How learning on their own terms online can empower at-risk students

Cedric Corbin, MS

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As an educator and coach, I have witnessed how every student’s journey through school is unique. For some, the traditional classroom setting isn’t the right fit, whether due to personal challenges, responsibilities outside of school or simply the need for a learning environment that better supports their pace and style.

A struggling student may have failed certain courses, is bored or turned off by school, misses school days, feels unsafe on campus or perhaps has received suspensions or been held back.

Many factors can contribute to these struggles. Among them are learning issues, behavioral issues, bullying, or a lack of effective alternatives at their current school. That is where online education steps in, not as a fallback, but as a powerful alternative for students in grades seven through 12 who are at risk of falling behind or dropping out.

It’s never been more important for students to finish high school. High school dropouts have an unemployment rate that is roughly 30% to 50% higher than high school graduates.

Online school offers students something they often don’t get in a traditional setting — a chance to start fresh or catch up if they have fallen behind. In a virtual learning environment, students have an opportunity to reduce certain distractions and reset their academic journey. They can work from the comfort of their own space, with the flexibility to manage their time around jobs, caregiving duties or health needs.

This isn’t about lowering expectations, it is about meeting students where they are and giving them the tools to learn on their own terms and thrive.

Real-time support, access leads to securing a high school diploma

Contrary to what some may believe, online school doesn’t mean doing it alone. Programs are designed with personalized support and offer a parent or guardian a front row seat to the student’s learning journey. Robust parent-teacher communication keeps families actively involved in their student’s progress.

Personalized learning and support with tailored instruction and individualized pacing helps students succeed. You can decide if your child needs a structured schedule or self-paced learning and consider whether live teacher support, recorded lessons or a mix of both works best.

Students also have access to accredited and state-certified teachers, academic coaches, tutors and school-based or referral-based mental health resources. Many of them develop stronger one-on-one connections with educators than they did in a crowded, traditional classroom.

Online school fosters skills that are essential in the real world like self-direction, digital literacy and time management. Students learn to advocate for themselves, organize their responsibilities and use technology confidently. These are skills that are invaluable life skills.

Many students who were once considered at-risk of failing find online schooling opens up doors to skilled trade programs, community college and even four-year universities. Others enter the workforce equipped with the discipline and confidence they have developed through online learning.

And the diploma? It is the same high school diploma every graduate receives and is recognized by colleges, the military and employers.

If you are a parent, guardian or student wondering whether online education is the right path, I encourage you to ask questions, explore the options and imagine the possibilities. The road to graduation doesn’t have to be a one-way street. What matters is that it leads forward and that students feel seen, supported, empowered and capable of success.

Editor’s note: Cedric Corbin, MS is executive director at Glendale-based Insight Academy of Arizona. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.