Virtual Schools

With the growth of technology, distance education in the form of cyber schools has become increasingly more prominent. For the purpose of this discussion "cyber school" is defined as an educational organization that offers K-12 courses through distance learning methods via Web-based delivery. The emergence of cyber schools across the nation is evident of the changes that are taking place in education. In particular, by examining cyber schools that have been created as charter schools, one becomes aware of the many educational and fiscal accountability issues that arise from this revolutionizing force in education.

Throughout the nation there are at least 30 cyber charter schools in twelve different states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. (McClusky). However, of all these states it is Pennsylvania that has the most cyber charters. Currently Pennsylvania has seven charter cyber schools operating throughout the state enrolling approximately 5,000 students.(Woodall). With such boom in cyber charter schools Pennsylvania has also been the site of the greatest controversy over this new type of education. By examining the function of these cyber charters in Pennsylvania, and the controversy that surrounds them, it becomes possible to develop an understanding of the role that this form of distance education serves.