Even though snow is still falling in many parts of the country, administrators everywhere are giving careful consideration to how they will leverage summer school to help students recover credits or avoid summer learning gaps. And while the benefits of summer school are undeniable, the cost is often a huge barrier to offering a robust suite of courses for students to choose from. But virtual instruction could change all that by providing schools with a more economical alternative.
Physical facilities are optional
The operational cost of brick-and-mortar classroom facilities can make or break a summer school budget. To keep a building open, administrators have to think about utilities, maintenance, security, and a plethora of other expenses. By offering summer school courses online, schools and districts can reduce or eliminate the need to keep physical facilities open throughout the summer months.
And so is staffing
Schools and districts across the country have been plagued by teacher shortages, making it difficult for administrators to find highly qualified instructors to fill open staffing positions. Other schools are working under strict budget constraints that make it difficult or impossible to take on additional staff. Fortunately, many online providers offer courses taught by their own, state-certified instructors. And for schools who aren’t burdened by staffing woes, most providers offer the option of using their curriculum with your own teachers.
Opportunities to generate income
Summer school isn’t just for credit recovery. At many schools, motivated students can participate in acceleration and enrichment programs by paying a fee. Schools then use this income to improve or expand course offerings or fill in budget gaps throughout the year. By teaming up with an online course provider, schools and districts can offer a broader selection of courses and electives to attract students to these kinds of opportunities.
Transportation not required
Transportation is a huge part of many schools’ yearly operating budgets, but with online courses, getting students to and from school just takes a couple mouse clicks. Many online providers can track real-time attendance, and in most cases, teachers can work with students over Skype, chat, or e-mail.
An all-access pass to learning
Another great benefit of virtual summer school courses is that students can have 24-hour access to courses and course materials from anywhere they have an Internet connection. That means students have the flexibility to complete assignments or review course materials on nights or weekends, enabling them to hold a summer job, participate in other extracurricular activities, or travel the world.
If your school or district is looking for economical summer school solutions, Edgenuity Instructional Services offers credit recovery, acceleration, and elective courses that students can complete at school or from home, as well as on-demand tutoring for additional academic support online.
This work first appeared on Edgenuity’s blog, Where Learning Clicks, on Jan. 12, 2016.