Mapping the Terrain: Educational Leadership Field Experiences in K-12 Virtual Schools. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaFrance, Jason A.; Beck, Dennis
• Is Part Of: Educational administration quarterly. Volume 50:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: leadership preparation -- internships -- field experiences -- blended learning -- virtual school; School management and organization -- United States -- Periodicals; School management and organization -- Periodicals; 371.2005
• DOI: 10.1177/0013161X13484037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-161X

Abstract

Opportunities for K-12 students to choose virtual and blended learning experiences continue to grow. All 50 states including Washington, D.C., now offer some virtual experience in K-12 education. Of these, 40 states have state virtual schools or state-led online learning initiatives. In addition, federal and state support for this type of learning continues to expand. Field experiences are beginning to be available for virtual school teachers; however, little information is available on field experiences for pre-service administrators in virtual K-12 settings. This study provides a status report on the state of school administrator preparation for K-12 online and blended learning programs in the United States. This research was conducted by surveying initial certification Educational Leadership programs regarding the extent that pre-service administrators are exposed to K-12 online learning environments. Results indicate that very few Educational Leadership programs provide any administrator preparation for leading a K-12 virtual school or teachers of online courses. Important ramifications exist for Educational Leadership programs preparing educators to lead fully online and blended learning programs.