Virtual Schooling and 21f

Do I think those scenarios could happen this year, yes, is Michigan prepared, from what I have seen, yes.  Are other states as prepared, no.  I live and teach in Tennessee, virtual schools are available, both as supplemental and full-time.  However it is not a requirement for graduation here, yet.  I have also check into Mississippi’s virtual school, they do have the start of one, compared to Michigan.  In Mississippi virtual schooling is only available for up to 2 courses when attached to a district. The courses are either for credit recovery or AP.  If a student wants to attend full time in a virtual school it is done through an Academy sanctioned by the State of Mississippi, but not paid for by the State.  My grandson is essentially being home schooled, through a virtual school that they must pay for, yet his school district is receiving credit for his ‘attendance’ and grades.  I have urged my step-daughter to look into it further, and so will I.

After listening to the screen-cast I was impressed by the detail involved and how much time, it is apparent, that has been put into organizing the Michigan Virtual School.  I am thinking that the time put into the organization and attention to detail is partially due to the money involved.  Public education, after all, is a business.   And I do not necessarily mean that in a bad way.  If other states would look at Michigan’s structure it could benefit them.

Addressing each scenario, should a student be able to take an online course rather than take it with a teacher the parent does not like?  That is a rough one, on one hand yes they should be able to take any course that is offered, particularly if it is part of the required curriculum.  Should parents be able to pull a student out of a class because they don’t like the teacher?  Yes and no, we all have people we don’t get along with, but must learn to tolerate, but should a student/child be force to work with a teacher that they won’t get along with?  This is probably a scenario that is best taken on a case by case basis, the parent did not like the teacher, why?   Expected a lot from their student, demanded high quality work, graded unfairly, chose favorites and picked on the other students?  Without enough information I could not reach a firm decision, other than to say, take it on a case by case basis.  This scenario could be both beneficial, to the student and family, and a pitfall, to the principal and teacher.

The scenario of a student transferring in, and their past learning counting against you, is nothing new, students transfer in from different schools, different states and even different grades.  A teacher has to bring that student up to their schools standards and expectations, the best they can, regardless of where they come from. 

The scenario of having to work extra without additional compensation to set up the virtual school would be hard.  On one hand to have that much confidence in you as a professional is great and the experience would go on your resume.  But is the budget is tight, and when is it not, then there should be some sort of recognition or other type of compensation.

The other two scenarios seem to be exactly why there is virtual learning.  The first one to help students reach out and learn new things that are not available in their school, and  the second to help a student continue with their learning despite an illness that prevents them from attending regular school.