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
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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."