Star Watch: Cyberschools multiply but scores fall short
There's little accountability in state's fast-growing system
During the 2008-09 school year, 370 students in Indiana were enrolled in K-12 schools that offered all or at least some of their classes over the Internet. Last school year, it was more than 4,000 -- a number that is expected to double or even triple over the next couple of years.
The explosion in online education reflects both a national trend and the desire by top education officials in Indiana to provide more school choices.
But is it a good thing?
An Indianapolis Star examination of the issue found that Indiana lacks accountability measures found in some other states -- a scenario some fear will lead to a proliferation of underperforming virtual schools.
The Star also found that while it is difficult to definitively assess the
The explosion in online education reflects both a national trend and the desire by top education officials in Indiana to provide more school choices.
But is it a good thing?
An Indianapolis Star examination of the issue found that Indiana lacks accountability measures found in some other states -- a scenario some fear will lead to a proliferation of underperforming virtual schools.
The Star also found that while it is difficult to definitively assess the