K12 Inc. released today an Academic Report highlighting results and factors in individualized learning. The report aims to provide a transparent view of progress, areas in need of improvement and efforts K12 is taking to close gaps.
Accessible at http://investors.k12.com, the report also highlights a series of challenges facing the industry as it nears mainstream acceptance and describes how K12 is adapting quickly to these factors.
Key findings in the K12 2013 Academic Report, include:
- Academic Results -- For the 2011-12 school year, students in K12-managed public schools, in aggregate, achieved 97% of the norm group gain in math and 196% of the norm group gain in reading based on the results of the Scantron Performance Series, an online computerized adaptive test used by the company to measure gains. Results for K12 private schools were broken out separately and exceed the national norm group in math and reading for all tested grades.
- Student Dynamics are Changing – Individualized learning is encountering a growing population of academically at-risk, economically disadvantaged, and special needs students, as well as high mobility rates, and the complexities of measuring academic progress across the education system. In particular, the company indicated that in some of its schools 50 to 70 percent of students enroll below grade level in math.
- Parent Surveys Show High Levels of Satisfaction – 88% of parents with students enrolled in K12-managed public schools indicate they are satisfied with their school. The top reasons cited by parents for selecting K12-managed schools is flexible scheduling and pacing.
K12 Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ron Packard commented, “We want to give every child, regardless of geographic location or economic circumstances, the opportunity to succeed academically. Over time, it is our goal to offer a full continuum of options that make individualized learning the norm, not the exception for all students, whether they are at-risk or advanced learners.”
Partnering with Districts and States to Improve Academic Performance
In addition, K12 pledged to partner with states, districts and parents to improve academic performance and boost graduation rates. The company cited the following goals for raising the bar on academic performance:
- Accelerate Learning -- For students who enter below grade level, accelerate the rate of learning to a pace faster than what was experienced in their prior educational setting, working to catch them up over time. For students who enter on or above grade level, make one year or more of progress for each year they are enrolled in a K12-managed public school.
- Empower Teachers -- Provide teachers with the training and tools needed to best serve students and continue to develop state-of-the-art curriculum and learning systems.
- Increase Engagement -- Increase engagement and drive academic performance through the creation of multiple programs for students with different interests and aspirations, so they can learn in the most efficient way and be better prepared to succeed.
- Improve Nation’s Graduation Rates – Continue to have a role in the nation’s quest to improve graduation rates and help ensure a promising future for every child.
