Virtual High School
Having just spent six months researching and developing courses for a virtual high school, I find the distance learning paradigm a fascinating one. But I am not alone in my impressions: according to the Department of Education, in 1999 the number of homeschoolers in the United States alone was 850,000. By 2005, that number had reached to 1.1 million.
And the virtual high school is not an anomaly—any longer—in countries other than the U.S. According to Karl M. Bunday, of Learn in Freedom! 20,000 families in Australia homeschool their children; New Zealand home educates approximately 7,000 (as of 1996 reports); about 1% of Canadian school-aged children are educated in the home; and alternative education is becoming legalized and/or growing in popularity in such places as Japan, Taiwan, and Norway.
What accounts for such increasing numbers? The benefits, clearly, outweigh the liabilities. Depending upon location, religion, political/educational philosophies, and personal preferences, the reasons, then, for opting for a virtual high school, are many:
LOWER COSTS
According to the Department of Education, the median cost for educating one student at home is $450.
REINFORCED INDEPENDENCE
Independence from standardized, state-regulated public schooling is a major factor for many families, as is the independence of religious practice (emphasized in the distance learning courses and programs—whereas not “allowed in public schools), and the freedom of the learners—who can be independent thinkers studying at their own pace and level.
VERSATILITY and VARIETY
Online schooling opens the student’s schedule to taking classes offered [virtually] 24/7. That is, once enrolled, the learner can access the lessons, do the studying and research, and take the exams at whatever hour is convenient for him, her, and the family.
SPECIAL CLASSES
Whereas the brick-and-mortar school may not have the funds, humanpower, or skill sets necessary to implement special disadvantaged learner programs or programs for excelled students, the virtual high school typically caters to a wider range of learners and abilities: AP courses are increasing in numbers, as are online classes for differential learners.
The major concern of educators and parents is that the virtual high school be as qualified as the state and provincial. In fact, many parents who decide to opt for home-schooling do so under the premise that the public schools are not providing optimum education. The other side of the debate about homeschooling includes the argument that home-educated students will not get the mandatory, requisite education they deserve.
But the stats of 1996, provided by the US Dept. of Education show that the differences in success rates, surveyed nationally, are nearly non-existent—with average battery scores as follows:
States with High government regulation of home schools - homeschool battery score - 86
States with Moderate government regulation of home schools - homeschool battery score - 85
States with Low government regulation of home schools - homeschool battery score – 86
The debate will surely continue; the jockeying for power will go on; the opinions of what constitutes a quality education will prevail. The decision, then, is up to the individual and to the individual family.
Virtual High School related articles:
Walking And Weight Loss
I have been on a number of diet and exercise programs over the years and I have achieved the most success through a common everyday activity. Walking and weight loss go hand-in-hand. It may seem too simple to be true, but I have more success losing weight... Wallpaper Color
Whether it’s for your computer desktop or the interior of your home, the actual walls of the rooms in your house, wallpaper color is important. Wallpaper color has aesthetic value, sure, but it also makes a psychological impact on you, your family, your... Wedding Money
Everyone knows someone who has been married or has been a member of a wedding party. Weddings have not really changed too much over the centuries. Basic rules and decorum still stand the test of time during the ceremony and reception. People basically kno... Wedding Planner Books
If you’re getting married, some people will tell you that you’re going to have to hire a wedding planner. True, a wedding planner can take a lot of stress away by handling all of the little details of your special day, but they’re expensive and, if you’r... Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a drastic measure to lower body weight, usually reserved for people who are suffering from serious adverse health effects due to their weight. It has become increasingly more popular in the United States following in the recent wei...
more Pocket Links articles:
Paid For Surveys
While most other people might be content to use the Internet primarily for e-mail and entertainment, you certainly aren't. You recognize the Internet for the powerful moneymaking tool that it is. You are constantly on the lookout for solid programs that... Online Hotel Booking
In this day and age it is easier than ever to accomplish daily tasks. From banking to shopping, it can all be done on computers. This makes it extra convenient for those of us who have no time to waste. Whether you're planning a vacation or business tr... Psychology Major
The diverse system of education today has much to offer in terms of majors and minors. Whether we choose engineering or accounting doesn’t seem to be an issue. However, there are other branches of education that pose certain concerns in the “real world,... Job Information
It can be difficult to prepare for the "real world." That infinite maze of stress and bills can really take its toll if you never get a taste beforehand. This is why college is such a great step for high school graduates. If you can go live on your own fo... Adult Acne
Although acne and pimples are generally associated with prepubescent and teenaged populations, adult acne is not uncommon. Most adults, who survived their teenage years with no apparent acne and the lack of ‘bad skin’ that their peers struggled with are o... |