For Immediate Release

For more information:
Katie Schumm, TRECA Digital Academy (TDA)
740-389-4798, ext. 296; Katie@treca.org

Valerie Wigton, Badertscher Communications
740-383-2633

ONLINE SCHOOLS DESERVE A CLOSER LOOK

Online learning, at the elementary and secondary level, is an often misunderstood concept. Online charter schools, in which students complete all course work at home on school-provided computers, have been in existence for less than 10 years in Ohio. Like any new concept, there have been growing pains.

The recent Associated Press article, headlined in the news media as "Students leave top-rated schools for 'inferior' online charter programs," not only adds to the confusion surrounding the charter school movement, it also fails to address several critical points.

One element missing from the article is an adequate explanation of why many of today's parents – and more and more students – choose online schools. Students at TRECA Digital Academy, which opened just five years ago, can work at their own pace with more time and attention given to subjects that require additional attention, and vice versa. Online learning is individualized learning at the rate that best meets the student's specific academic needs.

TDA students tell us the personalized attention they receive from their teachers – whether via a lesson, a live chat or an online whiteboard explanation – makes asking for help much easier than in their "old school." Going to school online at home gives students a safe, secure environment to ask teachers for assistance – without the threat of being grouped into the "underperforming" category, where no student wants to be.

Many parents of TDA students tell us they believe their child can perform better academically at TDA. They feel good knowing their student is in the safe environment of their own home. Others say the flexibility of learning any time during a 24-hour day matches their child's time clock.

Let's face it. Each child is unique. Each learns at his/her own rate. Each has his/her own learning style. An online environment can mean success for the student who otherwise may have lagged behind – and failed – in the traditional classroom setting.

As to the academic ratings of online charter schools as a whole, what is not presented to the reader is the fact that the state standardized tests (which students must take) can not – by Ohio Department of Education regulations – be given to students via the computers they use for day-to-day learning. Even though it's how these students feel "most comfortable" learning, they are required to travel to a test site on the day(s) and time(s) that tests are offered and take tests in person. Another obstacle to this requirement is transportation. TDA data indicates transportation is a major issue for many of our students. For a variety of reasons, they do not have the luxury of having an adult to drive them to the test site.

In response to the transportation challenge, TDA will provide 22 test sites around the state for our students who reside in 75 of 88 Ohio counties. In addition, our teachers will meet students at the local library to administer these tests one-on-one, if necessary. Unfortunately, State mandates don't take into consideration the difference in a school bus delivering students to the school with teachers handing out tests. Nevertheless, we have embraced this challenge and continue to work diligently with our students and their parents/guardians, stressing the importance not only of having their child take the test, but also providing transportation.

As technology continues to become further ingrained into our schools, going to school online will become more and more the accepted "norm." Dr. David Kirkton, who has 38 years of experience in the education sector both at brick-and-mortar schools and as northeast regional director with TDA, is familiar with both educational options.

"Online schools are not for every student, and they will never replace traditional elementary and high schools," he explained. "But I have seen many, many students who struggled in the traditional school setting, but went on to absolutely flourish in an online school. I speak from experience when I say the quality of online academics is every bit as good as traditional schools, and it will only get better over time. It's an online world today, and our children are miles ahead of adults in this environment."

In the near future, Kirkton foresees traditional high schools providing instruction using a "blended" model that combines online as well as "on site" opportunities for students. "That's the model for most colleges and universities in our country right now," he pointed out.

TDA is studying high performing online K-12 schools, including the California Virtual Academies and the Florida Virtual School, which have achieved high levels of academic excellence. We'll continue to make each student's academic success our personal priority so that they can become productive citizens – whether that means entering the work force or going on to college. And we'll continue to work diligently to dispel the myths of online education, ensuring all Ohio students the ability to choose the type of school that best meets their individual needs.

Josie Drushal is director at TRECA Digital Academy. When she joined TDA in 1998, she brought 22 years of teaching and administrative experience at Wooster City Schools.