Hope Online, Colorado’s largest and perhaps most controversial Internet-based school, has learned some hard lessons.
Just last month, the school was ordered to repay the state $2.8 million for shoddy accounting and improper spending, and the small district, Vilas, that chartered it must pay $470,000.
But with the legislature approving Senate Bill 215 last spring to provide some oversight of online education, there is some, well, hope that Hope will emerge as a more efficient and effective model for how online schools can educate students who would otherwise drop out of traditional schools.
Hope officials this year wisely pulled the reins in on their booming growth, deciding not to recruit new students. They have about 3,800 students scattered across the state — roughly equal to last year’s numbers. The year before, they had only 1,500.
Hope also is trying to get a new charter approved by Douglas County schools, rather than far-flung Vilas. Since most of their students are in the metro area, and their administrators are here, it makes sense.
They’re also working more closely with the 16 school districts that have Hope learning centers, providing information on their students and curriculum.
Some of Hope’s changes are mandated by the new law; others are being done because it’s the right thing to do.
We’re glad Hope is addressing the concerns that have arisen over the past year. Their success will mean success for thousands of our children.
