Keeping Pace 2011 Trend #3: Growing role of regional agencies

In preparation for the release of Keeping Pace 2011 on November 8, we are sharing nine trends identified during our research and the writing of the report. To see the list of trends as it grows over these two weeks, please visit: http://kpk12.com/blog/2011/10/keeping-pace-2011-top-trends-in-online-and-blended-learning/. Trend #3: Intermediate units, BOCES, county offices, and other education service agencies are taking on important roles.

States have less funding available to develop state virtual schools and other state-level efforts, but many districts recognize that creating online schools requires high investment and expertise, more than small districts can provide. In states as diverse as New York, Wisconsin, Colorado, and California, educational service agencies are forming consortia to help districts gain expertise and provide economies of scale. This follows a similar pattern for dissemination of education technology since the 1980s.