DE DOE Rejects Blended Learning Model (MOYER Modification) while FL, NH Look to Add Physical Settings

By Elizabeth Scheinberg

Virtual Schools in Florida, New Hampshire, to Add Blended Models

By Benjamin Herold on July 31, 2013 11:42 AM

Two prominent providers of full-time virtual education, including Florida's largest hub of online K-12 classes, will look to add physical spaces to deliver face-to-face instructional programs after receiving grants earlier this month from a group called Next Generation Learning Challenges.
"We're getting into the space game," said Amanda Mann, the competitive grants manager at the state-run Florida Virtual School.

"There's a lot of interest [among traditional school districts and brick-and-mortar charters] in applying station-rotation models and blended strategies, which broaden the range of when, how, and what students can learn," said Sarah Luchs, the K-12 program officer for Next Generation Learning Challenges.
The notion of adding face-to-face programs at full-time virtual schools, many of which have come under withering criticism for poor academic performance and high student turnover, is comparatively new.
With its new $150,000 planning grant, FLVS, which currently operates a full-time virtual school in partnership with the for-profit Connections Academy and provides individual online classes to thousands of students across in traditional schools across Florida, aims to lay the groundwork for a statewide network of "community learning centers" where both students and non-students can go to "attend a TED talk, work one-on-one with an adult, or collaborate with peers and adults," among other things.