Virtual Schooling in the News

Beginning as always with the Yahoo News alert for virtual school.

State panel reviews Virtual School
KHON 2 Honolulu Fri, 24 Aug 2007 9:10 PM PDT

There are students who may not succeed in a traditional classroom setting. The reasons for this vary - but the solution could come in the form of a "virtual school.”

Virtual students raise head count
Lawrence Journal-World Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:08 PM PDT

Dramatic increases in enrollment at the Lawrence Virtual School are driving an overall increase in the enrollment of the Lawrence school district. According to preliminary figures from the district, 10,539 students enrolled in Lawrence public schools this year. That’s up from 10,225 on the same day last year. The numbers are preliminary and won’t become official until Sept. 20, when the district ...

Back to School: School prep in the virtual world
The Sentinel Mon, 27 Aug 2007 7:20 AM PDT

While most school districts work on decorating classrooms and ordering materials for inside, one online school is sending everything out.

MoVip off to smooth start
Southeast Missourian Sun, 26 Aug 2007 10:13 PM PDT

With the exception of some late materials, students enrolled in the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program have nearly everything they need to start the inaugural school year. MoVIP teachers have been...

Education notes: Williamson schools have online program
The Tennessean Mon, 27 Aug 2007 0:00 AM PDT

Williamson County schools will pilot online learning this year. A group of 30 students will be chosen to take Latin I through the Hamilton County Virtual School. The class is a state-approved option for traditional Latin instruction, school officials said.

Back to School: School prep in the virtual world
The Sentinel Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:36 PM PDT

While most school districts work on decorating classrooms and ordering materials for inside, one online school is sending everything out.

Virtual students prepare for another school year
Stevens Point Journal Wed, 29 Aug 2007 1:55 AM PDT

Virtual learning once was relegated to higher education, but Wisconsin public school K-12 students are attending classes online.

Virtual school may soon be a reality in West Bend
Greater Milwaukee Today Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:07 AM PDT

As virtual schools begin to slowly draw students away from traditional schools across the state, West Bend is readying its own product for the market.

Virtual school offers 14 classes; not just for adults
Maple Ridge News Wed, 29 Aug 2007 9:05 AM PDT

The local school district is using the internet to attract learners of all ages, allowing adults to complete their studies or those still of school-age to come back.

Back to School: School prep in the virtual world
The Sentinel Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:06 PM PDT

While most school districts work on decorating classrooms and ordering materials for inside, one online school is sending everything out.

Mo. virtual school reopens enrollment
Southeast Missourian Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:12 AM PDT

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri's new virtual school is up and running for the first time this month, despite bumps along the way, including hundreds of students who signed up to attend but didn't follow...

Back to School: School prep in the virtual world
The Sentinel Thu, 30 Aug 2007 2:36 AM PDT

While most school districts work on decorating classrooms and ordering materials for inside, one online school is sending everything out.

WNC school students get access to online courses
Asheville Citizen-Times Wed, 29 Aug 2007 9:40 PM PDT

ASHEVILLE -- Students in five Western North Carolina school districts began taking classes through the N.C. Virtual Public School this week.

Moving to the Yahoo News alert for cyber school.

Cyber charter roster shocks district
The Morning Call Sat, 25 Aug 2007 0:32 AM PDT

Pleasant Valley needs additional $160,000 to cover cost of students. A surge in cyber charter school enrollment in Monroe County's West End kevin.amerman@mcall.com

"Thank you, PA Cyber"
The Beaver County Times Tue, 28 Aug 2007 0:10 AM PDT

A big thank you to all the people from the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School who worked or participated in the Pay It Forward Day in Midland on Aug. 16.

Next the Google News alert for virtual school.

MoVip off to smooth start
Southeast Missourian - Cape Girardeau,MO,USA

Grades 6 through 8 weren't offered this year because the curriculum wasn't ready, said Curt Fuchs, the virtual school program director. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Education notes: Williamson schools have online program
The Tennessean - Nashville,TN,USA

A group of 30 students will be chosen to take Latin I through the Hamilton County Virtual School. The class is a state-approved option for traditional Latin ... [See all stories on this topic]

Lawrence district numbers up, with help from virtual school
Lawrence Journal World - Lawrence,KS,USA

With the help of the Lawrence Virtual School, enrollment in the Lawrence School District appears to be up again this year. Preliminary enrollment numbers ... [See all stories on this topic]

In class, at home and online, education choices abound for families
Kansas City Star - MO,USA

Virtual schools are among the fastest-growing options. Missouri is opening a statewide virtual school this year. Jim Morris, a spokesman for the Department ... [See all stories on this topic]

Science and Arts Foundation Newsletter: Bam in the News
Payvand - Iran

The ages of students are between 10 to 18 in this virtual school. This year the students of 7 schools from Iran participated in this project, which ended in ... [See all stories on this topic]

Arizona Virtual Academy Kicks Off New School Year
T.H.E. Journal - Tustin,CA,USA

The tuition-free virtual school uses certified public teachers instructing students, under supervision from a parent or a responsible adult, ... [See all stories on this topic]

San Juan Island School District Expands Griffin Bay School Programs
SanJuanIslander.com - San Juan Islands,USA

Griffin Bay Virtual Academy (GBVA) is the newest addition to Griffin Bay alternative schools offered by the San Juan Island School District. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Virtual students raise head count
Lawrence Journal World - Lawrence,KS,USA

By Jonathan Kealing Dramatic increases in enrollment at the Lawrence Virtual School are driving an overall increase in the enrollment of the Lawrence school ... [See all stories on this topic]

New laws may squeeze your budget
Houston Chronicle - United States

SB1788 -- Virtual schools. Directs the Texas Education Agency to establish a virtual school network allowing some students to take courses online. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Florida Virtual School is 10 years old: Any anniversary thoughts?
Orlando Sentinel - Orlando,FL,USA

At Lyman High this year and last, the virtual school proved to be the solution when some students wanted to take Latin, but the school could not find a ... [See all stories on this topic]

Finally, the Google News alert for cyber school.

Cyber schools are accountable
Daily American Online (subscription) - Somerset,PA,USA

("Cyber school funding may be limited," Aug 18. Daily American) Cyber schools are as accountable as every other public school in the state. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber charter roster shocks district
Allentown Morning Call - Allentown,PA,USA

Pleasant Valley had budgeted $1.35 million for cyber school students, but Les said it will cost more than $1.5 million. The shortfall of about $160000 ... [See all stories on this topic]

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

What Am I Working On?

Well, as many of you know I am beginning a new faculty position at Wayne State University this month and several people have inquired what I will be working on now that my dissertation is finished. I have several virtual school projects in the works and other virtual schools that seem like that could be potential research partners. So here is a quick run down of what I am or hope to be up to...

In terms of my overall research, I think you can summarize my program of research as examining the effectiveness of virtual schooling, particularly in rural school environments.

Dissertation - see What Are They Doing And How Are They Doing It? Rural Student Experiences In Virtual Schooling

Rural students engaged in virtual schooling often take these courses in unsupervised environments within their school. The purpose of this case study was to examine what students actually did during their scheduled synchronous and asynchronous time, along with the process that they undertook when they needed assistance through the use of interviews, focus groups, journal entries, and participant observation. To date I have conference proposals accepted by the Virtual School Symposium and the Canadian Institute for Distance Education Research, along with one pending with the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. I'll definitely be submitting some manuscripts out of this research endeavour, although they will probably be in the works closer to 2008.

Perceptions of Web-Based Design/Useful & Challenging Characteristics of Virtual Schooling

These studies were conducted as a part of the qualitative research courses that I took at the University of Georgia. They were designed to explore the perception of course developers, electronic teachers, and students on the characteristics of effective web-based design for secondary school students, along with secondary students’ perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics of virtual schooling through the use of surveys, interviews and focus groups. I have one manuscript that is currently being reviewed and two that are close to submission (probably in the next two months or so).

Student Performance in Virtual Schooling

The purpose of this line of inquiry is to examine the student achievement in standardized public exams and final course scores in the province between different delivery models, geographic location and subject area to determine whether or not students are succeeding in the virtual high school environment at the same rate as their classroom counterparts. I have been collaborating on this project with Dennis Mulcahy at Memorial University. We have a manuscript that should be submitted in a week or so from now, and then a conference proposal that is currently pending with the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.

Mediating Scores from the Educational Success Prediction Instrument (ESPRI)

The ESPRI is an approximately 20 item instrument that predicts whether or not a K-12 student will be successful in a virtual school environment. It has been validated in several previous studies. The purpose of this project is to develop four web-based modules associated with the categories of the ESPRI that students can utilize when it is determined that they are weak in a particular area. It is hoped these modules will work with the ESPRI to change it from strictly a prediction instrument to a way to allow a wider range of students to be successful in a virtual environment. I am working on this project with Margaret Roblyer at the University of Tennessee (Chattanooga) and Steven Mills at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma, along with Robert Branch at the University of Georgia whose class will be doing the design work on the modules.

Reviewing Virtual School Literature

The literature related to online learning programs for K-12 students dates to the mid-1990s, and builds upon a century of research and practice from K-12 distance education. While K-12 online learning programs have evolved and grown over the past decade, the amount of published research on virtual schooling practice and policy is limited. This line of inquiry has evolved from considering the use of theory in distance education literature to simply reviewing the literature on virtual schooling to a high-level content analysis of the literature. The initial portions of this project were conducted while I was still a doctoral student at the University of Georgia. From this early work I have two manuscripts that should be submitted sometime this Fall. The content analysis portion I am working with Cathy Cavanaugh at the University of Florida and Tom Clark of TA Consulting. To date we have submitted a proposal to the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.

In addition to these projects, there are also two potential new partners that may be venues for my future research.

1. A virtual high school in Ontario - The principal of this virtual school, which has been operating since 1996, is an old friend of mine and has offered me access to all of the data that they have collected since they began operation. This data set may be useful to mine for the purposes of looking at completion and attrition rates, times to completion between full-time and non-traditional students, and student performance. In addition to being able to access and mine this data set, he has indicated that any replication studies or new research studies that I wish to undertake, he would be interested in becoming involved.

2. The Michigan Virtual High School - One of the group of researchers funded by NCREL to complete quantitative studies on virtual schooling in 2005 has worked with the Michigan Virtual High School (MVHS) he has agreed to introduce me to the people responsible for the operation of the MVHS this fall (I just have to follow-up with him).

So that's what I plan to be up to and the people that I will be working with for the next year or so... Are there others out there researching virtual schooling that would like to share what they'll be up to in the next little while?

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Blogging About Virtual Schooling

Here are some entries from my Bloglines account over the past few weeks about virtual and cyber schooling.

• It's a VIRTUAL CERTAINTY Thing! from DeedsDoings2006


• Florida leads growth in virtual schooling from Distance Learning


• SLPS LAUNCHES VIRTUAL LEARNING from Distance Learning


• South Dakota Launches Virtual High School from Distance Learning


• Virtual High School to "Open" in August from Distance Learning


• Online Education Slow to Load from Distance Learning


• Missouri readies virtual school for classes in August from Distance Learning


• Tennessee developing eLearning model from Distance Learning


• Missouri NEA Daily Legislative Update from Distance Learning


• Rafi.ki - International Collaboration for High Schools from E-Learning & Online Teaching


• Looking for E-learning work? from E-Learning & Online Teaching


• OECD Schooling from elearnspace


• Rural education 2.0 - Samuel Western, Colorado Springs Independent News from Online Learning Update


• Online classes work for some students: Sioux Falls plans to expand program this fall - Jon Walker, Argus-Leader from Online Learning Update


• Cyber school controversy resurfaces - STEVE MARRONI, Evening Sun Reporter from Online Learning Update


• State to fund online “early college” courses for high school juniors and seniors - Asheville Citizen-Times from Online Learning Update


• DepEd: Give Cyber Ed a chance - Philippine Information Agency from Online Learning Update


• A class of cyber-grads - Will Klusener, Mercury from Online Learning Update


• State paying for Web courses - Morgan Josey Glover, Greensboro News Record from Online Learning Update


• Virtual school available for some Kansas families - EMILY BEHLMANN, Garden City Telegram from Online Learning Update

By the way, if there is a blog that you know of that writes about (even from time to time) about virtual schooling or distance education at the K-12 level that I don't list above, please let me know about it in a comment to this post.

Tags: blog, blogging, blogs, virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Virtual Schooling in the News

A little more than normal this week. Beginning a little differently today as well, with an item from the ASCD SmartBrief.

Largest U.S. virtual school still growing

At least 2,700 full-time and up to 52,000 part-time secondary students take online classes at Florida Virtual School, the country's largest. Nationally an estimated 500,000 to 1 million students learn online at 170 virtual charter schools, which equates to about 1% to 2% of the total public school population.

eSchool News (8/17)

Continuing the irregular items, this one from eSchool News.

Florida leads growth in virtual schooling

As a seventh-grader, Kelsey-Anne Hizer was getting mostly Ds and Fs and thought teachers at her Ocala, Fla., middle school weren't giving her the help she needed. She was ready to give up.... Full Story

On to the regular Yahoo! News alert for virtual school.

Florida leading in virtual learning
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sun, 19 Aug 2007 3:08 AM PDT

TALLAHASSEE -- As a seventh-grader, Kelsey-Anne Hizer was getting mostly D's and F's and felt teachers at her Ocala middle school were not giving her the help she needed. She was ready to give up.

Arizona Virtual Academy Students Log On Back to School
PR Newswire via Yahoo! News Mon, 20 Aug 2007 1:01 PM PDT

This time of year students across the country prepare to head back to school. But for thousands of Arizona students lessons are just a click away through the Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) -- a statewide public virtual school serving students in grades K-11. Monday, August 13 marked AZVA's first day of school.

Arkansas Virtual Academy Begins 2007 School Year
PR Newswire via Yahoo! News Mon, 20 Aug 2007 1:03 PM PDT

Arkansas students from across the state are heading back to school today. But rather than heading to the bus stop, hundreds of Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) students are logging on to their computers to access their individualized learning programs using the innovative online curriculum developed by K12 Inc.

Idaho Virtual Academy Begins 2007 School Year
PR Newswire via Yahoo! News Mon, 20 Aug 2007 2:43 PM PDT

Students from across the state head back to school today. But rather than heading to the bus stop, more than 2,400 Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) students in grades K-11 will log on to their computers to access their individualized learning programs using the innovative K12 curriculum and materials.

District offers online alternative to classroom
Antelope Valley Press Tue, 21 Aug 2007 9:13 AM PDT

This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. ACTON - About 20 students in the Acton-Agua Dulce School District started school this summer from the comfort of their family computers, through the Vasquez Virtual Academy.

Virtual academy has information night
The Olympian Wed, 22 Aug 2007 4:02 AM PDT

Washington Virtual Academy, run through the Steilacoom Historical School District and Monroe Public Schools, is hosting a series of parent information sessions across the state, including in Olympia, about the online school. The tuition-free online public virtual school program serves about 1,500 students across the state in grades K-10. The program has run its kindergarten through eighth grade ...

Arkansas Students Start Cyber-School
FOX 16 Little Rock Tue, 21 Aug 2007 8:22 PM PDT

Most Arkansas students have to take the bus to school as classes start back up this week. But for 500 kids taking part in the Arkansas Virtual Academy's first year...

Arkansas Students Start Cyber-School
CW Arkansas Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:18 PM PDT

Most Arkansas students have to take the bus to school as classes start back up this week. But for 500 kids taking part in the Arkansas Virtual Academy's first year as a charter school, the day's lessons are as close as the computer. The school is open to anyone from kindergarten to eighth grade.

K12 Inc. Receives National Certification
PR Newswire via Yahoo! News Wed, 22 Aug 2007 6:13 AM PDT

K12 Inc. -- a leading national provider of high-quality curriculum and school services -- received national certification by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). K12 Inc. is the largest national K-12 virtual school provider to be recognized by CITA.

Students Take Classes On Cyberspace
ABC News 4 Charleston Tue, 21 Aug 2007 3:42 PM PDT

This year learning may have gotten more convenient as a new program allows South Carolina students to take courses online. Starting September 3 rd students can take a variety of courses right from their own living room through a new virtual school program online.

Lawrence district numbers up, with help from virtual school
Lawrence Journal-World Fri, 24 Aug 2007 1:19 PM PDT

Preliminary enrollment numbers are 10,539 as of this week.

Doha Academy of Qatar Deploys the Learn.com LearnCenter Platform to Provide a Global Virtual Classroom for Students, ...
PRWeb Fri, 24 Aug 2007 0:24 AM PDT

Learn.com®, the leader in on-demand workforce development and productivity, announced today that Doha Academy, a private Islamic school located in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, has selected the LearnCenter® platform to provide a virtual classroom for students, teachers, parents and global visitors to the academy's Web site. (PRWeb Aug 24, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: ...

Doha Academy of Qatar Deploys the Learn.com LearnCenter Platform to Provide a Global Virtual Classroom for Students, ...
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Fri, 24 Aug 2007 0:01 AM PDT

Learn.com®, the leader in on-demand workforce development and productivity, announced today that Doha Academy, a private Islamic school located in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, has selected the LearnCenter® platform to provide a virtual classroom for students, teachers, parents and global visitors to the academy's Web site.

Moving to the Yahoo! News alert for cyber school.

School swaps pencils for cyber studying
Asbury Park Press Mon, 20 Aug 2007 1:36 AM PDT

Hunterdon County Polytech Institute of Advanced Studies is now giving its students the option to swap pencils for keyboards through cyber classrooms, that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Bill would limit funding to cyber schools
The Daily American Mon, 20 Aug 2007 2:01 AM PDT

School districts across the state are deciding if they want to support a bill that would decrease the amount of money given to cyber charter schools. About 50 school districts have approved resolutions supporting House Bill 446.

Bill would limit funding to cyber schools
The Daily American Tue, 21 Aug 2007 9:18 AM PDT

School districts across the state are deciding if they want to support a bill that would decrease the amount of money given to cyber charter schools. About 50 school districts have approved resolutions supporting House Bill 446.

Arkansas Students Start Cyber-School
FOX 16 Little Rock Tue, 21 Aug 2007 8:22 PM PDT

Most Arkansas students have to take the bus to school as classes start back up this week. But for 500 kids taking part in the Arkansas Virtual Academy's first year...

Arkansas Students Start Cyber-School
CW Arkansas Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:18 PM PDT

Most Arkansas students have to take the bus to school as classes start back up this week. But for 500 kids taking part in the Arkansas Virtual Academy's first year as a charter school, the day's lessons are as close as the computer. The school is open to anyone from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Bill would limit funding to cyber schools
The Daily American Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:51 PM PDT

School districts across the state are deciding if they want to support a bill that would decrease the amount of money given to cyber charter schools. About 50 school districts have approved resolutions supporting House Bill 446.

Next the Google News alert for virtual school.

Florida leads growth in virtual schooling
eSchool News - Bethesda,MD,USA

The oldest and largest virtual school in the country, Florida Virtual School is still growing. Although some have raised questions about funding and the ... [See all stories on this topic]

South Carolina Creates Statewide Internet-Based Learning Program
The Heartland Institute - Chicago,IL,USA

Mark Sanford (R) on May 17 creating the South Carolina Virtual School Program as an occasion for more students--especially higher-performing ones--to access ...[See all stories on this topic]

Grapevine: Vintage grad accepted to aeronautical school
Napa Valley Register - Napa,CA,USA

The girls, in ninth and seventh grades respectively, submitted essays about their civic involvement and experiences in a public virtual school to qualify. ...[See all stories on this topic]

Arizona Virtual Academy Students Log On Back to School
PR Newswire (press release) - New York,NY,USA

But for thousands of Arizona students lessons are just a click away through the Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) -- a statewide public virtual school serving ... [See all stories on this topic]

Finally, the Google News alert for cyber school.

School swaps pencils for cyber studying
Asbury Park Press - Asbury Park,NJ,USA

Hunterdon County Polytech Institute of Advanced Studies is now giving its students the option to swap pencils for keyboards through cyber classrooms, ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber School Provides Unique Education
Evening Bulletin - Philadelphia,PA,USA

Tulli said the public's understanding of cyber school accountability has become particularly relevant since the introduction in the state House of ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber Ed could take cue from Knowledge Channel
Manila Times - Philippines

The Cyber Education Project has gained support from the National Association of Public Secondary School Heads Inc. It praised the DepEd "for prioritizing a ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber Charter Schooling Battle Culminates In Haverford
Evening Bulletin - Philadelphia,PA,USA

"Because we receive less [money], we dedicate almost 80 percent of what we get for instruction," Williams said, describing the rigorous cyber school ... [See all stories on this topic]

Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Schools
Evening Bulletin - Philadelphia,PA,USA

Question: Don't cyber schools drive up property taxes? * Cyber school funding represents less than 1 percent of all expenditures for public schools. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Articles Needed: Online Learning

I thought that some of my readers might be interested in the following...

A message from Ben Varner (ben.varner@unco.edu).

Colleagues--

The end of this month is the deadline for article submissions for "Online Learning" in _Academic Exchange Quarterly_:

http://rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/5onlin.htm

If you have an article consisting of 3,000 words or fewer on this topic, send it to the following:

http://rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/rufen1.htm

Click on "Try Six Simple Submission Steps" for the most expeditious way of submitting your article.Previous issues of _AEQ_ are now online for free:

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Academic+Exchange+Quarterly-p268

If you have any questions, feel free to send them to me.

Ben Varner--
Feature Editor
Academic Exchange Quarterly
http://rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/edpbva.htm

Tags: open source, online journals, e-journals, academy, virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Series: Why Did You Decide To Take Cyber School?

First day on the new job this morning, so I figured that I'd have to make sure that I keep the blog up to date and not use that as an excuse for another absence.

This is an interesting series that Darren has been posting over at Teaching and Developing Online.

• Why did you decide to do cyber education?
• Why did you decide to do cyber school? Part 2
• Why did you decided to take cyber school? Part three
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part four
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part five
• Why Did You Decide to Take Cyber School? Part Six
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part Seven
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part Eight
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part Nine
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part Ten
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part Eleven
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part twelve
• Why did you decide to do cyber school? Part thirteen
• Why did you decide to do cyber school? Part fourteen
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 15
• Why did you decide to do cyber school? Part 16
• Why did you decide to do cyber school? Part 17
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 18
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 19
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 20
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 21
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 22
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 23
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 24
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 25
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 26
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 27
• Why did you decide to take cybe school? Part 28
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 29
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 30
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 31
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 32
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 33
• Why did you decide to take cyber school? Part 34

Not sure when he'll finish, but if there are more, I'll post them later...

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Virtual Schooling in the News

Beginning with the Yahoo! News alert for virtual school.

Virtual Schools Click With Parents
The Tampa Tribune Sun, 12 Aug 2007 8:33 PM PDT

TALLAHASSEE - Nut products in a school lunchroom can send 6-year-old Holly Bates into anaphylactic shock. It's not even safe for the Tampa girl to sit in class near children who have been munching nuts. That's why, for a second year, Holly will attend Florida Connections Academy, a full-time "virtual" school that she reaches from her home computer.

National University plugs into high school
San Diego Union-Tribune Mon, 13 Aug 2007 5:03 AM PDT

Aug. 13 (UNION-TRIBUNE): National University is now a high school, too. Headquartered in La Jolla, National University Virtual High School offers 60 online courses – more than enough for a student to earn a diploma without ever setting foot in a classroom.

Virtual School Clicking With Parents
WMBB TV Panama City Tue, 14 Aug 2007 7:14 AM PDT

For a second year, Holly Bates will attend Florida Connections Academy, a full-time "virtual" school that she reaches from her home computer...

California Virtual Academy, another choice for public education
Midway Driller Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:57 AM PDT

Midway Driller Staff Writer Residents of the Westside and Kern County have a second choice of public education, in that of the California Virtual Academy Charter School.

California Virtual Academy, another choice for public education
Midway Driller Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:42 PM PDT

Midway Driller Staff Writer Residents of the Westside and Kern County have a second choice of public education, in that of the California Virtual Academy Charter School.

Virtual instruction tool would cost county school system $100,000
Cumberland Times-News Thu, 16 Aug 2007 8:00 AM PDT

Allegany County school administrators are being asked to spend more than $100,000 for a professional development tool that provides teachers with individualized, virtual instruction.

Talk about town: Virtual school, real success
The Town Talk Thu, 16 Aug 2007 0:54 AM PDT

The Florida Virtual School gets funds only if students perform. Novel concept. While the state pays other public schools strictly on attendance, the online school collects only if a student completes a course with a passing grade.

Classes start for the first time at Arizona virtual high school
KVOA Tucson Wed, 15 Aug 2007 5:35 PM PDT

Classes started for another school today for the first time in Arizona. The iQ Academy is a new high school, but one without a school building.

Funding scheme a key to advancing virtual learning
Miami Herald Sat, 18 Aug 2007 1:15 AM PDT

One of the most innovative aspects of the Florida Virtual School is its performance-based funding.

Funding scheme a key to advancing virtual learning
The Daily Comet Sat, 18 Aug 2007 1:13 AM PDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. One of the most innovative aspects of the Florida Virtual School is its performance-based funding. While the state pays other public schools strictly on attendance, the online school collects only if a student completes a course with a passing grade.

Florida leads growth in virtual schooling
Miami Herald Sat, 18 Aug 2007 1:14 AM PDT

As a seventh-grader, Kelsey-Anne Hizer was getting mostly D's and F's and felt teachers at her Ocala middle school weren't giving her the help she needed. She was ready to give up.

Moving to the Yahoo! News alert for cyber school.

Cyber-school funding subject of debate
York Daily Record Sun, 12 Aug 2007 0:25 AM PDT

Legislature eyes funding changes. Cyber schools say they need the allotted money Aug 12, 2007 — As taxpayer-funded cyber charter schools grow in popularity, bills that would overhaul the way they are funded are attracting more attention in the Capitol.

Cyber school controversy resurfaces
The Evening Sun Sun, 12 Aug 2007 6:33 AM PDT

William and Tasha Isaac had a tough time in school. William, 12, struggled in school because of his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome.

Cyber school controversy resurfaces
The Evening Sun Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:48 AM PDT

William and Tasha Isaac had a tough time in school. William, 12, struggled in school because of his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome.

Back to cyber school
The Daily American Mon, 13 Aug 2007 6:15 AM PDT

For a 9-year-old, Nathaniel Neri is surprisingly critical of the pros and cons of cyber schooling.

Back to cyber school
The Daily American Tue, 14 Aug 2007 3:16 PM PDT

For a 9-year-old, Nathaniel Neri is surprisingly critical of the pros and cons of cyber schooling.

Porter Township
Pocono Record Tue, 14 Aug 2007 3:35 AM PDT

Interactive map loading... More than 60 campers spent three fun-filled weeks at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (P.E.E.C. EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg may be venturing into "uncharted waters" by setting up a new cyber school, but Thursday night proved that...

Cyber-school funding subject of debate
York Daily Record Wed, 15 Aug 2007 9:28 AM PDT

Legislature eyes funding changes. Cyber schools say they need the allotted money Aug 12, 2007 — As taxpayer-funded cyber charter schools grow in popularity, bills that would overhaul the way they are funded are attracting more attention in the Capitol.

Back to cyber school
The Daily American Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:16 PM PDT

For a 9-year-old, Nathaniel Neri is surprisingly critical of the pros and cons of cyber schooling.

Back to cyber school
The Daily American Thu, 16 Aug 2007 4:20 PM PDT

For a 9-year-old, Nathaniel Neri is surprisingly critical of the pros and cons of cyber schooling.

With just the click of a mouse ... you’re in school; Statewide, cyber school numbers are growing
The Meadville Tribune Thu, 16 Aug 2007 4:04 AM PDT

Erin Sumerfield of Meadville had attended public schools all of her life.

Higher enrollment means longer payroll
The Beaver County Times Wed, 15 Aug 2007 6:25 PM PDT

PA CYBER'S SKYROCKETING ENROLLMENT 2000-01: 486 2001-02: 1,180 2002-03: 1,350 2003-04: 2,090 2004-05: 3,048 2005-06: 4,308 2006-07: 6,000 2007-08: estimated 7,500 Source: Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.

Back to cyber school
The Daily American Fri, 17 Aug 2007 8:06 AM PDT

For a 9-year-old, Nathaniel Neri is surprisingly critical of the pros and cons of cyber schooling.

Next the Google News alert for virtual school.

Virtual Schools Click With Parents
Tampa Tribune - Tampa,FL,USA

There is no full-time virtual high school, though the Florida Virtual School offers individual courses for older students. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Evansville considers charter school
Janesville Gazette - Janesville,WI,USA

The virtual school is independently operated and uses emerging technologies to offer "live" online instructional television and traditional courses, ... [See all stories on this topic]

Nelson online school reaching students throughout Virginia
Charlottesville Daily Progress - Charlottesville,VA,USA

The virtual school, however, is serving more out-of-county students than locals. Of the 50 students enrolled in the kindergarten-through-eighth grade ... [See all stories on this topic]

Nevada students click into virtual school
Nevada Appeal - Carson City,NV,USA

Now that too has come to the Carson City School District. Nevada Connections Academy - touted as the state's only "virtual school" - will, for the first ... [See all stories on this topic]

Virtual school nets surplus
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription) - Milwaukee,WI,USA

By AMY HETZNER Waukesha - The School District's virtual high school has delivered its first financial surplus to the school system more than a year after it ... [See all stories on this topic]

New programs give Yakima students more options
Yakima Herald-Republic - Yakima,WA,USA

In a few weeks there'll be a virtual school, a home-school program and the Yakima School of the Arts, which will be housed on the second and third floors of ... [See all stories on this topic]

South Carolina Virtual Schools Program offersa new educational ...
Daniel Island News - Daniel Island,SC,USA

The Florida Virtual School enrolls 65000 students, and the Georgia Virtual School, which was created in 2005 to give high school students greater choice, ... [See all stories on this topic]

Finally, the Google News alert for cyber school.

Cyber school funding might change
York Daily Record - York,PA,USA

Aug 10, 2007 -- Bills that would change the way cyber charter schools are funded are attracting more attention in Harrisburg. Reps. Karen Beyer, R-Lehigh, ... [See all stories on this topic]

National University plugs into high school
San Diego Union Tribune - United States

Students throughout the county enroll full time in cyber charter schools - independent public schools that operate free from many state regulations. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber school controversy resurfaces
The Evening Sun - Hanover,PA,USA

By STEVE MARRONI Tasha Isaac, 10, reviews some of her lessons from the previous cyber school year. (Evening Sun Photo by James Robinson). ... [See all stories on this topic]

Redbank Valley still improving after 50 years
Clarion News - Clarion,PA,USA

"We are starting our own cyber school services." The Cyber Services Program is an option offered to students in kindergarten through 12. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Charter school spending under scrutiny
The Express Times - Easton,PA,USA

Charter school advocates are responding by questioning spending in traditional schools. "Relieving school districts from the responsibility of funding cyber ...

Back to cyber school
Daily American Online (subscription) - Somerset,PA,USA

Every school district in the county is now home to at least one cyber school student. At the state's largest and fastest growing cyber school, Pa. ...[See all stories on this topic]

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

From eSchool News

I got this in my inbox from eSchool News this afternoon and thought that I should pass it on...

Florida leads growth in virtual schooling

As a seventh-grader, Kelsey-Anne Hizer was getting mostly Ds and Fs and thought teachers at her Ocala, Fla., middle school weren't giving her the help she needed. She was ready to give up.

But after switching schools for eighth grade, Kelsey-Anne is receiving more individual attention, making As and Bs, and is enthusiastic about learning--even though she has never been in the same room as her... [Full Story]

What do you think? Is this growth a good thing or something we should be cautious about?

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Virtual School Teaching

Last week the issue of virtual school teaching came up (see Virtual Teachers For The Future) and I had some entries in my Bloglines about this issue that I thought might be interested.

• Online Teaching Standards from E-Learning & Online Teaching
• Feedback in Online Classes & Tech Tip from E-Learning & Online Teaching
• E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate Program from E-Learning & Online Teaching
• Teacher Learning, Student Learning and School 2.0 from Practical Theory

Hope you find these of interest...

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Blogging About Virtual Schooling

Here are some entries from my Bloglines account about virtual and cyber schooling that have accumulated over the past few weeks.

• Succeed with Your Online High School Training Before You Even Begin from Allied Online High School Blog
• Take Advantage of Online Summer School from Allied Online High School Blog
• Allied National High School Granted WASC Accreditation from Allied Online High School Blog
• Homeschooling and Distance Education Connection from Allied Online High School Blog
• How to Succeed as an Online Student from Allied Online High School Blog
• ONLINE EDUCATION: Texas Virtual School on the way to reality from Distance Learning
• A Review of e-Learning in Canada: A Rough Sketch of the Evidence, Gaps and Promising Directions from Distance-Educator.com's Daily News
• A National Primer on K-12 Education from E-Learning & Online Teaching
• Virtual High School: Tech Integration at Last? from E-Learning & Online Teaching
• New Round of BC’s Online Program Development Fund from EdTechPost
• Schools become virtual zoos - Robin Hilmantel, USA TODAY from Online Learning Update
• Cyberschools post gains but still trail state - Karen Rouse, Denver Post from Online Learning Update
• Minnesota Education / Online high schools are niche some kids need - MARY BAUER,Pioneer Press from Online Learning Update
• Online Schools Are The Future of Education According To ChristiaNet.com Poll from Online Learning Update
• Online homework is just ultra for pupils - REBECCA PAPPRILL, New Zealand Eastern Courier from Online Learning Update
• Area public schools get onboard online classes bandwagon - Commercial Dispatch from Online Learning Update
• Online classes take sting out of summer school - ADAM GORLICK, Associated Press from Online Learning Update
• ‘Chinese courses making progress around Oakland - Jessie Ellis, Hometown Life from Online Learning Update
• Local parents ponder virtual high schools: TUSD expects virtual students to double each year - MARY BUSTAMANTE, Tucson Citizen from Online Learning Update
• District plans changes to improve online program - ARBARA MILLEROf, Patriot-News from Online Learning Update
• Online games good for teens, says study - BCS from Online Learning Update
• How to Develop a Great FAQ Page for an Online Course - Rahel Anne Bailie, eLearn Magazine from Online Learning Update
• Report sees online schools as models for reform - Robert L. Jacobson, eSchool News from Online Learning Update
• Thoughts on online learning in K-12 from Teaching and Developing Online

That's all for this round... Until next time...

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education

Virtual Schooling in the News

Beginning with the Yahoo! News alert for virtual school.

Oregon's virtual public charter school expands
KVAL Eugene Fri, 03 Aug 2007 4:23 PM PDT

Hundreds of Oregon kids are spending time online, but they're not playing the latest video game. They're going to school. So now the state's only accredited, virtual charter school is expanding. The "Connections Academy" is adding 11th grade to its offerings.

Waukesha's virtual school nets surplus
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Mon, 06 Aug 2007 8:59 PM PDT

Waukesha - The School District's virtual high school has delivered its first financial surplus to the school system more than a year after it faced an uncertain future amid budgetary losses.

Virtual School a real opportunity
The Post and Courier Mon, 06 Aug 2007 9:52 PM PDT

Not enough students at Woodland High School in rural Dorchester District 4 needed to retake U.S. History and second-year English this summer, so the courses weren't offered as traditional summer school classes. But Principal James Peterson proposed an innovative solution for the several st...

NV Students Have Option To Attend Virtual School
KTNV Las Vegas Wed, 08 Aug 2007 5:19 PM PDT

Students in Nevada will have a new high tech way to get their education at a virtual school starting up this fall.

More money would provide better student access to virtual schools
Charleston Daily Mail Thu, 09 Aug 2007 3:45 AM PDT

Increased funding for the state's virtual school is necessary for all students to have equal access to alternative, computer-based coursework. "We're at capacity right now, we serve as many students as we can pay for.

Nevada students click into virtual school
The Record-Courier Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:30 AM PDT

Somewhere between the freedom of homeschooling and serving time in homeroom detention lies the untapped world of online education.

Nelson online school reaching students throughout Virginia
The Daily Progress Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:46 PM PDT

The Nelson County School Board approved a new academy of virtual learning before the start of last school year, intending to connect the county’s home-schooled students with the community using the latest education-related technology.

Moving on to the Yahoo! News alert for cyber school.

Summer vacation just beginning for some CV cyber students
Lancaster Online Tue, 07 Aug 2007 9:06 PM PDT

Conestoga Valley School District is taking a new approach to summer school.The district recently finished piloting a cyber summer school program called the CV Summer Academy.The academy is a blend of online study and the traditional classroom where students met CV teachers once a we...

Community log: Kutztown schools
Reading Eagle Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:24 PM PDT

Kutztown, PA - Action: Kutztown students attending cyber charter school will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities in the schools, provided school officials are kept up to date on their attendance and academic progress.

Next the Google News alert for virtual school.

Odyssey School- Today's School for Tomorrow's World
Union Sentinel - Blairsville,GA,USA

Odyssey School, Georgia's first stateapproved charter school, announced today they will offer the state's first K-8 public virtual school program. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Virtual School Open Houses
KBSD - Dodge City,KS,USA

If you don't want your kids to have to meet once per week, you can try another virtual school. iQ Academy is run by Manhattan's school district, ... [See all stories on this topic]

Finally the Google News alert for cyber school.

Pa. cyber schools balk at flat-rate tuition
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Pittsburgh,PA,USA

Cyber school operators say the move, which would pay each school $5800 per student, would put them out of business. "I can't educate our students," said ... [See all stories on this topic]

Cyber School Public Hearings To Begin Today
KDKA - Pittsburg,PA,USA

(KDKA) PITTSBURGH A public hearing is scheduled for later today that could affect the funding of cyber schools in the state of Pennsylvania. ... [See all stories on this topic]

Tags: virtual school, cyber school, high school, education