VSS2007 (Guest Blogger) - “Cyberschool” Myths and Realities: Towards a Better Understanding of Full-Time Programs

Session notes from our guest blogger, Abby.

“Cyberschool” Myths and Realities: Towards a better understanding of full-time programs
John Watson

• Definitions: Nomenclature important because people have preconceived ideas.
• Online is definition of choice.
• Supplemental program (not required for NCLB scores) verses full-time program
• Multiple and single district programs (geographical reach)
• 200% increase in 4 years – full time online program about 175
• Students who gravitate to K-12 online schools
• gifted and needing more challenge
• struggling
• rural
• urban
• elite athletes/performers
• homebound
• teen parents
• students with high functioning autism-Asperger's syndrome
• Mobile (military family)
• Myths hearing about full-time schools

Myth #1: No Accountability

• Reality is that full-time, online public cybershools publicly accountable through performance on state tests, regular reporting to authorizer/partner, open meetings of its non-profit goering body if charter school
• students are required to participate in the state tests

Myth #2: Cyberschools are for middle class white kids.

• Full time online schools across the country report 48% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch and 23% are minority students.
• Students regardless of color and SES can do this.

Myth #3: Cyberschool teachers don't really teach

• FT teacher interact with students/parents via telephone, email, in-person meetings, and we conferencing
• Report knowing their students online as well or better than students F2F
• Some states require state certification and online PD

Myth #4: Full-time online students sit in front of computer all day

• lower grade levels on computer much less than upper grade levels

Myth #5: online schooling is much cheaper than traditional schooling

• Augenblick Palaich / Bell South study: real cost is ranges from 7200 to 8300 per FTE for full-time online schools. Bottom line: Same cost as brick and mortar. main cost --> teachers and personnel. So even though can scale technology cannot scale student -teacher ratio.
• Cyberschools can channel more funding to instruction than traditional schools can.

Myth #6: Full-time online schools aren't accountable

• Cyberschools are accountable in the same ways all public schools are accountable in same ways as public schools, in some cases MORE
• All NCLB/AYP requirements apply
• State tests, including end-of-course and graduation tests
• Reporting to the charter school authorizer
• Online learning requirements in some states
• An immense array of school data

Myth #7: Full-time online schooling is easy (especially for cheaters!)

• Curriculum often notably rigorous
• Multiple mechanisms for ensuring academic integrity
• Teacher practice
• Plagiarism check
• In online school, every student is visible – no where to hide.

Myth #8: Cyberschooling isn't appropriate for younger students

• Much better option in many cases than keeping kid at home being home-schooled in poor quality manner.

Myth #9: Full-time online schools have terrible test scores

• Not all full-time online schools are created equal
• Performance diverse as schools themselves
• Florida: both online k-8 programs get A on 2007 school report
• Arizona: Leading TAPBI schools rated performing and performing plus for 2006
• Nevada: Exemplary AYP status and significant reduction % of non-proficient at risk students

Myth #10: Online students miss out on socialization

• They don't necessarily want their kids to be socialized in that manner.
• Parents want to control the socialization

MORE RESEARCH: Need to demonstrate longitudinal growth. So remediation --> Take them 3 -6 grade levels behind and bring them up to date.

Tags: VSS2007, NACOL, virtual school, cyber school, high school, education