Web-based online learning provides educational opportunities for at-risk and bored students to obtain high school diplomas. While the overall US dropout rate has declined in the past decade, ethnic gaps remain with Hispanic and African American rates around 40% and 20% respectively, compared to 14% for white students. Online learning allows flexible access and provides solutions like credit recovery programs that help at-risk students graduate. It also engages bored students through opportunities like dual enrollment college courses. Blended programs combining online and in-person learning are effective for both groups.

1. “Connect the Disconnected”(“Learning support”, 2009) Web based (Online) (TEA) learning is the new educational medium that provides the means for at-risk students to obtain their diplomas while also providing “bored” students academic opportunities .

2. Do We Still Have a Drop-Out Crisis in America? Fast Facts - statistics about our drop-out rate over the past decade (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2010). “The Condition of Education” 2010) Overall Decline but Ethnic gap remains Percent over age 20 without HS Diploma (Ulloa, 2010) 41% Hispanics 23% African Americans 14% White

3. Texas Versus US in Graduation Rates:(“Diplomas Count,” 2010) In 2007, more students nationwide are graduating from high school.

4. At-Risk, Underachiever, or Bored Students…Which sub-groups are affected? Encompasses: all ethnic groups all socio-economic groups all age groups

5. Graduation Rates by Sub-Group in 2007(“Diplomas count,” 2010)

6. Students at home and at school…Are we competing?

8. Credit recovery programs

10. Online four year college opportunities

14. Different mediums of communicationBakia et al. (2009) Asynchronous Communication Email Threaded discussion groups Newsgroups Synchronous Communication Web-casting Chat rooms Technology (podcasting, video, etc.) Blended combination is good!

15. Helping “online learners” be successful Covey (2010) Choose the right school Manage your time Connect with your teacher Know your resources Get the credit you deserve

16. References Bakia, M., Jones, K., Means, B., Murphy, R., Toyama, Y., (2009). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf Blackboard, (2009, June). Credit recovery: Exploring answers to a national priority. Posted to Eduviewsa K-12 leadership series. Retrieved from http://www.blackboard.com/resources/k12/Bb_K12_WP_CreditRecovery.pdf

17. References Covey, D. (n.d.). Five successful tips for distance learners. Retrieved from ://www.bestonlinehighschools.com/online-learning/five-successful-tips-for-distance-learners Diplomas Count 2010 Examines Graduation Rates and Data-Driven Reform. (2010, June), Education Week. Retrieved fromhttp://www.edweek.org/media/ew/dc/2010/DC10_PressKit_FINAL.pdf IES National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. (2010). [Table of qualitative statistics concerning subgroup dropout rates]. The Condition of Education 2010. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=16

18. References Learning Support Centers in Higher Education. Online teaching/learning quotations.(2009) Retrieved from http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~lsche/resources/online/ol_quotes.htm Ulloa, J. (2010, May 7). Failing grade: Hispanic high school dropouts less likely to pursue GED. The Brownsville Herald. Retrieved from http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/hispanic-112250-less-ged.html