K–12 online distance education (ODE) is a growing sector of the education market. However, the demand-side factors that drive parents’ decisions to enroll their children in online schools remain understudied, particularly beyond the United States. This literature review considers both the U.S. and Australian historical school-choice policy contexts, demonstrating freedom in the former and some restrictions on the sector in the latter. Using the wider school-choice research field as context, the theoretical and psychological drivers, particularly the push factors toward ODE and pull factors away from traditional schooling, are considered. Contemporary debates and research needs are presented.
Details
Title
Parent Choice in K–12 Online Schooling: Australian and U.S. Perspectives
Authors/Creators
Damon A. Sokolowski - Murdoch University
Laura B. Perry - Murdoch University, School of Education