According to the NACOL report, A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning, the number one reason school districts cite for offering Internet-based courses is that the courses are otherwise unavailable. Many schools in rural or poorer urban districts find it difficult to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers especially in the areas of advanced mathematics, science and language courses. Online courses can meet specific needs, such as gifted students seeking opportunities for Advance Placement or accelerated learning at their own pace, or homebound students need access to more curriculum choices. Many Texas districts and schools in other states are realizing the potential it brings to providing students with unparalleled equity and access to high quality education.
Benefits offered by online learning include:
- Expanded curriculum options available to students, including courses required for the Recommended High School and the Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plans
- Advanced Placement
- Accelerated study
- Expanded access to qualified teachers
- Alternative educational opportunities for diverse students, including gifted or accelerated students, at-risk students, migrant students, dropouts, pregnant students, incarcerated youth, elite athletes and performers, and students who may not be able to attend regular school because of injury, illness, or involvement with other activities
- Alternative learning methods and opportunities for students whose needs are not being met through traditional instruction in a traditional classroom setting schedule flexibility for students with schedule conflicts or who may be working during the regular school day
- Schedule flexibility for students with schedule conflicts or who may be working during the regular school day
- Flexible pace for students who need to work at a faster or slower pace
- Electives for which qualified teachers are not available locally
- Opportunities for students to prepare for today’s technology-rich real world experiences in the workplace and post-secondary education
- Educational experiences to address the needs of today’s technology-savvy students
- Provide professional development for teachers and other educators
For additional information, contact:
Educational Technology Department
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-9400
edtech@tea.state.tx.us