On-Line Virtual Schools - dismal performance

[michellea]

There are only 2 approved virtual schools in MA. This article about the first one that gained approval. It ranks at the bottom of the state. My guess is this is partly because many of the students may have learning disabilities and other differences that make learning difficult. But even with a heavy special ed populations, I expect better results.

learninglab.wbur.org/2015/10/01/as-states-first-virtual-school-grows-so-do-concerns/

[healthy11]

I know MA has some of the highest standards in the U.S., and so I'm not surprised that virtual schools, using K12 Inc.'s more generic curriculum, would be among the lowest performing. Sadly, even within "brick and mortar" schools in my state of IL, fewer than 4 out of 10 students met or exceeded standards according to the most recent assessments, and that's essentially how MA's virtual school kids did. blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2015/09/illinois_early_parcc_results.html