WASHINGTON, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) released a new report exploring performance-based funding formulas in online education programs. The report, Performance-based Funding & Online Learning: Maximizing Resources for Student Success, was a research collaboration with Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, Inc. and the Evergreen Education Group. This study examines the variety of funding models for K-12 online learning, explores adequacy costs, and outlines the guiding principles of performance-based funding to reward outcomes. As state policy makers consider performance-based funding options in education, this report provides recommendations and literature to expand the research base in support of equity, closing the achievement gap and increased student outcomes.

Susan Patrick, President and CEO of iNACOL, said, "This report asks the question, 'What if education funding was not based on seat-time, but on rewarding outcomes in student performance?' It highlights differences in how online learning programs are funded in states and explores policy principles to ensure equity and adequate funding levels. We look forward to working with state policy makers who wish to explore performance-based funding further." 

As online learning becomes an option for more students, many states are actively seeking guidance regarding costs, models, and funding policies. Because the ability for states to implement performance-based funding varies, the guidance offered in this report provides flexible steps that they can take, including variable starting points to allow state leaders to adapt funding policies to local contexts.

The report's authors urge states to establish equitable performance-based models that provide adequate funding and meaningful incentives to ensure that programs strive for improved student success.

Although this report focuses solely on the equity and adequacy of funding in online learning programs, the authors hope that the ideas expressed will help inform the entire field of K-12 education, incentivizing increased student performance through a performance-based education system.

To download a copy of Performance-based Funding & Online Learning: Maximizing Resources for Student Success, please visit http://bit.ly/inacolpbf.

For more information about iNACOL, please visit http://www.inacol.org.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning

Related Links

http://www.inacol.org/