Colorado Online Learning

The Colorado Online Learning (COL) is a non-profit organisation which develops and delivers high-quality, standards-based, supplemental online coursework for students in the US state of Colorado. Courses may take the form of core courses, make-up credits, enrichment and/or Advanced Placement opportunities.

COL is an unusual entity within the US. It is not a full-time online school, but is rather an online education program that supplements the course offerings of a local school. In most cases, students must be enrolled in a local school to be able to register for a COL course. Students may complete courses at school or home. All of Colorado’s public school districts or private schools are entitled to enroll students. COL provides textbooks required; students taking courses at home are responsible for internet access fees and their own computers. On-site support is encouraged within local schools, especially for high–risk, high poverty youth.

COL began in 1998 as a joint venture between a number of rural, suburban, and urban school districts in Colorado. It is the largest statewide provider of supplemental online courses, collaborating with assorted schools and districts to provide curricula and services.

The Colorado Online Learning web site is at http://www.col.k12.co.us/

References

• "A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning", iNACOL, October 2010, http://www.inacol.org/research/docs/national_report.pdf
• Colorado Online Learning web site, http://www.col.k12.co.us/
• "Keeping Pace With Online Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice", Evergreen Education Group, 2010, http://kpk12.com/reports/

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US supplemental virtual school providers