Sustaining Funding Seen as Challenge for Online Ed.
Boosters of virtual schooling say new funding approaches should have the money follow the student.
While there are examples of innovative funding models for virtual schools and online course programs, most struggle to secure sustainable, adequate, and equitable funding, experts in the field say.
One of the biggest areas of funding concern for online education advocates is state-led programs, the vast majority of which are paid for through state appropriations. When a state sets aside an appropriation for a virtual school, it inevitably limits the number of students who can enroll in the program and prevents the school from being able to grow beyond a fixed number. ( "Virtual Ed. Enrollment Caps Facing Greater Scrutiny," this issue.)
In addition, being supported through an annual appropriation can make it difficult to count on sustainable funding during tough budget years, when state legislators are forced to make difficult decisions...
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