Hybrid Course Research

 This is research on introductory-level university course design; I believe it applies reasonably directly to present and near-future advanced high school (e.g., AP) courses as well. Basically, it seems to be saying that the expensive way we're teaching these now is not buying us anything. We can do better, cheaper, with "hybrid" courses (they aren't trying purely online courses).... Interactive Learning Online at Public Universities: Evidence from Randomized Trials | Ithaka S+R

randomly assigning students on six public university campuses to take the course in a hybrid format (with machine-guided instruction accompanied by one hour of face-to-face instruction each week) or a traditional format (as it is usually offered by their campus, typically with 3-4 hours of face-to-face instruction each week).
We find that learning outcomes are essentially the same—that students in the hybrid format "pay no price” for this mode of instruction in terms of pass rates, final exam scores, and performance on a standardized assessment of statistical literacy. These zero-difference coefficients are precisely estimated.

If this is true (and it looks quite solid), then a merged district's enhanced ability to get groups together for specialized courses is seriously weakened as a motivator.


Or then again, maybe not.