Virtual Chances
Michigan Department of Education has many problems to juggle these days. Recently added to the list, although, not a new problem, the high school dropout rate. Michigan has passed legislation that has several steps to solving this problem, including online schools and raising the dropout age to 18. Michigan is currently piloting through funding from grants a virtual high school for at risk students. The premise is that students can take classes online at their pace and catch up and graduate. It will re-engage at risk students and they will graduate and have a better life. Sounds like a great idea! But before I get excited about anything, I always look at the other side. Call me a pessimist, but I like to think of myself as a critical thinker.
Sounds like the plan is assuming a few things. The first assumption is that at risk students will re-engage and actually follow through with the online research assignments. Maybe I’m being stereotypical, but I have a hard time believing that a majority of these students are going to have the self discipline or guidance and time management skills to regularly check in and complete research assignments. Where is the solid accountability here? What does the school system do when the students do not follow through? Does the truancy officer have jurisdiction over this type of absence too?
The second assumption is that parents will not give permission for their student to drop out of school before 18. Again, maybe I’m being stereotypical again, but a lot of at risk students have less than the involved parent at home. Maybe education isn’t valued at home and that’s why the student is at risk in the first place?
Also, another thought, is this online catch up method teaching our students how to attend a job regularly, in person and on time? Is it teaching our at risk population the necessary interpersonal skills needed for an interview, or maintaining a job? Also I know from personal experience teaching this population that relationships are a huge motivation. Will an online teacher be able to develop such a rapport with their students? I don’t know the answers to any of these questions. I guess I will have to wait for the results to make my decision. Oh, by the way, I wish all the luck to Kyle in graduating this year!
Works Cited
Umpstead, Bruce. "Michigan Uses Online Learning to Reach At Risk Students." eSchool News. eSchool News Inc., 2 June 2010. Web. 18 Sep. 2010. <http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/06/02/michigan-uses-online-learning-to-reach-at-risk-students/>.
You make very interesting points and these are issues that the State will have to address. The many points that you made were definitely circling through my mind as I read the article. The notions of lack of parenting, lack of responsibility, and so on are major issues that this opportunity will probably not completely resolve. Still, it is at least a step in the right direction. Perhaps it will not save every single drop out. However, it will save students. Each student saved will help our overall economy. The student will feel more successful and will more likely value education more in the future. That student may even talk to others about how the program worked out...World of mouth about the program's success may allow that program to overcome some of the obstacles that you and I both were thinking about.
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