Online Learning for ALL Students

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, November 30, 2012 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim.  Surely, somebody’s already making big bucks with this new
law, requiring online courses to be available for all public school students!
Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, each local school system must provide
opportunities for all students in grades three through 12 to participate in
part-time and full-time virtual instruction, meaning online courses.  By the
2014-15 school year, the State Board of Education MUST create policies to
“maximize the number” of ninth-grade students taking at least one learning
course from Georgia Virtual School online through dual enrollment offered by an
institute of postsecondary education.

To test online courses, assessments must be provided online, as well.  So,
effective by the 2015-16 school year, the State Board of Education must make all

end-of-course assessments available online and establish rules and regulations
to maximize the number of students and school systems utilizing them to assess
online courses.  And here’s an interesting fact: A local school system cannot
prohibit students from taking courses through the Georgia Virtual School, even
if the “brick-and-mortar” school attended by the student offers the same courses
on campus.  That fact, alone, shows the resolute plan to implement online
learning, even if the courses are redundant.That arrangement, also, assures funding for the Georgia Virtual School.
Remember, the big bucks!  These online courses are not free!  They dump still
another burden on cash-strapped local school systems that, not only are forced
to provide online courses, they must PAY the department up to $250 per student
per semester for tuition, materials and fees related to each course accessed
through the Georgia Virtual School.

All of this is outlined in S.B. 289, introduced by Senator Chip Rogers and
passed March 29, 2012.  The title of the bill lays out the plan – “Education;
require students; one course containing online learning.”  Cosponsors were
Senators Millar, Williams and Albers.  The courses must meet state approval and
the nationally recognized standards for K – 12 online learning, which is
tax-funded virtual public education, already available throughout the country.

By December 1, 2012 the Department of Education were required to report to the
Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House the best
methods and strategies local school boards should use to buy reasonably priced
digital learning and identify the level of service and support needed from the
provider.  Also, the Department must explain how best to increase student access
to digital learning.  Why the mandate for public school students to use online
learning?  Will online courses be subject to parental review?  How will local
school systems pay the $250 per course per student?  Who reaps the financial
benefits of online learning?  Will online learning require the creation of
additional government agencies?  No doubt, you have questions, as well!  For
Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.