Q:
One of my daughter’s classmates did not return to school this year – instead she
is attending a virtual school. Is this the same as home schooling?
A:
Unlike home schooling programs, virtual school lessons are assigned by certified
teachers, there is a principal and administration at a virtual school, students
must meet attendance requirements (truant students are removed), and must
participate in all state assessment tests.
While some kids will ride the bus to school
this fall, almost a million students will arrive to class through an
Internet connection as they log into their new academic year at a
virtual school.
The only thing similar between a virtual
school program and a home school program is that a large part of the
learning occurs outside of a traditional classroom. Unlike home
schooling programs, virtual school lessons are assigned by certified
teachers, there is a principal and administration at a virtual school,
students must meet attendance requirements (truant students are
removed), and must participate in all state assessment tests.
Virtual schools are the fastest growing trend in education. Sound intriguing? Here are some of the common myths debunked when it comes to attending a virtual school.
Virtual school students spend too much time in front of the computer.
False. Virtual schools require only about 20-30% of a student’s
learning time online, with much of the other work and activity from
offline books, materials, and studying.
Kids won’t have any opportunities to socialize. Not
at all. Contrary to assumptions, virtual schools offer a wide variety
of social opportunities and experiences, and face to face interaction
with teachers and peers.
Virtual schools teach different subjects than traditional schools.
Not usually. Virtual schools have a set curriculum chosen by the
school’s governing body (parents/students can’t “pick and choose”
curriculum). However, students must participate in all state assessment
tests and virtual schools are accountable to state and federal
accountability standards for academic performance and fiscal operations,
so curriculum generally coincides with general public school lessons.
Students need a computer to be a part of a virtual school. This
is true, however, many virtual schools provide families with a computer
on loan from the school, and an Internet connection is often
reimbursed. Just like a traditional school offers buses,
desks and books at no cost to the students, a virtual school offers a
computer and online connection to eliminate barriers.
Virtual schools are not prepared to deal with a special needs child. On the contrary. In fact, that’s one of the main attractions of a virtual school. Children
with transportation issues, physical limitations or health concerns can
log into school wherever they are and continue with their studies.
Virtual schools can even provide full service special education for
children with IEPs (Individual Education Plans).
While not every state offers a virtual school yet, the trend is growing fast. Find out if a virtual school is offered in your area by searching online under “(your state) virtual school” or visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com, a virtual school with programs developing in almost half the states across the country.