Although virtual schools continue to grow each year, more research and accountability is needed to foster and support effective online educational environments, says a new report from the National School Boards Association’s Center for Public Education. Main findings: Online courses and schools enroll a small fraction of the 52 million public school students, but they are rapidly gaining ground. The development, management and staffing of online courses and schools is supported by both public and private providers. Funding for online learning varies by state, and ranges from 70-100% of state and local per public rates. The jury is still out on the effect of online courses on P-12 student achievement. Emerging reports show a troubling overall picture of poor performance and low graduation rates for full-time online students. There needs to be a clearer accountability path for online learning. High-res

Although virtual schools continue to grow each year, more research and accountability is needed to foster and support effective online educational environments, says a new report from the National School Boards Association’s Center for Public Education.

Main findings:

  • Online courses and schools enroll a small fraction of the 52 million public school students, but they are rapidly gaining ground.
  • The development, management and staffing of online courses and schools is supported by both public and private providers.
  • Funding for online learning varies by state, and ranges from 70-100% of state and local per public rates.
  • The jury is still out on the effect of online courses on P-12 student achievement.
  • Emerging reports show a troubling overall picture of poor performance and low graduation rates for full-time online students.
  • There needs to be a clearer accountability path for online learning.