Virtual Schools: Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

Individual and social benefits accrue when high school graduation rates increase. One approach to increasing graduation rates is to design learning environments that serve students with disabilities through the 5Cs known to increase school completion: connect, climate, control, curriculum, and caring community. Virtual school programs align with the 5Cs, as demonstrated by virtual schools that have closed achievement gaps and increased completion rates among students with disabilities. Key features of these programs are described, with the national standards for quality online teaching and courses exemplified by each. Strategies are offered for increasing success of students with disabilities in virtual schools.