This week, I looked deeper into the two programs I have been researching - Alabama ACCESS and Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS). The biggest issue that I had was that Alabama state school did not have its demo session link working. I tried Google searching to search for a possible screenshot of ACCESS, but was unsuccessful. On the other hand, because CVCS was a virtual charter school, looking to draw more students, had more appeal and "open" sample courses and information. However, I did not like the feel that CVCS was a mere extension of K12, Inc. Browsing its website and comparing it to other schools like Utah Virtual Academy, they pretty much had the same look in different colors. However, I think K12 good job of making sure its online learning system adhered to the iNACOL standards.
In some ways, I think for-profit is better than state schools, at least in marketing itself. They have every incentive to attract clients and funding is not as big of an issue compared to state schools. I believe that state schools should be more proactive in promoting itself - just because its a requirement in some states that students take online classes or school does the marketing does not mean they can negate their "look" or appearance. One reason is because of the parents - they must get involved in the learning process of their kids or at least know what they are learning.
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As a capitalist, I would be stunned if state schools could keep up with charter schools. They are a monopoly that is heavily union labor. What s the incentive for state schools to market? Charter schools are more nimble and have more incentive to do well.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting, and a good point that you make about "funding". I wonder if this will be true - of just depend on the institute and initiative under discussion.
ReplyDeleteI can see the motivation as you two are raising here - and it makes a lot of sense. I think that perhaps you will both be correct.
John, I totally agree with you! The state schools are so traditional with strong labor union and bureaucracies. I don't think they have any incentive to change or adapt to new stuff.
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