Glenn Russell Feb 2004 Virtual Schools Research Survey 2003

2 Virtual Schools Survey 54 Virtual Schools surveyed 2003 thirteen questions related to location, type, grade levels, course options, course availability, teacher certification, teacher training, school accountability, student supervision, student socialization, and student selection. 10 responses received (18.5%) Provided indications of trends

3 Location All responses came from US and Canadian schools Canada =2 USA=8

4 Type In-school =0 Out-of-school =6 Out-of-school hybrid (with call-backs etc) 3 NA=1

5 Grade levels offered at virtual schools Senior high school =8 Middle high School = 4 Junior High School = 3 Elementary (primary) = 2 All of K-12 = 1

6 Course Options Regular courses for high school or elementary students =10 Remedial courses =3 Supplementary courses eg for home schooling =4

7 Available in specified geographic area =7 Available in other areas eg interstate or international = 7 Restricted to those with disability, isolation or illness=0 Course Availability

8 Teacher Certification All teachers certified for grade or subject area =8 Some teachers not certified (eg used college professors) =1 NA=1

9 Teacher Training and Professional Development All or most teachers involved in training or PD =7 Some teachers only involved =2 NA=1

10 School Accountability External review completed =6 Internal Review completed =4 Review planned during next 12 months = 2

11 School Supervision Students supervised by certified teachers=5 Students supervised by parents, guardians or carers = 4 Students do not require supervision =2

12 Socialisation Regular face-to-face meetings with teachers and other students =3 Students encouraged to form online communities or arrange their own social interactions = 4 No provision for socialisation =3

13 Student Selection and Counselling Students asked to complete checklist before enrolment = 4 Students meet with a counsellor (face- to-face or online) before enrolment = 2 No criteria used = 1 NA=3

14 Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages: Flexibility for students Student motivation Future employment and schooling Disadvantages Time-consuming to prepare and teach

15 END THANK YOU