Assuring a Virtual Second Chance: In an Effort to Stem High School Dropout Rates, Some Districts Are Turning to Blended Credit Recovery Models That Combine Online Learning with In-Person Support. but How Do They Work?

THE ALLIANCE FOR Excellent Education estimates 1.3 million American students fail to graduate from high school each year. That's why a growing number of districts are going virtual in their search for effective ways to help at-risk students make up academic credits. Enter online credit recovery, a 21st century technology-based approach that gives kids get a second chance--and a diploma. Credit recovery isn't new (think summer school, weekend, or after-school classes), but the online versions of these programs are more flexible alternatives that can allow students to make their own schedules, work at theft own pace, complete courses in shorter periods of time, benefit from a more customized educational experience, and learn independent study skills. And while online credit recovery is typically used for ninth- to 12th-grade students, many districts tend to target 11th- and 12th-graders most at risk for not graduating, including those who have dropped out and returned to school. "We wouldn't be able to offer enough courses for every student who needs to recover a credit without an online program," says Keisha Kidan, virtual learning program coordinator of online courses for Chicago Public Schools, which now offers blended online credit recovery at more than half of its 122 high schools. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Virtual Classroom The surge of virtual credit recovery is a recent phenomenon. "We probably began seeing online credit recovery become a bigger focus about four years ago," says Matt Wicks, vice president of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). "Schools noticed how online learning could be utilized for students who were unsuccessful. " Whether in a computer lab, library, classroom, or home setting, students enrolled in credit recovery programs typically log in to their school's learning management system from a computer and move through the course, which often includes interactive multimedia learning objects such as video lessons and audio podcasts. Through pretests and assessments, the program software analyzes strengths and weaknesses in the student's understanding of the material and customizes lessons until mastery is achieved. Many programs also include online instructors who give assignment feedback via e-mail, blogs, or discussion forums. Although most online credit recovery programs can be used independently and without adult supervision, the most successful programs are those that follow the hybrid or blended classroom model that combines face-to-face learning with online curriculum, says Wicks. In-person teachers help hold students accountable while providing support, answering questions, and assisting with coursework when necessary. "A blended environment would imply that there's a combination of classroom and online instruction," says Wicks. "If you don't have that educator involvement, then the programs are not likely to be successful and the educational experience not that great. " Models and Providers Districts can purchase educational content or services from a third-party curriculum provider, contract with a state virtual school, or develop a program on their own by using open educational resources. There is no "one size fits all" approach. Offered by a host of education curriculum providers, including Apex Learning, Plato, and Pearson, commercial credit recovery software is often seen as a viable choice for districts with an immediate need. Depending on a district's requirements and budget, acquiring a program can be as simple as purchasing content or as complicated as setting up a turnkey solution that includes a learning management system, customized content, and teachers. Four years ago, Chicago Public Schools turned to K12's Aventa credit recovery solution for the approximately 200 students each semester who need to make up an additional credit or more to graduate. …