Last year, technical failures and frustration about efficacy erupted, hindering traditional school state standardized testing. Despite challenges in arranging tests, according to bloggED, online public schools “consistently meet the federally required 95 percent test participation rate.” Why are standardized tests seemingly better executed in virtual schools? Although held to the same standards as traditional schools, the learning structure and personalization can better prepare some students.
State of Indiana Testing Requirements
States generally use the data gleaned from standardized tests to understand performance: how students are learning/performing and where opportunities exist within the educational process to better serve them.
In the State of Indiana, for example, fundamental understanding and subject skill is assessed via required education tests that include:
- ISTEP+ (Indiana Statewide Testing for Education Progress-Plus)
- End of Course Assessments (ECA) Exams for high school students
Most students average 112 standardized tests from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, according to the Washington Post. The testing pace can be intense, particularly for students who struggle with traditional learning structure.
Online schools: the same education requirements with a flexible pace
Because they offer flexibility and more personalized learning, however, online schools can help students learn at a pace they set. Students are better able to absorb, retain and apply information–and therefore recall it for testing. It helps that students are immersed in the fundamentals. For example, Achieve Virtual Academy’s, curriculum, largely designed by educators also teaching in public school classrooms, is centered on reading, writing, math, science, and language. These subjects are the focus of standardized tests and the Indiana Department of Education’s standards.
Online schools don’t have a free ride when it comes to guidelines–they adhere to the same standards as public schools. In fact, because Achieve Virtual is part of a public school district, both the school and district are graded by the Indiana Department of Education on:
- Graduation rate
- ECA passing rates
- Attendance
- Credits earned
For students, the most reassuring information is that they have options when it comes to learning and making sure they are best prepared for required testing.
Does an online school sound like a better learning fit? We can help you decide. Contact us for details on teaching credentials, classroom process and how we prepare you for college or your next step.
