California Schools Adopting E-Tools, but Teacher Unions Are Wary

StudyWritten By: Daschell M. PhillipsPublished In: School Reform NewsPublication Date: December 1, 2006Publisher: The Heartland Institute


On September 26, the University of California and California Department of Education released the Golden State's first statewide study of virtual schools and e-tools for education.
The study, "The State of Online Learning in California: A Look at Current K-12 Policies and Practices," concluded the expansion of online education in California mirrors advances across the country, as states from Florida to Washington offer myriad online education options for students. But the report also identified several problems with the state's adoption of new technologies.
"The report started out as an ad hoc committee to find out what was happening with virtual tools in schools throughout the state of California," explained coauthor Harold Vietti, who runs an online school called the eScholar Academy, based in Red Bluff, California.
Vietti said California schools are using virtual tools in many ways, such as providing more computer access in schools and using vendor- or self-designed educational programs. The tools are most popular among schools serving fewer than 2,000 students, along with charter schools.
Facing Hurdles
Virtual schools take many forms, ranging from educational software used at home or in computer centers or classrooms, to schools whose entire curricula require the use of e-tools such as phones, computers, and software that allow students to interact remotely with teachers in real time.
Although California offers online Advanced Placement (AP) classes, credit recovery courses, and online charter schools, Vietti said bureaucracy has prevented California from making online courses part of educational policy, as other states have.
"California is a technology leader, but I believe that there is a fear that virtual school technology may take jobs away from teachers," Vietti said. "Because of this fear, California is a watch-and-wait state."
Fred Glass, a spokesman for the California Federation of Teachers union, said teachers understand technology's role as a tool in the classroom and are not afraid of virtual programs taking their place.
"Most teachers are very excited about technology tools that are user-friendly and match up with educational goals," Glass said.
Although most teachers welcome the technology that is being created for the classroom, Glass said, some are frustrated by programs that are too complex and hence require too much training.
Learning Differently
One of the concerns outlined in the study was that teachers, parents, and stakeholders fear the way virtual schools will change the way education is delivered to children, as well as the roles teachers will play in the future of education.
"Teachers are more, if not equally, important in virtual schools than in the classroom," Vietti said. "My teachers work about eight to 10 hours a day, working with students online, including weekends and holidays."
Kevin Youngblood, president of OdysseyWare, Inc., a Web-based curriculum company in Arizona, said educational software isn't designed to replace teachers but to help them enhance children's learning experiences.
"Learning can be delivered in a variety of ways," Youngblood said. "We offer a tool in a teacher's toolbox."
Increasing Access
Youngblood, whose software is used by students enrolled in approximately 100 virtual schools nationwide, said students have access to OdysseyWare courses online at any time.
That flexibility is what makes online education especially helpful to at-risk and special-education students, Youngblood said.
"Virtual schools work better for [these] students than traditional schools because individualized learning allows students to work at their own pace," Youngblood said. "They can work around other things in their lives and can access other resources to help them."
Developing the Future
Another concern outlined in the study was a fear that heavy reliance on online tools will widen the gap between students who have regular access to the Internet and those who do not--a concern Vietti said serves as an excuse for California's educational system to stay behind the times.
"Everyone can have access to computers," Vietti said. "The cost of computers is going down, and instead of buying books, schools should be buying computers. We are not preparing students for the 8-to-5 office work week--we are preparing them for what the world might look like years down the road."
The future workplace, Vietti said, may include conducting business on cell phones in the park or grading papers on the beach in Hawaii--something that isn't as universal across all industries today as it will be when today's students reach adulthood.

Cyber High Schools Start Taking Off

(CBS) The scene at Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla., is common across the country, with hallways bursting with students trying to get to their next class.

For honors student Ericka Novoa, it's pre-calculus. After a full day of lectures and catching up with friends, Ericka's school day continues when she heads home and attends English class on her computer.

"It's not as hard as I thought it would be," she says. "I like the fact that I can go at my own pace."

This advanced placement course is available at Ericka's high school, but taking the course online is more convenient for her. "I would have to get up at 5:30 and I don't like getting up that early," Ericka says.

So Ericka enrolled at the Florida Virtual School, which has been delivering course work over the Internet for 10 years. A decade ago, online learning could have been easily dismissed as a trend, but now it's more likely to become a national standard.

So far, 38 states have established so-called cyber schools. In Michigan, an online course is a now a requirement for a high school diploma.

Online learning is growing so fast, the U.S. Department of Education hasn't even begun to track the numbers. But the halls of America's high schools aren't going to clear out just yet. That's because state-funded Internet courses are designed to supplement - not replace - a student's overall education."

Beyond state-funded programs, there's another option for the non-traditional student: privately run cyber schools.

Emilia Monell eventually plans to join the professional tennis tour, but for now, her morning practice sessions are followed by afternoons on the Internet, where she gets her entire high school curriculum from the University of Miami Online High School.

"It's very rare for an athlete to go to traditional school these days. Most of it is online, at least in the tennis world," Emilia says.

As Emilia's training required more time on the court, she lobbied her parents to searched for an alternate to the classroom.

Asked how life would be different or more difficult if Emilia didn't have the online learning option, her mother Terry says, "She wouldn't be able to travel to national tournaments and take time from school off."

"Or she wouldn't be able to train in Spain like she did this past summer. There are so many things that the portable classroom is a must because otherwise her options would be so limited that it probably wouldn't pan out in terms of the bigger picture," he father Ned adds.

So far, Emilia's online experience has been panning out pretty well: she is getting straight A's. "I've worked pretty hard and I value academics so I'm doing pretty well," she tells Turner.

"We are a traditional college preparatory high school that delivers their education online," explains Howard Liebman, who runs the University of Miami Online High School.

"Online learning is a form where students have an opportunity to access their coursework completely online whether that involves the text or videos or novels and then they have the opportunity to interact with their teachers," Liebman says. "It's really a self contained form of learning on the Web."

But virtual high school means missing out on mainstays like school plays and prom. "I get a lot of socialization through tennis. A lot of academy kids are doing the same program," Emilia says. "I may not be doing what some of my peers are doing, but I think that's ok and I am doing something and learning in a different way."

For Ericka, a mix of high tech and high school works for her. "I have all my friends there, my boyfriend. If I was home all day, I wouldn't see anybody, I'd only be able to talk on the phone and it wouldn't be as real."

The number of high school students logging on for class, according to experts, is between 500,000 and a million and growing at a rate of 100,000 students per year.

©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Missouri Virtual Instruction Program Announces New Web Site

The Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP) provides affordable, high-quality, standards-based supplemental and full-time online coursework for Missouri schools needing credit retrieval, advanced courses, curriculum enhancements and/or to resolve scheduling conflicts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's New

Greetings from Missouri’s K-12 Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP):

It is a privilege for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish a statewide virtual public school for the state of Missouri. Missouri will be joining the ranks of 24 other states that have a statewide virtual school program. MoVIP will be available for the 2007-2008 school year.

The 2006 Legislative Session passed the Missouri Virtual Public School Legislation with Governor Matt Blunt signing Senate Bill 912 in June. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the State Board of Education will oversee administration of this program.

For those who may not be familiar with online learning, MoVIP will provide all K-12 Missouri students (public, private and home schooled) equal access to a wide range of coursework with more flexibility in scheduling. Students can take an entire course, from any Internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There is much more work to be done before MoVIP becomes reality in August 2007.

The work includes:

Establishing an awareness of MoVIP throughout the state, focusing on the services and offerings that MoVIP will be able to offer all Missouri students.
Develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a management vendor as well as specific content providers at all grade levels.
Develop the State Board of Education rules and regulations connected with virtual education.

The reasons that students take virtual courses vary from student to student. Examples of reasons include:

The opportunity to take Advanced Placement courses
The need to recover credit from classes failed
Home schooled and private school students who want to expand their curriculum
Students who are homebound or have special education needs
Scheduling conflicts within school
Courses not offered by school

This is not a delivery method for all students, but this initiative has the opportunity to increase access and versatility of instruction for Missouri students. We realize the potential that exists and hope that we can develop the best state virtual school possible for our students.

There is much more information to share about MoVIP and virtual education than this greeting can cover. I encourage you to visit this website often to be informed about developments connected with MoVIP. If you have questions about the program, do not hesitate to contact the Virtual School office at DESE at 573-526-4219. I am available to present to your group on the Virtual School and our goals. Please feel free to email me with your questions.

Sincerely,

Curt Fuchs, PhD
Director of Virtual School

Curt.fuchs@dese.mo.gov

DESE Virtual Schools Section

Hundreds of Kids Flock to Washington State's New Online Schools

The Seattle Times
09/11/06

Washington's two newest online schools didn't know how many students to expect when they announced they would open their virtual doors this fall. Leaders cautiously hoped for 250, maybe 300 as a start.

They were low--way low. As school starts, the two public schools are happily struggling to handle double and triple that number.

Insight School of Washington, the state's first fully online high school, stopped accepting students after 650, and has 1,000 more who've expressed interest. The Washington Virtual Academy, a K-8 based in Steilacoom, has 652 students registered, and another 500 in the application pipeline.

It's another spurt in the growth of online learning in Washington state, where more than 9,000 students took one or more online classes last year.

Going to school via computer is "not for most kids," said Bill Finkbeiner, executive director of Insight School, a partnership between a Portland company and the small Quillayute Valley School District in Forks. "Most students are going to do better in traditional high schools. But there are a significant percentage of students who don't fit in to a regular high school and, for many of them, this is a good option."

About one-quarter of Insight School's students previously were home-schooled, according to Finkbeiner.

Interest in K-12 cyberschool inspires educators

By JANESE HEAVIN of the Tribune's staff
Published Saturday, July 29, 2006

Missouri lawmakers are already calling to see how they can enroll their kids in the state's new virtual school.

"The interest is just profound," Deputy Commissioner of Education Bert Schulte told the state Board of Education on Thursday.

The General Assembly approved a virtual public school this past session and has given the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education until July 1 to get the program online.

It's too early to know how students will be selected. That's one of many details yet to be hashed out. State education officials also will need to determine which classes to offer and how the state will accommodate kids who don't have computers or Internet access at home.

But they're excited about the possibilities.

"I'm still learning," said Curt Fuchs, the former Columbia Public Schools technology director who was tapped earlier this month to direct the state's virtual school. "I see the potential out there. Ireally do."

Fuchs is talking to officials from 20-some states that already have virtual school programs to see how they operate. In many cases, he said, the online courses supplement public school credits.

He hopes to have a plan finalized in the next couple of months, with a goal of requesting proposals from potential providers by October. He also hopes to launch a Web site about the school as soon as next month.

Fuchs then wants to spend time educating Missourians about the K-12cyberschool. "It's a new concept," he said. "I plan to spend a lot of time communicating with schools and informing people and parents."

In the school's first year, the equivalent of 500 full-time students would be accepted. A student is considered full time if he takes six online courses, meaning the school can accommodate more than 500 students if some take fewer than six classes. More students would be allowed in subsequent years.

The students should represent the entire state, Schulte said, adding that they might be chosen by lottery.

Many details will be determined once the state chooses providers, Schulte said. It's likely the state will select more than one company to offer different classes. The companies would hire the teachers, who must have Missouri teaching certifications."

More than likely, they will be retired teachers or part-time teachingstaff," Schulte said. "It would be possible to do it as an additional assignment outside their regular school contracts."

Teachers would grade the online coursework, which would flow from the provider to the education department and back to the local school district. Local districts would have to accept those credits toward graduation requirements.

Although the virtual school is public, private school students also can participate without enrolling in the local district. If they choose to enroll, however, the local district would receive 15 percentof the state payments it would receive if the child were a full-time student.The providers would be paid through a separate allocation, and those funds would not affect the state's education formula.

Schulte isn't sure how the state will handle students who need computer and Internet access at home but said the state would likely help offset such costs.

Virtual classes aren't for everyone, Schulte and Fuchs stressed.

"Success in these kinds of courses requires a certain commitment on the part of the student," Schulte said. "Certainly, this will need to fit the learning style of the student. … The greatest impact will be on the student for whom this is an avenue of learning they find fits their personality and style."

Student applicants likely will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to gauge how effective an online program would be for them, Fuchs said.

Student athletes or those who work more rapidly than peers might benefit, he said."They can move through it quickly or take a year to move through a course," Fuchs said. "It's individualized. … The goal is `anyplace, anytime, any pace.' "

Fuchs doesn't expect the program to run glitch-free in its first year."It's an evolution, not a revolution," he said. "My goal is to pick and choose from those models out there right now and make it work for our Missouri students."

Fuchs plans to create a task force soon to help finalize the details, including what to name the program because Missouri State Universityin Springfield already has claim to the name Missouri Virtual School.

Indiana service center turns underutilized resources into a thriving distance-learning program

Indiana's Wilson Education Service Center services 27 school corporations in the southeast region of the state with cooperative purchasing, media services, and professional development and curriculum items. When Jerry Steuerwald arrived at the center in 2003 as a distance-learning specialist and big believer in the value of video conferencing in the classroom, he found little in the way of a communications technology strategy...

DESE Announces New Virtual School Director

Click on the link below to hear the KSMU podcast of an interview with Dr. Curt Fuchs, the newly appointed DESE Virtual School Director.

http://ksmuonline.missouristate.edu/news.php?text=1761

Utah Leads Nation in Virtual School Enrollments

Utah Leads Nation in Virtual School Enrollments


With more than 50,000 students enrolled, the Utah
Electronic High School operates the nation's largest
online learning program.Source: Deseret News ========================================

Tennessee developing eLearning model

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the Hamilton County school System is leading schools across Tennessee in developing statewide curriculum for online courses. The system is the beneficiary of a three-year, $2.7 million grant to write online course curriculums. Seven other systems are receiving $100,000 each per year to serve as the pilot sites that offer Hamilton County online courses. Stacy Schaudel, one of the coordinators of Tennessee's e4 TN initiative, says: "We're building the model of what e-learning will look like in Tennessee." The e4 TN initiative aims to create 26 courses aligned with state standards required by the No Child Left Behind Act...

http://www.tfponline.com
=================================================================

MRDP Media Release

Virtual School Legislation Passed

Senator Goodman and Representative Baker Lead The Way

Jefferson City, Mo., (May 12, 2006) – Legislation to help Missouri students has passed in the Missouri Legislature by overwhelming bipartisan votes. The law also has broad support from organizations such as the Missouri Rural Development Partners (MRDP) and the Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA).

If signed by Governor Matt Blunt, Senate Bill 912 will create a “virtual school” for Missouri students to enroll in Internet-based classes. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will oversee the creation of the school and ensure that it meets the same standards as a typical public school district. It will be available to variety of students on both a full and part-time basis as determined by DESE.

Senator Jack Goodman (R-Lawrence), who sponsored the bill, was very pleased with the outcome of the legislation. “We had a unanimous vote in the Senate which demonstrates the strong support for quality education alternatives in our state. It is not intended to replace schools, but to create a new way to reach students with needs outside of the existing structure,” stated Goodman.

Representative Brian Baker (R-Belton), who sponsored the companion bill in the House of Representatives, believes the virtual school will create new opportunities for Missouri students. “We have to look at smarter, cost effective ways to improve education for our kids and I believe that this is a great approach,” said Baker.

Jim Tice, a board member for MRDP and Chair of the MRDP/MoDLA Distance Learning Initiative Task Force, contributed his expertise in developing the legislation. Mr. Tice has been instrumental in developing a virtual school at Missouri State University that is currently offered to numerous public school districts. “I’m glad that I could be a part of this effort to expand the virtual school concept to more Missourians. We have seen much success providing students with courses that they otherwise may not have available to them,” stated Tice. He added that the Task Force will remain active to continue support of distance learning policies and activities in the state.

Senate Bill 912 was co-sponsored by Senators Matt Bartle (R-Jackson), Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau) and David Klindt (R-Harrison). The House bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Carl Beardon (R-St. Charles), Walt Bivins (R-St. Louis), Lanie Black (R-Charleston), Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), Michael Cocoran (D-St. Ann), Bob Dixon (R-Springfield), Doug Ervin (R-Kearney), Kathlyn Fares (R-Webster Groves), Barney Joe Fisher (R-Richards), Timothy Flook (R-Liberty), Steve Hobbs (R-Mexico), Danielle Moore (R-Fulton), Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown), Scott Muschany (R-St. Louis), Jerry Nolte (R-Gladstone), Sam Page (D-Creve Coeur), Susan Phillips (R-Kansas City), Martin Rucker (R-Flemington), Therese Sander (R-Moberly), Robert Schaaf (R-St. Joseph), Ray Weter (R-Nixa), James Whorton (D-Trenton) and Larry Wilson (R-Flemington).


The Missouri Rural Development Partners (MRDP) was formally organized in November 1992 and is one of nearly 40 state rural development councils comprising the National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP). In 2004, MRDP received federal designation as Missouri’s official state rural development council. The mission of MRDP is “to improve the quality of life, enhance opportunities, and help empower citizens and rural communities of Missouri by bringing together a coalition of public and private entities.”

Missouri NEA Legislative Update

Week 18, No. 2, May 9, 2006
Otto Fajen,Missouri NEA Legislative Director

HOUSE PASSES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The House passed SS/SCS/SB 912 (Jack Goodman) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The House defeated the HCS and took up the Senate version. Rep. Maynard Wallace offered HA 1 to correct the summer school state aid penalty, but the amendment was ruled out of order. The House then passed the bill by a vote of 136-20. Since the House adopted the Senate version without amendment, the bill is now finally passed and ready to be sent to the Governor for approval.

SENATE DEBATES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The Senate took up HB 1275 (Brian Baker) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The bill also includes the provisions of SB 970 (Chuck Gross) to protect districts in St. Charles County from uncompensated loss of local fine revenues if a county municipal court is established.
Sen. Charlie Shields added SA 1, which adds SB 1004 (Rita Days) to correct the sunset on the early childhood special education placement fix included in SB 500 (2005), SB 947 to establish standards for early childhood education, and SB 644 to correct the summer school state aid penalty. Sen. Tim Green added SA 3, to allow the State Auditor to audit any public school district. SA 3 was adopted by a vote of 17-16.
Sen. Loudon offered SA 4 to amend various provisions relating to charter schools including his SB 1190 to allow certain private colleges outside St. Louis City to sponsor charter schools in the city. A point of order was raised that the amendment goes beyond the scope and purpose of the bill. The point of order was taken under advisement, which ended debate on the bill. It appears unlikely that the bill will be taken up for consideration again this year, now that the House has finally passed the virtual schools language in SB 912.

Missouri NEA Daily Legislative Update

Week 16, No. 3, April 26, 2006

Otto Fajen
Missouri NEA Legislative Director

VIRTUAL SCHOOLS

The House Rules Committee voted SB 912 (Jack Goodman) Do Pass on April 26. The bill can now be placed on the House calendar for floor debate. SB 912 would create the Missouri Virtual Public School. SB 912 is very similar to HB 1275 (Brian Baker). Missouri NEA supports SB 912.

Missouri NEA Daily Legislative Update

Week 16, No. 2, April 25, 2006

Otto Fajen
Missouri NEA Legislative Director

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND FINANCE

SS SCS SB 912 (Jack Goodman) to establish a Missouri virtual public school program. Missouri NEA supports the bill. The Committee adopted an HCS that incorporates a technical change to make the language identical to HB 1275 (Brian Baker). The HCS was voted Do Pass.

Virtual schools mean more opportunity

The Joplin Globe
CNHI News Service
— By Brian L. BakerGuest columnist

Unless we open new doors, the seven last words of our public schools will be "we never did it that way before." The 21st century is here, and except for some marker-boards, most of our students learn in a 1950s classroom model - which is not all bad. However, new ideas and technology must be allowed to stand along side the sacred cow of public education.The Missouri Virtual Public School is an innovative way to deliver a quality and challenging public education to students all around the state. It is designed to meet needs where the "traditional" classroom cannot. It is not a replacement, but a tool that allows education to reach the farthest corners of our state, into the deepest rural landscapes and urban cores. I have a deep respect for the superintendents of this state and in Southwest Missouri. I have met with many of them, and we agree on many issues regarding public education. However, their concerns about the MVP School have been addressed and discussed in a thorough manner in Jefferson City.First, your article is correct. All local dollars will be kept by the local public school. However, state aid will follow the student to the Virtual Public School run by the Department of Education. The student can enroll in the MVP school full time.Students can also choose to be provisionally enrolled in their local school district for the purpose of participating in extracurricular activities like band, speech, debate, theater, etc. If they choose to do this, then 15 percent of the state aid will remain with the local school district. The remaining 85 percent of that student's state aid will go to the MVP school.This is just one way we addressed the socialization issue raised by Webb City Superintendent Ron Lankford. Students would have a choice to participate in public-school activities.Second, the MVP school is not simply designed just for full-time students. Suppose you have a rural district with gifted students, but they cannot hire gifted teachers or an advanced-subject staff. Students can enroll in the MVP school part time. If a student needed a physics class, he or she could enroll in the MVP school for that class and then take the needed course from the school library. If he or she was enrolled in just one MVP class then the cost would only be one-sixth of the state aid provided for that student - six courses equals full-time equivalency.We address the social interaction of students by assigning each student a teacher who will work one-on-one with that student. Daily contact will be attained through phone, e-mail or audio-video. One-on-one weekly contact will be a rule established by the Department of Education. Plus, parents will be required to commit to a certain involvement level or students will not be able to participate.The state will have regions where students in the MVP school can link up and participate in group activities. Again, this will be a cooperative effort among the DESE-assigned teacher, the parents and the students.Plus, we must all recognize that with the availability of community activities, sports and other social events, today's students have a variety of opportunities to develop social skills. There will not be a mass exodus of students to the MVP school. Most states that provide this tool only see about 1 percent to 2 percent of students participate. Some of these students face health issues that leave them uncomfortable or disadvantaged in a "traditional" school. By offering the MVP school, we give the cancer patient or paraplegic access to a quality public education. Finally, this program does not entail students sitting around looking at a computer screen. Textbooks, hands-on lab work and actual paperwork are required by the curriculum that will be offered. There are a number of curriculum providers who have the ability to provide the equipment and technology to offer the services of the MVP school.What gives the program such promise is that it accents the current system by offering new technology to public education, providing another way to teach. The global world has entered our lives. We must begin true education reform that helps the classroom catch up to the rest of the world. Never let us embrace a we-never-did-it-that-way-before spirit.
Brian L. Baker is the author of the MVP school bill and chairman of the Missouri Committee on Student Achievement & Finance.
Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.

Senate OKs Creating Virtual School

The Kansas City Star
KELLY WIESE
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Senate passed legislation Thursday allowing for creation of a statewide "virtual school," which would allow students to take courses over the Internet.
The bill by Sen. Jack Goodman would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a virtual school by July 2007. Students could either attend the virtual school exclusively or use it to take classes beyond the traditional ones in their school building.
Supporters believe the school could help a variety of students, including those who are expelled, home-schooled, disabled or so bright they need tougher courses.
"This program will allow these gifted children to be challenged," Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, said. "They're not necessarily held back by a group of their fellow students," if they can attend a virtual school.
Nearly half of states already have virtual school programs. The bill would require Missouri's virtual school to meet the same standards as a typical school district, such as using certified teachers, having an approved curriculum, taking state standardized tests and making progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law.
The measure also spells out that state officials would have to approve more than one curriculum provider, such as a private company or another state's virtual school program. That way, parents and students could choose materials to fit their needs.
Goodman said parental involvement would be even more important than in a regular school setting, but teachers would work with students directly at least weekly, by phone or in person.
The state, not families, would provide the funding. Enrollment in the virtual school would be limited in the first year to 500 full-time students, Goodman said, but could be expanded in the future, depending on interest and funding.
A House version of the legislation already cleared the House and awaits action by a Senate committee.

Plan for Virtual Schools Raises Concerns

The Joplin Globe
By Sadie Gurman
Globe Capitol Correspondent

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - If a tornado like the one that ripped apart Carl Junction schools in May 2003 came sweeping through again, students could have an opportunity to fire up their computers and attend classes through a statewide, online school.
Under a bill overwhelmingly passed Thursday by the Missouri Senate, the state would establish a virtual school for all kindergarten through high-school students by July 1, 2007. Students who attend school virtually would be counted as public-school students and could attend classes from anywhere in the state. Taxpayer dollars would continue to go to the school district where the students reside.
For students, fewer days would be spent away from learning if the state forms a virtual school. But Phillip Cook, superintendent of Carl Junction schools, said he's not convinced that the course work or learning experience of a virtual school could match the quality of the human contact in an actual classroom.
"There's a lot of meaning that goes into having students in the classroom and having a person who cares about them and loves them, and gives them empathy and teaches them more than just what's in the curriculum," Cook said in a telephone interview. "I am sitting here looking at my computer screen, and it's not giving me any empathy."
The tornado that damaged Carl Junction schools in May 2003 came when students had just 18 days left in the school year, from which they were excused, Cook said. He said that if the same thing were to happen at midyear and school buildings were destroyed, the district would move its students to alternate classrooms and locations rather than immediately logging them onto the virtual school.
"We would work out a way that our kids would be in the classroom," Cook said. "I'm very confident of that."
Other uses
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, said the virtual school wouldn't just provide educational options for students whose schools were damaged. He said in an interview that it would serve public-school students who are homebound because of sickness, disability or discipline problems. Gifted and talented students who seek more challenging classes could find them in the virtual school, he said.
Under the plan, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would coordinate the virtual school, while certified teachers from a third party would manage the course work. The bill requires that the virtual school meet the curriculum demands of a typical school district. At least 13 other states have virtual-school programs in place, and about 50,000 students across the country attend them, Goodman said.
Jim Simpson, superintendent of Joplin public schools, said he's concerned that any student could leave a school in favor of taking online classes. The virtual school would cap enrollment at 500 students in its first year, so there likely would not be any abuse of the program if it passes, Goodman said.
Simpson said in a telephone interview that the virtual-school idea has merit but also has some kinks. He said he wonders how the virtual school would affect high-school dropout rates and how low-income students would be able to afford their own computers.
"It is a new program that has promise for some types of students, but the details need to be looked at and projected," Simpson said.
Joplin schools offer online courses for students seeking high-school equivalency diplomas, but these courses are taken in school computer labs where teachers offer assistance.
Technology
Some home-schooling networks have opposed the bill, saying it could encroach on the freedom home-schooled children and their parents have to customize their own classes. But Lea Ann Piercy, of Joplin, who teaches her two children at home, said she has heard of other parents who use online programs and classes to complement their children's home-school experience. She said she is unfamiliar with the legislation establishing a virtual school, but she knows that the technology involved has helped add structure and substance to some home schools.
Ron Lankford, superintendent of Webb City schools, said that for public schools, such technology doesn't always deliver on its promise. Some Webb City schools have interactive classrooms, in which students watch and communicate with a teacher via television, but these are rarely used because they have not been as effective as teachers had imagined, Lankford said.
He said the technology offered through virtual schools isn't a worthy substitute for an on-site, classroom education. When gifted students find that they have outgrown the Webb City schools' course work, they usually take college classes at Missouri Southern State University. Whatever students' situations may be, the district tries to find a way to accommodate them in the classroom, Lankford said.
Lankford said he also is concerned that a virtual school might strip students of the social skills they acquire in public schools.
"The public school is the one thing left in our community that still brings the community back together," he said.
Now what?
The bill passed the Senate 31-0 on Thursday. A version of the bill has passed the House and awaits a hearing by a Senate committee.

Status Update

HB 1275 is being heard in the Senate Education Committee today, April 11. SB 912 is still alive pending Senate Education Committee action on HB 1275. The hearing on HB 1275 may be delayed due to the number of bills they are considering and President Bush's visit to Jefferson City.

Blog Update

As noted in a previous posting HB 1275 has passed the House. The vote was 138 to 19. Please note additional postings below.

Capitol Update from Sara Lampe

March 30 , 2006
The virtual school bill passed out of the House today. This bill has great potential for enhancing education. It holds possibilities for at-risk students, students needing advanced course work, rural students, and student who are unable to attend schools. I am happy that it has oversight from DESE.

"Legislative Update"

March 31, 2006
Number 12
By Otto Fajen
MNEA Legislative Director

HOUSE PASSES VIRTUAL SCHOOLS BILL
The House gave final passage to House Bill 1275 (Brian Baker) March 30. The bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a Missouri Virtual School. Missouri NEA supports the concept of H.B. 1275 as a proactive effort by public educators to lead the way in virtual education. The bill will require extra state funding to fund these additional services. The bill must ensure that DESE will strive to maintain the key elements and values of public education: high quality teachers, quality interactions of teachers and students, transparency and accountability and equity of access for all.

House Approves Virtual School

By Brent Martin
Thursday, March 30, 2006, 4:40 PM

A virtual school could be coming to a child's home near you. The House has approved authorizing the Department of Education to establish a virtual school program by mid-Summer next year. It would use the latest technology to serve up to 500 students throughout the state. Computers in the home could help a high school student pick up a course or two his district doesn't offer or help a student stuck at home through sickness or injury to keep up with coursework. The state will contract with more than one provider which will offer services and employ teachers. The bill now moves to the Senate.

AUDIO: Brent Martin Report (:58 MP3)

Status Update

The HB 1275 passed the House of Representatives this morning by a wide margin. It will now head for the Senate for their process. The SB 912 companion bill is on the Senate Calendar for perfection.

From Representative Danie Moore

The following a from Representative Danie Moore's Capitol Reports:

New Educational Opportunities
March 3rd, 2006

In my years as a classroom teacher, I was always committed to helping each of my students succeed in life. Yet, sometimes unavoidable circumstances limited some of my students. I remember a particular student that was faced with a long-term illness that kept her home-bound. Although we did our best through weekly home visits, it was very difficult for her to receive the same quality of education as before her illness. That is why I am excited about House Bill 1275, which will provide a better way for students like this young lady to keep up in their studies. This bill also opens up new educational opportunities to all Missouri’s students, but especially to students in rural and disadvantaged school districts.
The Missouri Virtual Public SchoolHouse Bill 1275 proposes a special state-wide school, the Missouri Virtual Public School (MVP School). Just like any other public school, the MVP School would be required to have certified teachers and meet state curriculum guidelines, accreditation standards, and performance measures. Unlike regular schools, the MVP School will be able to reach students wherever they are through the use of computers and the internet.
Students who are home-bound with long-term illnesses or disabilities will be able to continue to receive a high-quality education. Students who must be removed from school for other reasons, such as discipline problems, will have an alternative way to continue or complete their education.
As well as meeting the needs of students who cannot attend a regular school, the MVP School will greatly increase the learning opportunities for students in rural or disadvantaged schools. Many school districts have a difficult time attracting teachers in math, science, foreign languages, and various specialized subjects. Some school districts are not able to provide challenging courses to their best students because they do not have enough students to form a class or the finances to cover the costs. An interactive and internet-based school overcomes these obstacles, providing an equality of opportunity to all Missouri’s students.
The MVP School will not be only available to rural and special needs students. A student who would like to work during the day and finish his high school diploma in the evening would have that opportunity. Parents who are concerned about the safety of their child at school could choose to have their child study within the protection of their own home. Families that currently home school their children are not required to enroll in the MVP School, but would be free to choose to participate. They could use the virtual school to provide only the courses they need assistance in, or to provide the entire curriculum for their children. Students in a variety of situations will find the MVP School an effective way to meet their educational needs..
The extra-curricular activities and sports programs of the local school district are available to MVP School students even if they take all of their courses through the virtual school. Parents may choose whether their child is provisionally enrolled in the local district, allowing them to participate in these activities. The district will then receive 15% of the state aid it normally receives for a student in order to cover the costs associated with providing these opportunities.
The MVP School will receive the other 85% of state aid, whether the student is provisionally enrolled in the local district or not. Overall, the MVP School should save money for the state. Currently, an average of $7,000 is spent per student. The estimated cost of educating one MVP student is only $5,200.
As great as this idea sounds, I believe new programs should be tested. The MVP School will begin as a pilot program while we evaluate its effectiveness. For the first year of the program, enrollment will be limited to the equivalent of 500 full-time students. Then, over the succeeding two years, funds will be set aside for 250 more students each year.
When I was a classroom teacher, my job was to ensure that my students received the best possible education. As a state representative, my job has been extended to looking for ways to provide the greatest educational opportunities to all of Missouri’s students. I am proud to support new and innovative ideas in education while working to make sure that education remains our number one priority.

Status Updates for HB 1275 and SB 912

HB 1275 is perfected with amendments and is on the House calendar ready to be third read and voted.

SB 912 has been placed on the Senate calendar for perfection.

Many Working Models Available for Virtual Ed

Friday, March 24, 2006
By Eric Crump/Staff writer

Editor's note: This is the final article in a series about a virtual public school proposal in Missouri.
How will a virtual public school actually work if current legislation to create one is approved?
No one can say for certain yet since the details remain to be worked out and the legislation gives the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) a good deal of flexibility in giving the program its final shape.
But there are plenty of existing online learning programs that provide a glimpse of the possibilities, according to James Tice, chairman of the Missouri Distance Learning Initiative (MDLI).
"Currently in Missouri hundreds of students are taking high school courses delivered by I-TV (Interactive Television) in real time over the Internet," he said in an e-mail message. "Hundreds of other students are taking courses over the Internet in synchronous (real time) through Web-based software."
And several thousand Missouri students are taking course work asynchronously -- that is, not in real-time; tools such as e-mail and Web forums are considered asynchronous -- over the Internet from a variety of providers, he said.
Cable and satellite networks will add possibilities as well.
Tice said that MDLI published an interim report in November aimed at guiding members of the Missouri General Assembly and DESE officials. The address is included below.
The legislation, House Bill 1275 and Senate Bill 912, will, if approved, provide DESE with the option to select a variety of providers to create the virtual school, so students may have a number of options to choose from.
One existing virtual public school already in operation suggests the range of possibilities. According to the Florida Virtual School Web site: "To assure student success with virtual learning, a variety of Web-based, technology-based and traditional resources are provided. Teachers communicate with students and parents on a regular basis via phone, e-mail, online chats, instant messaging, and discussion forums."

Distance Ed Initiative Sought in Jeff City

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
By Eric Crump/Staff writer

Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles about a virtual public school initiative in Missouri.

Distance education has boomed since the emergence of the Internet, but until recently online education has been mainly a college phenomenon.
That may change soon. The Missouri House of Representatives approved a bill March 13 that would create a virtual public school for children from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The state Senate version of the bill passed out of the Education Committee last week and is slated to be considered by the full Senate later this month.
If the proposal succeeds, Missouri would join more than 20 other states that now offer schooling online to elementary and secondary students. The bill calls for the virtual school to be created by July 1, 2007.
Missouri's plan would differ from most others, though, in its comprehensive approach, according to Bert Schulte, deputy commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
"Some states concentrate on high school, some on middle or elementary," he said. "One of the somewhat unique aspects of ours will be the comprehensiveness of the program."
Students would, in theory at least, be able to complete their entire education through the virtual school.
But the virtual school is not intended to compete directly with conventional schools, according to state Rep. Joe Aull, D-Marshall and a member of the House committee that recently held hearings on the bill.
"The concept has some real merits as long as it is considered an alternative program," he said. "It will be for students who for various reasons don't do well in regular classrooms."
That was one of the main motives for House bill sponsor Brian Baker, R-Belton, in proposing the legislation.
"Technology presents us with the opportunity to reach gifted, home-bound and even troubled kids with a quality education," he said.
Schulte said the virtual school will have to meet all current state assessment standards and teacher credential requirements.
If approved, the virtual school will start with a maximum enrollment of 500 students and will grow to 1,000 students within a couple of years, according to Aull. Considering there are more than 500 school districts in Missouri, the average impact on conventional schools would be small, he said.
"The idea is to give DESE time to see how this will work and pilot the program," Baker said.
The bill includes a funding formula that would split per-student state funding between the virtual school and a student's home district, with the virtual school receiving 85 percent and the home district 15 percent of the state's contribution.

Supporters hope 'virtual school' meets student needs

KELLY WIESE
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Eighth-grader Keith Fisher started hanging out with the wrong crowd and ran into problems at school.
So his parents pulled him out of the Sarcoxie School District several months ago and began home-schooling him. But Keith sometimes has questions about his school work and struggles to find the answers. He also longs to be part of a school community - to join student organizations and play sports.
Keith's situation is exactly the kind of thing lawmakers hope to improve in proposing creation of a statewide "virtual school." Bills to do so have cleared House and Senate committees and await votes by the full chambers.
Virtual schools have been established in 23 states nationwide, according to the North American Council for Online Learning - and Missouri can consider those experiences as it builds its own system.
A virtual school builds on the distance learning concept, where a teacher in one building may direct a class, and students in other districts around the state tune in by videoconference, said council president Susan Patrick.
A virtual school is largely Internet-based, with a curriculum that students complete on their own schedules and at their own pace, but still with regular interaction with a teacher, she said. And holding some classes by video can complement the work.
The legislation would require the state Board of Education to create a virtual school by July 2007. It spells out how funding would work, requires teachers to be certified and ensures the school meets other standards, such as having an approved curriculum and making yearly improvement under the federal No Child Left Behind law.
The state would provide funding for up to 500 full-time students (more if many only take a class or two) the first year, to allow time to work out the bugs, said a sponsor, Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton. More could be added in the future.
Supporters believe a range of students could benefit from a virtual school: someone in a rural district that can't afford a physics or Latin teacher; gifted ones who aren't challenged in a regular classroom; those who failed a class and need extra help; or home-schooled students.
Students could take one course or their entire load through the virtual school. The state would approve several providers - potentially private companies, colleges or virtual school operators from other states - to offer curriculum, and parents and students could choose those that best fit their needs.
Schools around Missouri already use some forms of distance learning. This year, for example, a "Checks and Balances" government class organized by the Missouri Bar and the Missouri School Boards Association includes seminars students from several districts can join by videoconference and question government officials, including a Supreme Court judge and state legislators.
But a recent class with state representatives on the panel in Jefferson City ran into technical difficulties. The building's high-speed data line went down, and classes from around the state were dropped after a few minutes.
The lesson illustrated the challenges of relying on technology to teach, but program coordinators and teachers involved said it's worth the hassle.
Curtis Cunningham teaches government to Versailles High School students and participates in the "Checks and Balances" class. He said his students were disappointed the system crashed. But Cunningham said he has no qualms about embracing the technology.
"I really like the opportunity, if it keeps working," he said. "There's no way I could take a bus of kids up there every other week and sit down and talk to these people. Something I can give to these kids in rural Missouri via the telephone line, I think it's great."
The bottom line, Patrick and others say, is a virtual school can be a good fit for children raised in an era so reliant on computers and technology. They may not just learn better, but also be more prepared for jobs in coming years.
"When they're at home, they're aware of the Information Age," Patrick said. "And when they walk into their schools and they're being taught the same way three generations ago were, with single-source textbooks and a teacher lecturing, looking at the world they're getting into, there's an increasing disconnect."
For students such as Keith, a virtual school can't arrive soon enough.
"I was getting into a lot of trouble at school, hanging with the wrong people and not turning in assignments," the 14-year-old said. "I am doing better in school without the peer pressure. You do only get one education. My mom wants me to have the best."

Distance Learning in Colorado

Distance Learning Growth Is Both Good and Bad News
The good news is that distance learning in Colorado is really
beginning to catch on, offering more options to the state’s
students, especially in sparsely populated areas. The bad
news is that the growth has caught policy makers by surprise
and is putting pressure on the state budget.
Source: Rocky Mountain News

Recommended Amendments to SB 912

The following are recommended amendents to SB 912 offered by Dr. Peter Campbell, Missouri State Coordinator, The National Assessment Reform Network:

1) A one-year pilot program be created to establish the Missouri Virtual Public School under the auspices and direction of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
2) This pilot program would involve students in grades 9 - 12 only.
3) A team from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education study and monitor the pilot; after the pilot has completed one full year of implementation, the team from DESE will prepare a report on the pilot and make recommendations about whether or how to proceed.
4) The legal establishment of the Missouri Virtual Public School shall be postponed for not less than one year subject to the findings of the above-mentioned pilot and the above-mentioned report from DESE.

Bill Status

HB 1275
On Monday, March 13th HCS HB 1275 as amended, relating to virtual public schools was taken up by Representative Brian Baker – sponsor of the bill - in the House Chambers for discussion. After approximately 90 minutes of mostly supportive discussion HCS HB 1275 as amended was adopted, perfected and printed. HCS HB 1275 is currently on the calendar for Third Reading.
http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/perf/HB1275P.HTM

SB 912
Senate Bill 912 has been voted out of committee Do Pass.
3/16/2006 Reported from S Education Committee to Floor w/SCS
3/16/2006 S Formal Calendar S Bills for Perfection w/SCS
3/17/2006 Placed on Senate Calendar to be perfected March 27th. SB 912 is #12 on the Senate Calendar
http://www.senate.mo.gov/06info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=39062

Virtual School Bill Update

HB 1275 is moving on a fast track. It was debated on the floor of the House Wednesday, March 8, and two amendments were adopted. It was scheduled for further discussion on Monday, March 13.

SB 912 has been voted out of the Senate Education Committee Do Pass.

Questions Raised By Dr. Peter Campbell

The following are excerts from emails between Dr. Peter Campbell, Missouri State Coordinator, The National Assessment Reform Network, and Dr. Bert Schulte, Deputy Commisioner, DESE regarding HB 1275 and its implementation.

From Dr. Campbell to Dr. Schulte, March 04, 2006
"I'm writing to obtain information about HB 1275, the bill to create the Missouri Virtual Public School that is being considered in the MO state legislature. Dr. James Tice (copied) suggested I contact you.
As an educational technology advocate, I'm very excited about the possibility of enhancing kids' educations via technology, especially in rural areas that have limited access to more advanced subject matter. However, as a public school advocate, I'm troubled by the potential role these virtual schools may play in undermining public education.
Year 2 AYP sanctions under NCLB allow students to transfer from a school that is on the "needs improvement" list to another school within the district that is not on the list. However, since NCLB only allows transfer within the district, where are students going to go if all the schools in the district are on the list? Furthermore, where can students go if there is only one elementary or middle school in the district?
So under HB 1275, can students "transfer" to the Missouri Virtual Public School if their schools are placed on the "needs improvement" list? If virtual schools are used as options in the NCLB/AYP school transfer process, many students will benefit, but many more will be left behind. The research on distance education programs shows pretty clearly that certain types of students benefit from this environment, i.e, those that are more focused and self-directed with good time management skills. While a good percentage of the population of public school students fit this profile, a large number don't.
Of even greater concern is the extent to which private, for-profit entities will be involved in offering these services via the Internet with little to no accountability provisions built in. Is the Missouri Virtual Public school going to operate as a charter school? If so, how will it be managed? Missouri's experience and the rest of the country's experience with charters has been mixed at best. One of the more troubling aspects of charter schools is their lack of accountability. While this is troubling enough in brick and mortar institutions where students have face-to-face accountability, it is even more troubling when no such tangible aspect of accountability exists."

From Dr. Campbell to Dr. Schulte, March 06, 2006
"Bert, Thanks for your message. I read the bill and communicated my concerns to Representative Baker, the bill's sponsor in the House, last week. While I would certainly like to assist in the positive implementation of the program (pending passage), it's difficult for me to respond in a constructive manner when so much about the proposal is so abstract. Let me share some of my concerns.
According to the legislation, the oversight of each student enrolled in the virtual school will be carried out by the district in which the student physically resides. But how is the oversight of "virtual students" to occur if the district has no oversight mechanism established? Will it be left up to each district to come up with its own method? What if these methods don't work? How will we know if they are working or not?
Will it be the duty of the district administrative officers to oversee these students? If so, this goes far beyond the typical job description of district administrative staff, who are normally charged with administrative oversight, not individual student oversight. Moreover, who will oversee the operation of the Missouri Virtual Public School itself? Where will it be located? How will it be constituted?
Finally, the legislation proposes to make the Missouri Virtual Public School available to children starting in Kindergarten. While it might make sense to offer courses to rural students that would not be otherwise available, it makes little sense to me to offer a primary and elementary education solely via the Internet.
Please note that I am a technology advocate, not a Luddite. But this proposal seems to stretch the function and promise of distance/virtual education beyond its capabilities. As you can see, there are very important questions that have not been sufficiently addressed. I believe that it is neither appropriate nor prudent to implement a program that has significant implications for children when so many details are being left up in the air. At the very least, a small-scale pilot program for high school students should be undertaken first before our children are subjected to programs and methods we are unsure of."

From Dr. Campbell to Dr. Schulte, March 06, 2006
"The issues of oversight and accountability still seem very much up in the air.
Here is what the bill says: "For purposes of calculation and distribution of state school aid, pupils enrolled in a virtual school shall be included in the pupil enrollment of the school district in which the pupil physically resides. The virtual school shall report to the district of residence the following information about each pupil served by the virtual school: name, address, eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch, limited English proficiency status, special education needs, and the number of courses in which the pupil is enrolled. The virtual school shall promptly notify the resident district when a pupil discontinues enrollment."
Under this set-up, students enroll in the virtual school (for all or some of their classes.) The virtual school reports basic information about the student to the district of residence. The student is considered to be part of the total pupil enrollment of that district. So far, so good. But here's where things go awry:
1) Which entity is responsible for overseeing that each student is learning, the district of residence or the virtual school?
2) If the district of residence, how is this oversight accomplished? How is it reported? To whom? By what means? With what regularity?
3) If the virtual school, how is this oversight accomplished? How is it reported? To whom? By what means? With what regularity?
4) Assuming that students in virtual schools must take the MAP test and be included in AYP calculations, which entity, the district of residence or the virtual school, is accountable for instances where students are not making AYP?
5) If the district is accountable, can school districts be held accountable for the academic performance of students they are not actually teaching?
6) If the virtual school is accountable, can AYP sanctions be applied to the virtual school?
7) If AYP sanctions do apply to the virtual school, and if the virtual school fails to make AYP for two years in a row, then -- by federal law -- students must be given the opportunity to transfer to another school within the district that is not on the "needs improvement" list. Where would students enrolled in the virtual school transfer to?
8) Continuing with this line of thought, if the virtual school fails to make AYP for three years in a row, would virtual students be eligible for supplemental educational services as their peers in physical settings are?
9) If after four years of failing to make AYP, what would happen to the virtual school? Would the same penalties apply to it that apply to physical buildings?
10) If after five years, could the virtual school be taken over by the state and converted into a charter school, as per the terms of Year Five sanctions under NCLB?
In addition to the above questions, the questions I posed earlier are still unanswered. Here they are again: Will it be the duty of the district administrative officers to oversee these students? If so, this goes far beyond the typical job description of district administrative staff, who are normally charged with administrative oversight, not individual student oversight. Moreover, who will oversee the operation of the Missouri Virtual Public School itself? Where will it be located? How will it be constituted?
Finally, as I mentioned in my earlier message, it might make sense to offer courses to rural students that would not be otherwise available, but it makes little sense to me to offer a primary and elementary education solely via the Internet.
If the above questions can be answered, then that would be very helpful. As for specific recommendations, I strongly encourage DESE and the bill's sponsors to conduct a pilot of the Missouri Virtual Public School for high school students only. Pending the outcome of the pilot, further steps can be taken to implement a revised/improved model. However, enacting the Missouri Virtual Public School into law with no proof of concept, no user data, and so many issues left unresolved is, in my opinion, very bad public policy."

House Bill 1275

SECOND REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 1275
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY


Reported from the Special Committee on Student Achievement and Finance February 15, 2006 with recommendation that House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 1275 Do Pass. Referred to the Committee on Rules pursuant to Rule 25(26)(f).
STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
4219L.02C

AN ACT
To amend chapter 161, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the establishment of a virtual school.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 161, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 161.670, to read as follows:
161.670. 1. Notwithstanding any other law, prior to July 1, 2007, the state board of education shall establish a virtual school to serve school-age students residing in the state. The virtual school shall offer instruction in a virtual setting using technology, intranet, and/or Internet methods of communication. Any student under the age of twenty-one in grades kindergarten through twelve who resides in this state shall be eligible to enroll in the virtual school regardless of the student's physical location.
2. For purposes of calculation and distribution of state school aid, pupils enrolled in a virtual school shall be included, at the choice of the pupil's parent or guardian, in the pupil enrollment of the school district in which the pupil physically resides. The virtual school shall report to the district of residence the following information about each pupil served by the virtual school: name, address, eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch, limited English proficiency status, special education needs, and the number of courses in which the pupil is enrolled. The virtual school shall promptly notify the resident district when a pupil discontinues enrollment. A "full-time equivalent student" is a student who has successfully completed the instructional equivalent of six credits per regular term. Each virtual course shall count as one class and shall generate that portion of a full-time equivalent that a comparable course offered by the school district would generate. In no case shall more than the full-time equivalency of a regular term of attendance for a single student be used to claim state aid. Full-time equivalent student credit completed shall be reported to the department of elementary and secondary education in the manner prescribed by the department. Nothing in this section shall prohibit students from enrolling in additional courses under a separate agreement that includes terms for paying tuition or course fees.
3. When a school district has one or more resident pupils enrolled in a virtual school program authorized by this section whose parent or guardian has chosen to include such pupil in the district's enrollment, the department of elementary and secondary education shall disburse an amount corresponding to fifteen percent of the state aid under sections 163.031 and 163.043, RSMo, attributable to such pupil to the resident district. Subject to an annual appropriation by the general assembly, the department shall disburse an amount corresponding to eighty-five percent of the state adequacy target attributable to such pupil to the virtual school.
4. Except as specified in this section and as may be specified by rule of the state board of education, the virtual school shall comply with all state laws and regulations applicable to school districts, including but not limited to the Missouri school improvement program (MSIP), adequate yearly progress (AYP), annual performance report (APR), teacher certification, and curriculum standards. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2006, shall be invalid and void.

From the Office of Representative Brian Baker

Works to Expand
Access to Education through Technology Initiatives

Jefferson City – Representative Brian Baker (R-Belton) was joined by legislative colleagues and representatives of Missouri educational institutions supporting his proposal to form the Missouri Virtual Public (MVP) School. House Bill 1275 (HB 1275) would require the State Board of Education to establish the MVP School, the state’s first public online school, by July 1, 2007.

“The MVP School is all about access and opportunity,” said Representative Baker. “Students anywhere in the state will have access to online courses. To me, that seems like real progress in advancing student achievement.”

Representative Baker, chair of the Special Committee on Student Achievement and Finance, believes the MVP School would benefit both the special needs student and the general student who wants to study from home. Students with a disability or a serious medical condition might not be able to participate in a “brick-and-mortar” school. The MVP School would give them access to public school benefits without an undue burden on their parents or guardians.

Some school districts do not have either qualified teachers or enough interested students to offer Advanced Placement courses. In fact, overall Missouri has a number of teacher shortages in areas as basic as math and science and as varied as marketing and vocal music. That can leave students without the opportunities students in larger school districts may have. Several organizations have given their support to Baker’s measure acknowledging the needs of Missouri students and expressing hope that the MVP School will be able to meet those needs responsibly.

“This bill expands educational opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to particular classes,” said Dr. Carter Ward, Executive Director of the MSBA, “while at the same time maintaining student accountability through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.”

Jim Tice of Missouri Rural Development Partners likewise believes that the MVP School will combat the educational “inequities” that exist in many rural districts, providing “equal access to quality education.”

Commissioner of Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Kent King, advocates the MVP School on the basis that it “reduces barriers” for “those who need expanded learning opportunities and those who may need extra time to master course competencies.”
The MVP School will be required to adhere to the state accreditation program and it will be held accountable to performance measures, such as adequate yearly progress and annual performance report. Teachers at the MVP School will have to be certified and will be required to use an approved curriculum.

The MVP School also empowers parents with more choices. Some parents fear for their children’s safety when they go to school where the student body is behaviorally-challenged. With the MVP School, parents won’t have to foot the cost of private education and can assure that their children have a safe environment to study in.

Parents who already choose to home-school their children could benefit from using MVP School curriculum. They are welcome to enroll their children full-time in the MVP School or they can pick and choose the courses that meet the needs of their children and family. Importantly, enrollment in the MVP School will not prevent parents who couple home-school education with religious values from continuing to teach those values to their children.

MVP School participants may take all of their courses off campus, but they will still be able to participate in the extra-curricular activities and sports programs of their school district. Parents may choose to have their child provisionally enrolled in the district, allowing them to participate in these activities. Then, to support the student, the school district will be allocated 15% of the state aid it would normally receive for the student.

The other 85% of state aid, whether or not the child is provisionally enrolled, would go toward the MVP School. Overall, the MVP School should offer a cost-savings to the state. Currently, the state spends an average of $7,000 per student. Appropriations for the MVP School would total $5,200 per student.

HB 1275 was most recently reported “do pass” by Representative Baker’s committee. He anticipates his bill will enjoy broad support in the legislature.

While the prospect of an online public school seems likely in Missouri, another legislator, Representative Neal St. Onge (R-Ellisville), has already been working to increase the use of technology in the classroom. He has been involved in the implementation of a program that uses video-teleconference technology to bring students and teachers simultaneously from different parts of the state into one “classroom.” Currently, “Checks and Balances: Missouri’s System of Separation of Powers” reaches school sites in Cape Girardeau, Festus, Marshall, Morgan Co. R-II (Versailles) and St. Louis Community College. Students from Jefferson City participate in the broadcast on location.

“The technology we have at our fingertips makes so many things possible,” said Representative St. Onge. “This project can reach parts of the state that are far removed, physically, from the Missouri state government. I look forward to seeing how this program, or something like it, can be used to reach students throughout the state.”

The first broadcast of “Checks and Balances,” conducted February 23rd, included a question and answer session between students and Missouri’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff. This Thursday, Representative Neal St. Onge will join others in the first of four broadcasts focusing on the legislative process. Broadcasts covering both the judicial and legislative processes in Missouri will occur over the next few months. In between broadcasts, students and teachers will be engaged in a series of projects related to the broadcasts.

House leadership recognizes the efforts of Representatives Baker and St. Onge and believes new opportunities are opening up for Missouri students.

“Brian and Neal have shown real leadership,” said Speaker of the Missouri House, Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill). “They’ve taken the technology and resources available to them and are now making Missouri a better place to live and learn. It’s doing things like this that make a real difference in the lives of Missourians.”

“Checks and Balances” is being sponsored by the Missouri School Boards’ Association, the Missouri Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Missouri, MSBA, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Service Learning and bi-State K-16 Engagement Alliance.

Will virtual school encroach upon homeschool?

Joplin Independent Friday, February 24, 2006
http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/e-emery1140759252
Home-->Education-->Will virtual school encroach upon homeschool?

Will virtual school encroach upon homeschool?
by: e-emery
Updated: 2006-02-23 23:34:12-06

Virtual learningWhat spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support?--James Madison by Missouri Rep. Ed Emery(R-126 including the counties of Barton, Dade, Jasper and Polk)

If you are a proponent of education and you follow legislative activity about education, you already may be aware of House Bill 1275 introduced by Representative Brian Baker. HB 1275 requires the State Board of Education to establish a virtual school by July 1, 2007. Any student in kindergarten through grade 12 could enroll in this virtual classroom, regardless of where the student lives in Missouri. The participating student would be officially enrolled in the district of their residency. No opposition to HB 1275 was voiced in either the House or Senate committee hearings.

“Virtual school” is a method of teaching that depends on digital technology rather than a physical classroom. It is becoming more common every year and is now part of the education program in 12 other states. A number of companies provide virtual education services which include computers, internet service, textbooks, recorded curriculum instruction, testing services, and personal consultation. There is adequate competition to assure availability of quality service at reasonable cost.

Virtual school can provide opportunities for students who don’t fit the traditional classroom, whether the need is a specialized teacher in a small district, a homebound student in any district, a personal lifestyle issue, and so on. The function of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in virtual schooling is to serve as an access point for multiple providers and to ensure quality control. DESE would also fund the program.

Although there was no opposition in Committee, concerns have been expressed by the Home School Legal Defense Foundation (HSLDF). Their cautions are over funding and the potential for encroachment upon home schoolers. I spent nearly an hour this week meeting with representatives of a company who offers a virtual school curriculum and is operating in Colorado and Arkansas. They answered all my questions, and I found myself growing more and more enthusiastic over the potential of virtual school.

The program is chosen by parents and can be abandoned if it doesn’t work out. Experience has shown that between one half and one percent of students will try virtual school. Some will return to their former style of education within a few months. I am continuing to study HB 1275 and ways to make it better, but for now, it looks like something I can support. We will be contacting HSLDF to examine their concerns and to make any changes that are needed to the legislation.

Virtual School Bill Voted Out of House Committee

House Bill 1275:
http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/bills/hb1275.htm

Senate Bill 912:
http://www.senate.mo.gov/06info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=39062

House Bill 1275 sponsored by Rep. Brian Baker was heard by the Special Committee On Student Achievement and Finance on Tuesday Feb. 14th. HCS HB 1275 was voted "do pass" by a vote of 8 to 0.

This bill would require the State Board of Education to establish a virtual school by July 1, 2007. The school would be open to any student in kindergarten through grade 12 who lives within the state. Students could enroll in some classes in a virtual school while still attending the public school where they reside. They would be limited to earning a total of six credits per regular term for the purposes of state aid, but they could enroll in additional courses on a tuition or fee basis. The committee changed the requirement that a pupil enrolled in a virtual school must also be enrolled in the public school district in which they reside. The committee changes make it the choice of the pupil's parent or guardian. If the student is not included in the resident districts enrollment then the resident district will not receive any state aid for that student. When the student is enrolled in the resident district that district will receive 15% of the state aid it would normally receive for that student through the funding formula and the Classroom Trust Fund. Subject to appropriations each year the virtual school will receive 85% of the state adequacy target attributable to the student.

The virtual school would have to report to the district of residence the name, address, eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch, limited English proficiency status, special education needs, and the number of courses in which the pupil is enrolled. The virtual school would have to comply with all state laws and regulations applicable to school districts, including but not limited to the Missouri School Improvement Program, adequate yearly progress, annual performance report, teacher certification and curriculum standards.

MSBA testified in support of HB 1275 because it would create additional opportunities for students who may be homebound or have dropped out or are desiring classes not available in their local schools, while holding virtual schools to the same accountability standards as regular public schools. MSBA expressed opposition to the provision of the substitute that could take away the 15% of state funding that the resident district would receive for virtual school students.

Also testifying for the bill were DESE, MNEA. MSTA, MFT. MCSA testified for information only. There was no opposition.
The senate version of this legislation, Senate Bill 912 sponsored by Senator Jack Goodman, will be heard by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Senate Committee Room 1.

Finding the Interim Report

To locate the Interim Report created by the MRDP/MoDLA Distance Learning Policy Initiative Committee, first go to http://mrdp.net/. In the bottom right hand corner you'll see a link called Missouri Distance Learning Initiative Interim Report Nov. 2005. Click there. This takes you to the MRDP Telecommunications and Education Committee page. Scrolling down will lead you to a section about the Missouri Distance Learning Initiative. In the second paragraph is a link to you'll find a link to the Interim Report. Also located on this page is a bulletin board where you can leave comments for the task force.

Additional Missouri Resources

Satlink:
http://satlink.msbanet.org/

New Links to New Learning:
http://csd.org/csdrpdc/virtuallearningcenter/nlnlhomepage.html

SAC Legislative Bulletin

The following is from the School Administrators Coalition (SAC) legilative newsletter (January 27, 2006 - No. 2 - Copyright 2006)

VIRTUAL SCHOOLS
Bills authorizing the establishment of virtual schools have now been filed in both the House and Senate. HB 1276 (Baker) and SB 916 (Goodman) would authorize the creation of one public virtual school with oversight provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. All school age children would be eligible to attend but would be required to go through a selection process established by DESE in order to participate. Participation would be limited by appropriation to 500, 750 and 1000 students during the first three years of implementation.
The bills provide a basic structure for a virtual school program while leaving much of the details and specific operations of the program to be determined by DESE through rulemaking.
Essentially, the bills would establish a 525th public school district operated by DESE. This virtual school district would be required to comply with all statutes, rules and regulations applicable to public schools, including participation in MSIP and MAP, fulfilling the requirements of NCLB, and complying with teacher certification and curriculum standards. Students would enroll in their local "brick and mortar" school district and advise that district of their intent to participate in the virtual school program. The virtual school would then report to the school district information about students enrolled in the program, including eligibility for free or reduced lunch, LEP status, special education needs, and the number of courses in which the student is enrolled. Students would be full-time equivalent students either in the virtual school or a combination of virtual and public school, as authorized by ! the local school district. In addition, students attending the virtual school would be eligible to participate in clubs and activities at the local school district if they meet the local districts eligibility requirements.
The virtual school would receive 85% of the state adequacy target for each child enrolled. The "brick and mortar" school district would receive 15% of the current state aid per eligible pupil and would retain all local monies. Funds supporting the virtual school portion of state aid would be subject to annual appropriation and would not reduce the state appropriation for the foundation formula. Rep. Baker estimates that the cost for the first three years of the program would be approximately $5 million.
DESE would be granted the authority to promulgate rules detailing how the virtual school would function. The SAC met with Rep. Baker this week to discuss the intent of the legislation and his expectations regarding implementation. Rep. Baker indicated that it is his intent to support public education and he views HB 1275 as a way to expand educational offerings to meet growing needs and expectations of students. He indicated that it was his intent that school age students be required to maintain full-time equivalency status or be subject to truancy provisions. In addition, HB 1275 would require parents to enter a contract with DESE agreeing to provide a minimal level of assistance to their children. Rep. Baker, further, envisions that students would take the MAP at the local s! chool district, with DESE reimbursing the school district for costs associated with administration of the exam.
A number of education associations have expressed support for HB 1275. The School Administrators Coalition has not taken a position.

Senate Bill No. 912

Here is a link to Senate Bill No. 912. This bill is a companion to House Bill No. 1275

http://www.senate.mo.gov/06info/pdf-bill/intro/SB912.pdf

State Virtual Schools (Pt. 2)

More links to other states' virtual schools:

• Michigan Virtual High School - http://www.mivhs.org/
• Mississippi Online Learning Institute - http://molli.mde.k12.ms.us/
• Nevada: Clark County School District Virtual High School - http://www.ccsdde.net/
• North Dakota Division of Independent Study - http://www.ndisonline.org/
• Utah: The Electronic High School - http://ehs.uen.org/
• Virginia Virtual Advanced Placement School - http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Technology/VAPS.html
• Virtual High School - http://www.govhs.org/
• West Virginia Virtual School - http://virtualschool.k12.wv.us/vschool/
• Wisconsin Virtual School - http://www.wisconsinvirtualschool.org/

State Virtual Schools (Pt. 1)

Here are some links to other states' virtual schools:

• Alabama Online High School - http://www.aohs.state.al.us/
• Arkansas Virtual High School - http://arkansashigh.k12.ar.us/
• Colorado Online Learning - http://www.col.k12.co.us/
• Florida Virtual School - http://www.flvs.net/
• Idaho Digital Learning Academy - http://idla.k12.id.us/
• Illinois Virtual High School - http://www.ivhs.org/index.learn?bhcp=1
• Iowa Learning Online - http://www.iowalearningonline.org/
• Kentucky Virtual High School - http://www.kvhs.org/
• Louisiana Virtual School - http://www.louisianavirtualschool.net/

House Bill No. 1275

Here is a link to House Bill No. 1275

http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HB1275I.htm

Missouri Resources

Check out these great resources available in Missouri:

Missouri Rural Development Partners - http://mrdp.net/Home/TelecommunicationsEducation/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Missouri Distance Learning Association - www.modla.org

MU High School - http://cdis.missouri.edu/MUHighSchool/HShome.htm

GreaterNET - www.greaternet.org

Missouri Virtual School - mvs.missouristate.edu