It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page for Thursday, October 30, 2025.
In part three of our series on flexible learning in the Mat-Su, we look at iTech coursework.
iTech Learning is a fully online program in the Mat-Su Borough School District that blends student independence with strong support and personal connection.
Students can complete all of their credits online, but they are not on their own. Each student is paired with a Mat-Su teacher and an in-person mentor to help them stay on track.
iTech offers core subjects, Advanced Placement courses, and career and technical education courses. Classes are delivered through APEX Learning and locally developed courses, such as Alaska history. All coursework is free.
iTech gives students in smaller schools access to the same academic options as those in larger schools with its eight AP courses and 13 CTE concentrator courses.
It supports about 800 course enrollments and is staffed by four full-time virtual teachers. Its adaptive platform lets students progress at their own pace.
iTech has grown into a full graduation pathway since its launch in 2012 as a credit recovery option.
It supports standard, honors, and honors with distinction diplomas. Many courses are NCAA- and College Board–approved and meet Alaska Performance Scholarship criteria.
Director of Teaching and Learning Alalireza Larijani said iTech is one of the district’s most popular flexible models. “There are flexible ways to earn credit,” he said. “It’s not as linear as you might think.” The program, he added, is grounded in the idea that connection can happen anywhere.
Larijani said the even though the program’s strength is flexibility in pace, schedule, and location, students still need adult support. “At some point,” he said, “the student needs to be connected to an adult in some way.”
iTech students remain actively enrolled at their school and are scheduled into a daily class period devoted to iTech. This time is used for organization, proctored exams, or study with support from a site coordinator/mentor. Progress monitoring and parent communication follow the same schedule as in-person learning.
Virtual teacher Jenny Barnes said, “I love getting to watch students mature and take ownership of their own learning with iTech.”
To help families decide if iTech is the right fit, the district offers an online quiz on the iTech webpage. More information is available on the Mat-Su Borough School District website under Programs.
Here are some happenings:
The City of Palmer and RESPEC are holding an open house at the Palmer Depot from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.tonight. Learn about the Central Business District Parking and Pedestrian Access Plan and give your input.
Steve Norwood plays at the Alehouse tonight beginning at 7pm. The show is part of the Alehouse’s Winter Concert series held on Thursdays in the upstairs lounge.
Tomorrow from 2:30 p.m. – 8:45 pm, there’s a Trick or Treat Skate Party at the MTA Events Center in Palmer with skating, activities and smiles. The fee is $5 and includes skate rental. Show up in costume to get in free.
The skate times are:
- 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – families with toddlers and strollers
- 4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – families with elementary kids
- 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. all ages
From 3 p.m. – 8 p.m tomorrow is the Halloween Hollow at Raven Hall on the State Fair Grounds. This annual benefit for Mat-Su Special Santa has an entry fee of $6 or 1 new unwrapped toy per person. The event includes candy, games and food. Please note: all adults must be mask-free.
From 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Ghostbusters+ Movie Party at the Youth Archive, 918 S Colony Way, Palmer. Archive members and guests are invited. Teens are welcome to become members. This event is free.
Our fall fund drive is November 5-8. Get us started on meeting our goal, just go to bigcabbageradio.org to donate.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday, October 30, 2025.