The US Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, recently engaged in a discussion with Republic reporter Hannah Dreyfus about the prevalence of „bad actors“ in the education business. Specifically, they highlighted the culture of mostly for-profit schools that target vulnerable populations such as first-generation college students and veterans. This conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by students seeking quality education in an environment where some institutions prioritize profit over student success.
One example of the impact of this issue can be seen in the experience of Tippecanoe School Corp. in Lafayette, Indiana. As the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards online learning, administrators at TSC noticed a significant number of students opting to pursue their education through other online institutions. This trend led to the creation of the Tippecanoe Online Academy, a locally run and taught online high school aimed at providing students with a quality online education option.
Devin Arms, TSC’s director of technology innovation, explained that the decision to establish the Tippecanoe Online Academy was driven by the realization that students were seeking alternative educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. The academy has already enrolled 65 students, all of whom reside within Tippecanoe County, and will be staffed by teachers from McCutcheon and Harrison high schools.
While the Tippecanoe Online Academy offers a fully online learning experience, certain extracurricular activities like sports or band may not be available due to current regulations. However, the academy’s flexible enrollment policy allows students from outside the district to enroll at any time, providing a valuable educational option for students in Indiana.
Susan Sherlow, a math teacher at McCutcheon High School, emphasized the growing need for better online opportunities for students, particularly those who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting. Drawing from her own experience as a mother pursuing an online degree, Sherlow understands the benefits of online education and is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for her students at the Tippecanoe Online Academy.
As the academy prepares for its inaugural year, Sherlow expressed a mix of excitement and anticipation, recognizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. She emphasized the importance of creating a collaborative and student-centered learning environment, where teachers work closely with students to ensure their success.
Overall, the establishment of the Tippecanoe Online Academy serves as a response to the evolving educational landscape, providing students with a flexible and personalized learning experience. By addressing the needs of students who may thrive in an online setting, the academy represents a positive step towards expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success.