Online Schooling Seeing Explosive Growth in Oklahoma

Recent analysis shows e-learning enrollment increased 400 percent

By Andrewa Eger, Tulsa World

From promotional radio and TV commercials and direct mailings aimed at parents to newspaper headlines and explosive enrollment growth, “virtual schools” and “virtual students” are this school year’s buzzwords in Oklahoma.

A Tulsa World analysis of state records shows that the number of Oklahoma public school students doing schoolwork through computer-based programs has increased nearly 400 percent over the last three years. The state’s most recent official count of virtual students for 2010-11 was 5,429.

“Everyone is trying to get their arms around the scope of what’s being offered and how fast it’s moving,” said Damon Gardenhire, the communications director for the Oklahoma Department of Education. “While this is something we think education as a whole should embrace, like anything else, it is something we should be taking a close look at in terms of quality and consistency. There is a lot of excitement and also a desire to ensure that we’re doing...