Online schools face backlash as states question results

[jsr]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/03/us-usa-education-online-idUSBRE8920J420121003

Online schools face backlash as states question results
By Stephanie Simon
Wed Oct 3, 2012 8:29am EDT

...Now a backlash is building among public officials and educators who question whether the cyber-schools are truly making the grade.

In Maine, New Jersey and North Carolina, officials have refused to allow new cyber-schools to open this year, citing concerns about poor academic performance, high rates of student turnover and funding models that appear to put private-sector profits ahead of student achievement.

In Pennsylvania, the auditor general has issued a scathing report calling for revamping a funding formula that he said overpays online schools by at least $105 million a year. In Tennessee, the commissioner of education called test scores at the new Tennessee Virtual Academy "unacceptable."

And in Florida, state education officials are investigating a virtual school after it was accused of hiring uncertified teachers; in the past two weeks two local school boards in the state have rejected proposals for virtual schools. ...

[MadHound]

1. Online edcuation is, at best, a tool to be used in regular schools,

But they simply can't stand alone as a complete education package. Too many flaws.

But that's not going to stop the corporate powers from trying to implement them across the board.

[liskddksil]

2. Staring into a computer screen is not an education

Real learning happens through critical thinking and problem-solving, in an active and collaborative setting, guided by a teacher.

[pnwmom]

3. Two of my children have taken high school math courses from a couple online places.

The first found the material boring and was frustrated by the lack of feedback, but she was able to teach herself.

The second, faced with the same lack of feedback, succeeded only because he had an older sibling to tutor him.

From what I could see, a $15 workbook bought at the bookstore (including answer sheets for grading) would have been as useful for learning the material. The computer program didn't adjust to the needs or thought processes of the student and couldn't answer questions, so it added nothing beyond what a workbook would have provided.

Neither of these "schools," both recommended, has found a good way to replace the human touch. And if they can't accomplish this in high school math, I shudder to think what they do with writing-based classes.