in the world.

About Distance Learning

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program offers a wide range of classes through an online format. The Distance Learning Program uses a variety of instructional material including teacher created materials and materials purchased from vendors such as Florida Virtual School and Aventa Learning. Online courses are delivered through the district’s Canvas learning management system (LMS). Canvas is a popular learning management system used by many secondary and post-secondary educational institutions around the world. The Distance Learning Program also utilizes multiple methods of communication including desktop conferencing tools such as Skype for Business, Google Hangouts, and others. The Distance Learning staff is also available via appointment, telephone, and email. 

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will inspire all learners to pursue their dreams in a rigorous, relevant, and responsive environment.