Strategies for teaching students With Exceptional Needs in cyber schools

Abstract

Cyber schools for K-12 students are growing in number. It is vital that appropriate strategies are devised in order to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities. The PA Cyber Charter School serves 353 students who have Individualized Education Plans. Parent surveys were thematically analyzed and revealed six predominant themes, including communication, interests, focus, less-stigma from the special education label, education differences in comparison to other methods, and cyber school shortcomings. The study also utilized the action research model to determine and present the techniques and strategies that are working in the PA Cyber Charter School for their students with special needs. Teacher-tested documents included in the Appendix were based on the study, and a model for special needs strategies in the cyber learning environment has been established through this article.

Educational Considerations, vol. 37(2) Full Issue

“…The economy, coupled with technological advances and parental demand for a more personalized, innovative, individually tailored, and high quality education alternative for their children has led to the increase in enrollment of K-12 children in virtual schools (Chaney, 2001;Bazin & Burke, 2009). Realistically, this proliferation of distance education programs-or virtual schools-is here to stay (Appana, 2008;Clark, 2001;Hipsky & Adams, 2006).…”

“…The use of videoconferencing to make the learning environment as transparent as possible can be a valuable 'social presence' tool as educators seek to build and maintain quality relationships with students. Virtual schools are increasing in popularity as a method of providing formal education for a growing number of students in the United States (Appana, 2008;Clark, 2001;Bazin & Burke, 2009;Hipsky & Adams, 2006). The economy, coupled with technological advances and parental demand for a more personalized, innovative, individually tailored, and high quality education alternative for their children has led to the increase in enrollment of K-12 children in virtual schools (Chaney, 2001;Bazin & Burke, 2009).…”

“…Benefits of an online delivery method include, but are not limited to, the following: regularly updated course material; student anonymity which in some cases increases student participation; availability of rich resources for learning; reduced cost factors and budget constraints; reduction in student social distractions; flexibility; acceptance for special needs students; individualized education; modifications and adaptations for special needs students; absence of boundary limitations; students being able to take courses for credit recovery; and the broad range of courses offered (Appana, 2008;Bazin & Burke, 2009;Groves, 2006;Hipsky & Adams, 2006). Virtual schools, however, are not without limitations: for example, funding; time limiting factors; student readiness, enjoyment, and motivation to study effectively online; organization and administration of the program; facilitator ability to replace non-verbal cues with textual techniques; technological training and support; and providing comprehensive student services such as counseling.…”

Virtual Counseling for Students Enrolled in Online Educational Programs

“…Benefits of an online delivery method include, but are not limited to, the following: regularly updated course material; student anonymity which in some cases increases student participation; availability of rich resources for learning; reduced cost factors and budget constraints; reduction in student social distractions; flexibility; acceptance for special needs students; individualized education; modifications and adaptations for special needs students; absence of boundary limitations; students being able to take courses for credit recovery; and the broad range of courses offered (Appana, 2008;Bazin & Burke, 2009;Groves, 2006;Hipsky & Adams, 2006).…”

“…Virtual schools are increasing in popularity as a method of providing formal education for a growing number of students in the United States (Appana, 2008;Clark, 2001;Bazin & Burke, 2009;Hipsky & Adams, 2006). The economy, coupled with technological advances and parental demand for a more personalized, innovative, individually tailored, and high quality education alternative for their children has led to the increase in enrollment of K-12 children in virtual schools (Chaney, 2001;Bazin & Burke, 2009).…”