DE DOE Rejects Blended Learning Model (MOYER Modification) while FL, NH Look to Add Physical Settings
Two prominent providers of full-time virtual education, including Florida's largest hub of online K-12 classes, will look to add physical spaces to deliver face-to-face instructional programs after receiving grants earlier this month from a group called Next Generation Learning Challenges.
"We're getting into the space game," said Amanda Mann, the competitive grants manager at the state-run Florida Virtual School.
"There's a lot of interest [among traditional school districts and brick-and-mortar charters] in applying station-rotation models and blended strategies, which broaden the range of when, how, and what students can learn," said Sarah Luchs, the K-12 program officer for Next Generation Learning Challenges.
The notion of adding face-to-face programs at full-time virtual schools, many of which have come under withering criticism for poor academic performance and high student turnover, is comparatively new.
With its new $150,000 planning grant, FLVS, which currently operates a full-time virtual school in partnership with the for-profit Connections Academy and provides individual online classes to thousands of students across in traditional schools across Florida, aims to lay the groundwork for a statewide network of "community learning centers" where both students and non-students can go to "attend a TED talk, work one-on-one with an adult, or collaborate with peers and adults," among other things.
READ MORE HERE: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2013/07/virtual_schools_get_funds_to_g.html
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