A Big Idea: Blended CBO — from EdReformer.com by Tom Vander Ark

The nation received a friendly ‘C’ in the annual state of the nation last week. We need quality at scale and there is finally a way achieve it.

More than two million students learn online.  The scaled providers (Apex, K12, Connections, Florida Virtual, NC Virtual, and Lincoln Interactive to name a few) could triple in size given 60 days notice and do it with consistent quality.  We’ve never had an opportunity like that; it’s only local and state policy that stands in the way  of better learning opportunities for several million kids and fast.

Community–based organizations (CBO) build powerful sustained relationships with youth, engage them in developmental activities, and connect them to youth and family services.  Many of them are frustrated by working around struggling schools.

If we combine the two assets—online instruction and powerful community connections—we get one big scalable idea: blended CBOs.  A blended school model incorporates online learning and onsite support in ways that are often more flexible and cost effective than traditional schools.

Michael Robbins, Department of Education’s Office of Faith-Based Partnerships, is interested in expanding the educational impact of CBOs.  He thinks blended CBOs is a big idea.  Over breakfast at DC’s Tabard Inn, Michael and I sketched out a couple ways this idea could scale: