In-Depth Analysis of Blended and Online Learning Programs Identify Key Characteristics for Success

As a result, the Evergreen Education Group, in cooperation with FuelEd, has published an executive summary and nine full case studies titled, "Outcomes of Blended and Online Learning Programs in Schools Using Fuel Education Curriculum." The purpose of the report is to further the understanding and potential benefits of blended and online learning programs among schools demonstrating strong academic results, and to highlight the commonalities in instructional models, practices, measurements of success, and outcomes. To download the executive summary and the case studies, visit: getfueled.com/OnlineBlendedOutcomes.

Of the nine online or blended learning programs, five were whole school programs and four were credit recovery and remedial programs. While all differed in size, demographics, community types, location, and status of program development, the research team found important similarities. Each program reported improved student outcomes despite serving a broad spectrum of students–from failing and struggling students to mainstream and advanced students seeking a personalized educational experience. In addition, the programs used different measures of success, such as scores on year-end tests, graduation rates, and college attendance rates.

Teachers, administrators, and students attributed the success of their programs to several factors:

• Better relationships with students—All schools felt establishing deep and meaningful teacher-student relationships was an essential component to success and thus made it a priority. When teachers had a better understanding of both a student's academic capability and his or her personal and family situations, they were better able to tailor their teaching and counseling activities to fit that student's individual needs. Students agreed and felt that their teachers genuinely cared about them and would help them succeed.
• Online curriculum as primary source of instruction—Using the FuelEd curriculum allowed teachers to work more directly with students in both one-on-one and small group formats. Many students felt they received more personal attention from teachers in these programs than in traditional schools. Schools cited one of the benefits of the FuelEd curriculum was its comprehensive catalog of content for kindergarten through 12th grade, including core courses, electives, advanced courses, credit recovery, and remediation. Teachers from all schools reported that the online courses were appropriately rigorous and provided a highly engaging learning experience for students. Students worked on these courses at their own pace, and most reported this flexibility as one of the major reasons for their success.
• In-person and virtual instructional support—Most students interacted with their teachers frequently each day, whether the interaction was in-person or virtual.  Many students reported that they received more personal attention from their teachers in these programs than in a traditional school setting.

In the report, the Evergreen Education Group noted, "Overall, the research team was struck by the upbeat, positive attitudes of students, teachers, and staff, and by the different but impressive results within each program. The most noted keys to success were the strong relationships between individual teachers and individual students supported by the comprehensive and flexible online curriculum provided by FuelEd."

"These nine programs are excellent examples of how schools are successfully using blended and online learning to meet the unique needs of their students and to improve academic outcomes," said Gregg Levin, General Manager of Fuel Education. "We are pleased to team with Evergreen Education Group to document these different implementation approaches and best practices to share with other schools and districts looking for innovative ways to better engage students, empower their teachers, and boost achievement."

About Fuel Education
Fuel Education™ partners with school districts to fuel personalized learning and transform the education experience inside and outside the classroom. The company provides innovative solutions for pre-K through 12th grade that empower districts to implement successful blended and online learning programs. Its open, easy-to-use Personalized Learning Platform, PEAK™, enables teachers to customize courses using their own content, FuelEd courses and titles, third-party content, and open educational resources. Fuel Education offers the one of the industry's largest catalogs of digital curriculum, certified instruction, professional development, and educational services. FuelEd has helped 2,000 school districts to improve student outcomes and better serve diverse student populations. To learn more, visit getfueled.com and Twitter.

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SOURCE Fuel Education LLC