10 Tips to Choose Distance Learning

In the past several years, the field of K-12 distance learning education has grown considerably, supported by the charter school movement and a host of national and statewide technology initiatives in education. Parents, teachers, and school administrators can mix and match a multitude of distance learning options for their students. Here are a few guidelines to help determine what program is right for you.

1. Individualized Approach to Education

Look for programs where students are well-served by the personalized care of their teachers. Look for self-paced or customized curriculum, and a mastery-based learning philosophy that emphasizes complete proficiency at every stage of the process. Knowing a student's learning strengths and weakness, as well as particular learning styles, can be a great asset in effective and long-lasting learning.

2. Personalized Teacher Services

Teacher services should be comprehensive and responsive to student needs. Teachers should be highly responsive to their students' needs while building a one-to-one relationship with each family. Regular communication is essential, as is coordinating among multiple teachers and with parents. Seek out programs that understand the challenges as well as opportunities of the distance learning setting.

3. Regional Accreditation

For traditional schools as well as distance learning programs, regional accreditation bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges demand that schools adhere to a rigorous set of practices to guarantee excellence in education. Few distance learning programs have been accredited yet it is an important factor as many universities and colleges prefer that their applicants come from accredited schools.

4. Strong Curriculum

Programs frequently offer online, text-based, project-based and customized courses, and students should be able to mix and match courses according to the mode of delivery as well as appropriate grade level in a given subject. Look for programs that are correlated to state and national standards so that key skills and concepts are properly reinforced. Course catalogues should offer a range of Advanced Placement, honors, and College Prep courses, as well as academic, art and technology electives. Quality curriculum will emphasize higher-level critical thinking skills with ample opportunities for students to sustain a meaningful dialogue with teachers.

5. Program Accountability

The recent boom in online learning has resulted in a flood of start-up programs so be attentive to the school's actual track record where it comes to assessment and accountability. Many programs are run by private firms that lack sufficient input from certified teachers, so finding a school with qualified educators is a must. Look for longer-running programs and schools that adhere to best practices established by organizations like the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL).

6. College Placement

If your student is college bound, examine graduation rates, percentages of students who go on to two- or four-year post-secondary schools, and the schools where students are being admitted.

For example, one of the leading distance learning schools, Laurel Springs School has exceptional college placement statistics:

• 85% of seniors are attending college.
• 90% were accepted to the college of their choice.
• The 15% who postponed college were mainly professional, elite athletes and actors.
Their SAT scores were also higher than state and national average.

7. Academic Opportunities

Look for cooperation with other educational institutions to provide students with a range of academic opportunities. The University of California, for example, pre-approves coursework as meeting admission requirements, as does the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Schools may also participate in the National Honor Society, recognizing academic achievement and community service among outstanding students.

8. Student Support Services

Beyond teacher support, the entire school should provide extensive personalized care for its students. Knowledgeable advisors who can assist in selecting courses, guidance counselors who monitor ongoing progress, college counseling, and a registrar that issues report cards and transcripts are all important support features that might not be included in all distance learning programs.

9. School Community

A distance learning program should strive to create a sense of community, especially since its students and teachers aren't located in the same place. Look for online meeting places, regular newsletters, posted announcements, chat rooms and message boards, and physical events such as an annual prom and graduation ceremony.

10. Parent Training

Parental involvement is important in any learning situation, and in distance education, where students don't regularly maintain face-to-face interaction with their teachers, the parents' role is all the more critical. A strong distance learning program should provide comprehensive parent training and support. Parents should be able to check the progress of their students' work and be in frequent communication with teachers.

The task of selecting a school doesn't need to be an overwhelming process. Of the numerous factors to consider, these ten areas should help you ask the appropriate questions in finding the school that's right for you.