85% of Online Teachers Believe That They Help More Students Individually Than in a Traditional In-Person Setting

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To celebrate National Distance Learning Week, FlexPoint Education Cloud, a part of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) that works with schools and districts across the nation to implement Kindergarten-12^th grade online learning programs, released the results of a new survey revealing that online teachers feel they can better connect with students and parents in an online setting, when compared to in-person instruction – driving increased student success.

While the last school year challenged educators everywhere, it also showed teachers the benefits of virtual learning. In fact, according to the survey that was deployed to FLVS teachers across grades Kindergarten-12, 87% of teachers agree that teaching online allows them to better communicate and connect one-on-one with students when compared to the brick-and-mortar setting.

The results also highlight the importance of involving parents in their children’s schoolwork in meaningful ways, with more than 95% of teachers agreeing that online teaching allows them to communicate more frequently with their student’s parents when compared to in-person. One teacher stated their favorite part of teaching online: “I get to make every single kid feel like they are my only priority while I’m working with them.”

Plus, according to Educators for Excellence’s 2021 Survey of America’s Educators, 67% of teachers learned ways to integrate technology that they plan to use after the pandemic, 54% reported student familiarity with technology improved, and almost half of the teachers surveyed claimed some students thrived in a distance learning setting.

“These survey results emphasize what we’ve known about online learning since our inception more than 20 years ago: when you combine thoughtful, empathetic, and results-oriented teaching staff with effective curriculum, students will thrive,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Virtual School. “Students should always have access to virtual learning – whether through a fully online or a hybrid option – because it gives them the choice to determine what works best for themselves and their families.”

Additional survey findings include:

• When compared to teaching experiences in a brick-and-mortar setting:
  • 85% of teachers believe that they help more students individually in an online learning environment
  • 83% of teachers believe that teaching online gives them more resources and tools to help their students succeed
  • 83% of teachers believe that teaching online increases their ability to help students succeed
  • 76% of teachers agree that teaching online has decreased their administrative workload, allowing them to spend more time helping students
  • 73% of teachers agree that teaching online allows them to better understand their student’s true learning needs

The survey also included an open-ended question that asked teachers about their favorite part of teaching online. The top response from the online teachers centered around the one-on-one connection they’re able to make with their students and families.

FlexPoint is a trademark of Florida Virtual School, offering online education resources to schools and districts around the nation. Its services include more than 180 engaging and effective digital courses that can be customized to various state standards and seamlessly implemented across a variety of online platforms, extensive staff training and professional development, and unparalleled customer service support to ensure that educators are getting what they need, when they need it.

For more information about FlexPoint Education Cloud, please visit www.FlexPointEducation.com. 

Survey methodology

The survey was conducted by Florida Virtual School in August 2021 and was deployed to teachers of all grade levels, including FLVS Full Time, FLVS Flex, and Global School teachers. The 12-question survey was comprised of three demographic questions and 9 questions on teachers’ experience with online teaching versus in-person. Question types included Likert ratings and single-and multi-select multiple choice. Of those invited, 1,166 teachers completed all questions on the survey. Analyses of responses revealed important insights about how teachers feel about teaching online and the impact it has on student success.

Enrollment for FLVS Full Time Opens Today for Kindergarten-12^th Grade Through November 12, 2021; FLVS Flex Enrollment for Kindergarten-12^th Grade is Open Year-Round

As the state of the world continues to change and parents consider all their education options, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has opened enrollment for the spring semester for its full-time option, grades Kindergarten-12, until November 12, 2021, so that families can make the learning decision that works best for them. FLVS Full Time becomes a student’s school of record and combines the structure of a traditional 180-day school calendar with the flexibility of online learning. FLVS Flex, the flexible option that provides online courses for Kindergarten-12^th grade students who are either enrolled in traditional school and want to supplement their learning or are registered as homeschool students, is open for enrollment year-round.

“We understand and empathize with parents who are assessing their choices when it comes to which educational path will work best for their children,” said Robin Winder, Senior Director of Instruction for Florida Virtual School. “With more than 20 years of experience teaching students online, we have the tools, resources, and knowledge to help students thrive in the online environment, and we want families to know we are here to support them and help their children’s individual needs.”

The 2020-21 school year state assessment results for FLVS Full Time saw increases in student performance across grades 3-10, when compared to the 2019 results. These results highlight how FLVS students were able to master their course content and excel in the online setting during a time when many were new to online learning. In addition, the latest survey conducted by FLVS reveals that 94% of parents believe online learning has a positive impact on their children’s ability to understand course content. Most parents also note that online learning positively impacts their children’s education experience, resulting in increased ability to focus, motivation to finish homework, and the confidence to be authentically themselves.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten-12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, electives/specials, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents, and taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to ensure students’ success.

Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted by Florida Virtual School in August 2021 and was deployed to parents of children of all grade levels, including FLVS Full Time and FLVS Flex student populations. The 18-question survey was composed of three school history questions and 15 questions on parents’ perspective on how online learning impacted their children and the skills they acquired. Question types included Likert ratings and single- and multi-select multiple choice. Of those invited, 3,248 parents/guardians completed all questions on the survey. Statistical analyses of responses revealed important insights about how parents perceive the importance of online education in their children’s future. To read the complete survey results and analysis, click here.

New Survey Finds That More Than 75% of Parents Believe Online Learning Allows Their Children to Gain Critical Skills That They Would Not Acquire in a Traditional In-Person Setting

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To continue its mission to put students first and transform education worldwide, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) announced today the launch of FlexPoint Education Cloud, a new brand providing school districts outside of Florida with tools and resources to seamlessly implement Kindergarten through 12^th grade online learning programs. For more than 20 years, FLVS has provided schools and districts in Florida and around the world with digital curriculum and educator training, and the launch of FlexPoint will provide resources to even more learners, teachers, schools, districts, and beyond as culture norms around the world continue to shift.

Last school year, FLVS saw a significant increase in its in-state enrollment, with a 57% increase in course requests for FLVS Flex and a 98% increase in the number of students for FLVS Full Time. In 2020, the organization also provided free educational resources for schools, teachers, parents, and students transitioning to online education for the first time. 

In addition to the help and resources FLVS provided to Florida students in the 2020-21 school year, more than 160 new schools and districts outside of Florida also partnered with FLVS as educators looked for ways to quickly implement online programs. Examples of school districts that partnered with FLVS include Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and Michigan’s Grand Ledge Public Schools, which maintained an average weekly participation rate of 94% from its approximately 5,000 Kindergarten through 12^th grade students.

Last year emphasized that every student learns differently, and as students’ educational journey becomes more individualized, having online learning options is vital for the success of future generations. In fact, a recent survey conducted by FLVS reveals that more than 75% of parents believe that online learning helps their children gain new skills that they would not acquire in a traditional in-person setting.

The results also highlight that online learning is here to stay, with parents revealing that learning online is not only important for their children to develop valuable soft skills, but it is also an essential piece of equipping them for success - with 80% of parents agreeing that online learning helps their children better prepare for the future.

“It’s clear that families all over the world are discovering the benefits of learning online,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, President and Chief Executive Officer of FLVS. “Launching FlexPoint will allow us to continue putting students first by individualizing their learning experience, while also equipping more educators around the world with the tools they need to drive high student performance outcomes. And, as always, revenue generated from our work with districts outside of Florida is reinvested into the creation of the highest-quality courses, development of new educational technologies, and implementation of operational excellence and awareness programs, benefiting students in Florida first and foremost, as well as worldwide.”

Additional survey findings include:

• Parents believe online learning helps their children build skills that are necessary for school and future success.
• 82% of parents believe their children have better video conferencing skills and online behavior etiquette. 
• 73% of parents believe their children have better communication skills. 
• 70% of parents believe their children have better time management skills. 

• Parents of online students strongly believe that online learning benefits their children’s educational experiences.
• 94% of parents believe online learning has a positive impact on their children’s ability to understand courses.
• 83% of parents believe online learning has a positive impact on their children’s ability to focus.
• 76% of parents believe online learning has a positive impact on their children’s motivation to finish homework, study, and complete projects.
• 65% of parents believe online learning helps their children develop better study habits. 

• Parents believe online learning allows their children to be themselves as they navigate challenges and strive for success. 
• 80% of parents believe the online learning environment allows their children to be authentically themselves. 
• 70% of parents feel online learning helps their children develop creative solutions to everyday challenges - whether in or outside of school.
• 60% of parents believe that online learning increases their children’s motivation to accomplish their goals. 

FlexPoint is the new brand for Florida Virtual School services outside of Florida, and has worked with schools and students around the nation and worldwide in 65 countries and three U.S. territories. Its services include more than 180 engaging and effective digital courses that can be customized to various state standards and seamlessly implemented across a variety of online platforms, extensive staff training and professional development, and unparalleled customer service support to ensure that educators are getting what they need, when they need it.

In the state of Florida, FLVS will continue to offer award-winning digital curriculum and staff training to schools and districts, as well as tuition-free part time and full-time online learning options to Florida students. Students outside of Florida can enroll in Global School, an FLVS tuition-based Kindergarten-12^th grade online school.

For more information about FlexPoint Education Cloud and for the full survey results, please visit www.FlexPointEducation.com.

Survey methodology
The survey was conducted by Florida Virtual School in August 2021 and was deployed to parents of children of all grade levels, including FLVS Full Time and FLVS Flex student populations. The 18-question survey was composed of three school history questions and 15 questions on parents’ perspective on how online learning impacted their children and the skills they acquired. Question types included Likert ratings and single-and multi-select multiple choice. Of those invited, 3,248 parents/guardians completed all questions on the survey. Statistical analyses of responses revealed important insights about how parents perceive the importance of online education in their children’s future. To read the complete survey results and analysis, click here.

Families With Students in Grades Kindergarten Through 12 Can Enroll in FLVS Flex Year-Round, and Incorporate One or More Courses Depending on their Needs

While enrollment for many online learning options has closed around the state, families can still enroll in Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Flex for students in grades Kindergarten through 12. This option allows families to enroll year-round, work at their own pace, and incorporate one or more courses as part of their education plan for the upcoming school year, giving each family the flexibility to make the decision that works best for them.

“We want families to know that our team is here for them every step of the way as they evaluate their options for this school year,” said Jason Schultz, senior director of instruction for FLVS. “With more than 2,500 certified online teachers who work one-on-one with students to understand their needs, 190 comprehensive and engaging courses, 60 fun and exciting clubs, 50 student service professionals who address the social and emotional needs of students, and more, FLVS Flex is a great option for students who may not be ready to go back to in-person learning.”

If families decide to take all their courses with FLVS Flex, they will need to register as a homeschool student in their zoned school district. Families do not need to register as a homeschool student if they plan on only taking one or two courses with FLVS Flex to supplement learning at their traditional zoned school.

Last year, Florida Virtual School saw unprecedented growth as many families discovered online learning for the first time, and based on projected enrollment numbers, Florida Virtual School will continue to be a popular option for students this year.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten through 12. Students have access to more than 190 courses – including core, elective/specials, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success.

For more information about FLVS Flex, visit flvs.net.

Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the state’s leading online education provider, has appointed industry veteran Judith M. Marte as its new Chief Financial Officer. Marte brings more than 30 years of expertise in financial operations in public education, and will now lead all financial functions at FLVS.

Most recently, Marte served as the chief financial officer at two of the largest school districts in Florida, working at Broward Public Schools for four years, after 15 years serving Miami Dade County Schools in finance leadership roles. At FLVS, Marte will oversee the teams responsible for all financial operations, and as part of her role, she will ensure FLVS continues to use Florida taxpayer dollars in the most efficient, cost effective manner possible.

“We’re excited to welcome someone of Judith Marte’s caliber to the FLVS team,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, president and CEO for FLVS. “Her demonstrated ability as a leader, and her unstoppable drive to do what’s best for Florida students will be a great asset to FLVS, as we continue to grow and serve parents, students, and districts across the state.”

“After spending most of my career in brick-and-mortar institutions, there has never been a better time to join an online education innovator like Florida Virtual School,” said Judith Marte. “I look forward to working alongside a team of visionary leaders to continue paving the way for online learning.”

During the 2021-22 school year, FLVS saw unprecedented enrollment growth, as families and school districts across Florida and the nation searched for online education solutions. FLVS Full Time experienced a 98% increase in the number of students, while FLVS Flex – the part time option offering students the opportunity to take online courses in addition to attending their zoned school – saw a 57% increase in course requests from July 1 - Sept. 30, 2020.

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades Kindergarten through 12. Students have access to more than 190 courses - including core, elective/specials, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses – all taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to ensure students’ success.

Enrollment for the FLVS Full Time option is still open for grades Kindergarten-eighth, and enrollment for FLVS Flex is open year-round. To learn more about FLVS Full Time and FLVS Flex, visit flvs.net.