Virtual school students study at home, but are not homeschoolers
The response in the homeschool community to Tennessee’s new virtual school option has been mixed so far. While some see the option as an opportunity to get state-approved curricular materials at no cost for students to school at home, the Tennessee Home Education Association offers another view. On its website, the THEA reiterates that virtual school is a public school option in which the state controls the curriculum, attendance, testing and other matters, unlike most homeschooling. Individual virtual schools also may establish additional program requirements.
The Virtual Public Schools Act has opened the door to new educational options for both homeschooled and traditionally schooled students. Students can apply to an approved virtual school program anywhere in the state and complete computer-based classes at home at no cost to the family. All curricular materials are provided, and the virtual school may be required to ensure access to a computer, printer and internet connection if needed.
The act, approved in the last legislative session, allows any local school district in Tennessee to establish a virtual school program to serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Some for-profit companies have been contracted by local districts to deliver the computer-based courses. These out-of-state companies are paid through the local district with state tax dollars, since school funding in Tennessee is based on a per-pupil headcount.
The state Board of Education is set to decide on regulations governing the virtual schools this month. The board and the Department of Education have provided little information so far on the virtual school process or programs on their websites. A board spokesperson said the new regulations probably will be disseminated through the local school districts, as well as other public channels.
At least three virtual schools already have been established in the state, enrolling several thousand students. Unless they enroll during a designated timeframe before local school district budgets have been set, students who have been attending public school must get permission from their local districts to “transfer” to a virtual school program since the district would lose that per-pupil funding. The proposed board policy says students who have been homeschooling or attending private school won’t need this permission.
Giving students in kindergarten through 12th grade an option to fulfill all their school requirements by using technology from their own home is both forward-thinking and enticing. However, many questions remain to be addressed. One is how these off-site course providers will be held accountable for demonstrating students’ academic progress, especially as compared to the new evaluation standards that are being applied for on-site public schools and teachers.
Look for more about how homeschoolers can assess the pros and cons of committing to a public virtual school option in my next blog.
Contact Pat Elkins at pelkins@mylearnlab.com or 615-377-2929.
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Posted by admin on January 16, 2012
