Florida Mandates Creation of Online Public Schools
Monday October 13, 2008
A new Florida law will give students the opportunity to earn an online high school diploma from any district in the state. The Miami Herald reports:
Now, all eyes will be on Florida to judge the success of their new law. Will districts be able to afford the new requirements? Will online students receive an equivalent education? These are just a couple of the questions educational experts will be looking to answer in the coming year.
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"Starting next school year, the first generation of Florida students can earn a diploma from their public schools entirely online, without ever setting foot in a classroom from kindergarten through 12th grade.This is certainly groundbreaking legislation. Most states now have some form of free online public schools. However, a few holdouts seem to discourage online public and charter schools from operating.
A new state law requires districts to create their own full-time virtual schools, collaborate with other districts or contract with providers approved by the state."
Now, all eyes will be on Florida to judge the success of their new law. Will districts be able to afford the new requirements? Will online students receive an equivalent education? These are just a couple of the questions educational experts will be looking to answer in the coming year.
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Comments
My primary concern would be infrastructure and normality. Given the fact that the television has been in existence for sixty years yet no school district endorses cable learning, how productive would Internet learning be towards the cognitive and physical development of children. The kids would be isolated from society plus they will be sedentary since there is no physical education requirement. Florida should really reconsider this.
Phenomena’s comments are so naive. Public School districts have been overseeing homeschooling students for years and they must meet the same standards & requirements as public school students. There are so many different individual student needs it is wise to explore all educational avenues, including Online. Stop the panic, explore the needs, and provide education to everyone.
I do think it’s important to note that these online programs won’t be the students’ only choice. I imagine almost all students will continue traditional classes. However, the online option will certainly be helpful to many (such as gifted learners, students who have behavioral problems, actors, pregnant students, those who prefer to work at their own pace, etc.)