The problem addressed in this study was the high dropout rate and the resulting low graduation rate in alternative virtual school settings. This quantitative correlational case study examined the influence of three instructional modalities on students' credit accrual and graduation rates in one alternative education virtual high school. The three…

Research suggests that teacher self-efficacy shares a relationship with student achievement. This relationship has mostly been examined in face-to-face contexts and it remains to be seen how that relationship translates to online settings. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the methods and instruments used to measure teacher self-efficacy in…

In the ever-shifting world of school choice, what began as a homegrown charter-school network's small experiment in microschooling stands out as unique -- and as a uniquely promising model for replication. Gem Prep, a network of seven brick-and-mortar K-12 charter schools in Idaho, anchored by a longstanding and high-performing online school,…

Since the peak of the pandemic in 2020, enrollment in virtual schools has steadily increased, with virtual schools now accounting for approximately 1.4% of the nation's public school students. While the effects of the pandemic on student achievement and mental health have been extensively studied, research has yet to thoroughly examine the impact…

In this paper, the authors draw on evolutionary theories of change and qualitative data from 2019-2022, to explore the impact of the pandemic on K-12 virtual education in a state with a long history of virtual schooling by asking: "How has the ongoing COVID pandemic influenced virtual schooling in Oregon?" A virtual school in this study…

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology was to discover the essence of Christian "paideia" for career classical Christian educators who make daily curricular decisions at a classical Christian online academy that serves a 2nd-12th grade international student body. A qualitative research design was used to gather data on the…

Virtual schools have gained popularity by providing students with the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere. The appeal of virtual education lies in its capacity to enhance student choices and improve the efficiency of public education (Molnar et al., 2019). Online learning, with its adaptable and personalized approach, proves more effective than…

Face-to-face cooking programs can positively impact food choices, fruit and vegetable intake, and cooking self-efficacy; however, little is known about virtual cooking programs. We studied the perceived acceptability of the virtual SWITCH Cooking School (SCS). Four monthly cooking classes were offered for each participating school. Classes…

With recent advances in generative artificial intelligence, it may come as no surprise that AI influences our society in profound ways. This dissertation project examines how educational and social media platforms and their algorithms shape educational practices and the identity, digital literacies and views of middle school youth participants.…

The purpose of the study was to understand the virtual teacher's knowledge and perception of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their middle school students with regard to cultural difference and gender difference. ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder in students aged 3-17, with almost 10% of students in the United States…

Self-regulation has become increasingly crucial for learners' success in online learning environments. This study explored the relationship across performance (e.g., higher and lower) and satisfaction (e.g., satisfied and dissatisfied) levels to help identify which self-regulated learning (SRL) skills were most critical for 102 recent graduates of…

Supported by the Florida Department of Education, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has over 190 courses and serves full-time or flex (part-time) students. The flex student attends a traditional public school and takes courses with FLVS part time. One of the largest school districts in Florida is Pinellas County. Located on the west coast of Florida,…

When parents enroll their children who qualify for special education services in fully online schools, that decision was an exercise of agency. Less is known about how parents understand and negotiate their agencies "after enrolling." Researchers interviewed 18 parents of children with special educational needs in fully online schools in…

In South Carolina, much focus was applied to the End of Course Examinations Program, or EOCEP. The EOCEP was used to measure mastery of academic standards in gateway courses. School effectiveness and student proficiency were two areas measured by individual student outcomes. All public schools were subject to EOCEP testing in South Carolina.…

Over the last decade there was constant growth of online schools over the last decade, and this is expected to continue. Noting the previous research of the importance of school leadership on student achievement and the expected growth of virtual schools, leaders of these schools need to possess and demonstrate new knowledge and skills beyond…