What's Happening?
Stride, Inc., a leading provider of virtual education, is experiencing significant growth in Texas, where enrollment in virtual schools has increased by 1,200% over the past decade. Stride K12, a subsidiary of Stride, Inc., operates four public virtual schools in Texas, including Lone Star Online Academy, which is one of the largest virtual programs in the state. The company has about 40,000 students enrolled, making it the largest virtual education provider in Texas. The surge in enrollment is partly attributed to the pandemic, which introduced many families to online schooling. Stride K12 had plans to expand its Texas Online Preparatory Elementary school to include kindergarten through second grade, but these plans were paused due to new legislation requiring formal application for program expansion.
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Why It's Important?
The expansion of virtual education in Texas reflects a broader trend towards school choice and the increasing demand for flexible learning options. This growth has implications for traditional brick-and-mortar schools, which may face challenges in retaining students. Virtual education offers benefits such as increased access to specialized courses for rural communities and continuity for highly mobile students. However, accountability data indicates that virtual schools often lag in student performance compared to traditional schools. The new legislation aims to address these issues by providing clearer guidelines and accountability measures for virtual education providers.
What's Next?
With the new legislation in place, virtual schools in Texas are expected to continue expanding, potentially doubling enrollment in the next three years. The Texas Education Agency is set to publish guidance for districts in October, which will clarify the implementation of the new rules. Stride K12 plans to apply for expansion next year, and other districts are preparing to capitalize on the demand for virtual education. The upcoming release of accountability ratings may impact some programs, as low-performing campuses face stricter rules and potential loss of authorization.
Beyond the Headlines
The rise of virtual education raises questions about the effectiveness of current models, particularly for young children who may struggle with online learning environments. Critics argue for a new approach to virtual schooling that better supports student engagement and learning outcomes. The corporatized model of virtual education providers like Stride K12 is under scrutiny for high student-to-teacher ratios and high dropout rates. As virtual education continues to grow, stakeholders must consider innovative solutions to improve performance and meet diverse student needs.
