In theory, a virtual school could be a good program
for learning if it targeted students who would likely benefit from its
schools. These would include those highly
organized and motivated students and parents.
A personalized instruction by sitting in front of a computer for hours
per day.
In reality the schools accept and even target all
students, including at-risk students. It is also an
easy fix to stay out of truancy court. The results speak for themselves. Is this the best service for Ohio Students? It is an expensive experiment.
A study in 2011 of Ohio's seven statewide online schools
found that:
•"Of Ohio's 7 state-wide E-schools (which account for
90% of all E-school enrollment), six are not even rated "effective"
by the Ohio Dept. of Education.
•5 of the 7 have graduation rates worse than Cleveland
Municipal Schools, which has the lowest graduation rate of all traditional
school districts.
•Far from saving money, E-Schools actually cost the state twice
as much per pupil as traditional public schools."
Source: Ohio E-Schools: Funding Failure; Coddling
Contributors, Innovation Ohio, 5/12/11; Cyber schools flunk, but tax
money keeps flowing, Politico, 9/25/13.
So how does one get these students? Market ,market, and market. As the schools cannot discriminate, put
together some slick marketing materials, employ a good sales force and sit back
and collect the profits.
The USA TODAY analysis finds that 10 of the largest
for-profit operators have spent an estimated $94.4 million on ads since 2007.
The largest, Virginia-based K12 Inc., has spent about $21.5 million in just the
first eight months of 2012.
So what is the motivation?
Profits or students? Well since the e-schools do not have the quality, they will make it up in volume!
Again, look at the latest results in Ohio.
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