A Right to Online Learning Opportunity?

This "manifesto" was adopted by iNACOL - The International Association for K-12 Online Learning. It provides a good litmus test for proposed online learning legislation or policy: Does the policy EXPAND opportunity or RESTRICT it?

Every Student’s Right to Online Learning Opportunity

Online learning is emerging as an essential part of the K-12 education landscape. To meet their educational goals and secure their future as active and productive citizens, K-12 students must have access to quality online learning opportunities in a variety of forms that meet their needs. This imperative is reflected the U.S. Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan as well as in policy discussions in statehouses across the nation.

iNACOL therefore will endeavor through its advocacy and policy activities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to choose an online learning course or program that meets their needs as part of their K-12 education.

Further, iNACOL will promote every student’s right to online learning opportunity through advocacy for:

· Responsive state and federal policies so that a student’s choice of online opportunity is facilitated rather than blocked.

· Fair and sustainable funding so that online learning opportunities expand with student demand.

· Sensible and responsible oversight so that each student is guaranteed quality in the online opportunities available.

· Modern frameworks for curriculum and instruction so that each student may be assured of credit for successful online work.

· Thoughtful teacher licensure requirements so a student may always benefit from the best online instructors.

· Valid research so that a student’s online opportunities reflect effective best practices.

Military Recruiters Discriminating Against Virtual High School Grads?

Keeping hearing from virtual public school folks around the country that military recruiters consider their students' diplomas as "Tier 2" - equivalent to a GED - despite their school's authorization by the state or district, accreditation status, etc. That means that students are turned away from military service or come in at a lower status. The iNACOL Advocacy and Issues Committee is gathering evidence about this for a future push. If you've had this experience, please leave a comment here....and stay tuned for updates.