Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe secondary teachers’ perceptions of online learning in Washington. This was done by distributing a survey to three districts in the State of Washington to identify the advantages and challenges of online learning according to participating secondary teachers. In addition, the teachers provided suggestions on tools or strategies necessary to operate successful online programs. The topic is necessary because the majority of the research has been primarily in higher education. This dissertation in practice was an opportunity to give secondary teachers a voice into the continuing growth of online learning at the secondary level versus just online learning at the post-secondary level. The aim of the study was to make recommendations to secondary school leaders on best practices for online learning. By providing both the advantages and challenges according to the participants that took the survey, this study can be starting point for schools in the state of Washington or elsewhere that are considering online programs, along with the suggestions of tools and strategies necessary to operate successful online programs. Results of the study by those secondary teachers that participated emphasized the importance of social interaction that still needs to take place even in an online learning environment, yet, online learning has provided an ideal venue for those students that need flexibility to move at their own pace and are highly motivated. Recommendations include taking small steps when considering an online program, possibly a summer or after school credit recovery program, before a school decides to fully implement an online program.