Examining Digital Inequities in Ohio's K-12 Virtual Schools: Implications for Educational Leaders and Policymakers

Abstract

One touted purpose of virtual schools is to expand learning opportunities for students, but in reality, virtual schooling may not be readily available to all students. This study analyzes inequitable access to Ohio's virtual schooling by examining disaggregated student enrollment data. Similar to past research, our study revealed that racial minorities and students with limited English proficiency were underrepresented in Ohio's virtual schools in comparison to traditional schools. However, unlike past studies, our study found economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities to be overrepresented in Ohio's virtual schools. The findings are explained through policy and legal lenses, and potential legal issues are discussed.