College Preparedness of Traditional and Cyber High School Graduates: A Qualitative Research Study

The purpose of this study is to provide insight into any differences in education related to learning assessments, program results, measurements, and tools used by cyber high schools and traditional high school principals or directors. If educators have a better understanding of how both cyber and traditional high schools prepare students for college they can improve their strategies and serve them better. Cyberlearning has seen a rapid growth at the K-12 level; however, a lack of research has prompted the need for additional research. Cyberlearning has gradually been changing the structure and vision of higher education institutions, as well as the
entire national learning environment and educational systems. There is a need to develop an understanding of the strategies and procedures by which each high school prepares graduates for college. Community college educators would benefit in understanding any differences to recognize if there are changes needed in how assessments are administered and how they affect student’s final outcomes. While the achievement data may indicate that cyber high school students are not as
ready for college as traditional high school students, principals and directors of both types of schools have similar goals and commitments in supporting every student to be college-ready. Further research may help to determine if there truly is a difference and if so what might be done to help students from both types of schools on a broader scale. Ultimately, all students should have the same opportunity whether online or in a traditional brick and mortar classroom.