Virtual Charter Schools

The advent of online education is leading to new models of charter schools. Virtual charter schools, which are schools that incorporate computer-based instruction into some or their entire curriculum, break the mold of what we consider a school to be. Some virtual schools stretch across districts, counties, or entire states. While online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face education – if not more so – for students, some basic questions and challenges remain: how will virtual charter schools ensure Special Education students’ needs are met? What new authorizing practices are required or need to be developed? How can virtual charter schools effectively recruit, evaluate, and retain teacher talent? These questions and more are addressed in this sub-Focus Area.