As online learning continues to gain momentum across the country, education experts are warning that policies surrounding this popular learning option are shaky at best. A new report by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is calling for a better policy and funding framework to make sure students are getting the best education possible. The report, 'Policy and Funding Frameworks for Online Learning,' written by John Watson and Butch Gemin of Evergreen Consulting Associates, and published by iNACOL, is the fifth report of iNACOL's six-report series called Promising Practices in Online Learning, which explores some of the approaches being taken by 'practitioners and policymakers in response to key issues in online learning.' The series was commissioned by iNACOL, because interest in, and applications to, online learning institutions have increased. For example, last year iNACOL estimates there were more than one million students enrolled in online courses. More than 30 states have state-led online programs, and more than half of the school districts in the U.S. offer online courses and services.
However, even though online learning is growing at the rate of 30 % annually, access to online schools and courses is not keeping pace with the demand from students and parents. iNACOL estimates that more than 40 % of middle and high school students want to enroll in online courses, more than 20 million students. As online learning continues to gain momentum across the country, education experts are warning that policies surrounding this popular learning option are shaky at best. A new report by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is calling for a better policy and funding framework to make sure students are getting the best education possible.
