ECOT, Ohio’s online charter giant that one study found produced more dropouts than any other school in the nation, is moving into the dropout-prevention line of business.
The switch by the school, which has been fighting the state over funding, was to begin immediately but would be subject to state approval by December.
Dropout-recovery schools get a separate, much more lenient state report than traditional schools, and the move could allow the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow to expand enrollment at a time it’s under order from the Ohio education department to refund $60 million for lax attendance. The department considers dropout-recovery charters to “meet standards” if at least 8 percent of their students graduate on time and to “exceed standards” if 36 percent get a diploma in four years.
