This file contains data from a fast-response survey titled "Distance Education Courses for Public Elementary and Secondary Students: 2009-10." This survey provides national estimates on distance education courses in public school districts, including enrollment in distance education courses, how districts monitor these courses, the motivations for providing distance education, and the technologies used for delivering distance education. NCES released the results of this survey in the First Look report “Distance Education Courses for Public Elementary and Secondary School Students: 2009–10” (NCES 2012-008).
Questionnaires and cover letters were mailed to the superintendent of each sampled school district in November 2010. The letter stated the purpose of the study and asked that the definition of distance education be reviewed to determine who in the district would be best suited to provide the requested information. Respondents were offered the option of completing the survey via the web or by mail. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was initiated in late November 2010 and completed in March 2011. The weighted response rate was 95 percent.
The survey asked respondents to report information on the number of distance education enrollments in their district. Respondents reported on whether the district tracked distance education course completions and if students enrolled in regular high school programs could take a full course load using only distance education courses. Data on the entities that developed and delivered distance education courses were also collected. Other survey topics included the types of distance education courses taken by students, whether the district plans to expand the number of distance education courses, and the technologies used for delivering distance education.
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