SC’s online education programs ranked 2nd in country

COLUMBIA – South Carolina’s increasingly popular online learning programs have earned the state a No. 2 national ranking in a new study.

The Center for Digital Education said that its evaluation of national online learning policies had revealed significant growth in state support for implementation of online programs in K-12 education across the country. The group’s report showed that 25 states now lead online statewide initiatives, a dramatic increase from 15 states only a year ago. 

South Carolina’s two-year-old Virtual School Program has more than 5,000 students enrolled in more than 60 courses for the fall semester, and funding is provided by the state for public, private, home schooled and charter school students.  Of the 5,144 students currently enrolled in academic courses, 4,884 are public school students, 127 are private school students, 45 are home-school students, and 88 are students in the
state’s five virtual public charter schools. 

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said that the South Carolina Virtual School Program’s enrollment had increased by 80 percent in just two years, which was a major factor in the state’s No. 2 ranking by CDE.  In addition, Rex said, the South Carolina Department of Education offers popular online professional development programs for educators statewide.

“The rapid expansion of digital learning opportunities in South Carolina has been really exciting,” Rex said, “and there’s no doubt that their popularity and usefulness are growing.  In fact, the only thing holding us back right now is the state’s dismal budget picture.  The Virtual School Program, for example, needs more teachers to accommodate growing student demand, but there’s no money to hire them.” 

“But I’m very optimistic about the future.  Once the economy turns around, we’ll be ready to respond and expand what we offer.”

The CDE report ranked states based on existing policies around online learning. The group said it produced the report in an effort to inform elected officials about best practices to focus on to encourage transformation of academic environments.

Florida was ranked No. 1 in the CDE report, followed by South Carolina, New Mexico, Hawaii and Michigan.

“Online learning remains one of the most powerful and transformative mediums for U.S. education,” said Marina Leight, CDE’s vice president of education. “This year’s review of policy revealed some exciting changes among the states. We applaud the policymakers across the nation who are driving the creation of new programs, and commend the leaders with already-existing programs who continue to ensure online learning is a top priority.”

CDE is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.  The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc., a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.