Source: Global Kids’ Digital media Initiative
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Over the last half year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with teachers in online professional learning scenarios…without reservation, the experience has been positive and engaging for these educators, as well as for me. In fact, we’ve touched MORE people via online professional learning than we have in face to face workshops…and that’s incredible, considering we’ve only had a few virtual class offerings.

I know that our children should be receiving the benefits of virtual learning opportunities, which is one of the reasons I’m thrilled at the work being done by the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN.org). So, I was surprised at Florida legislators taking money away from virtual schools…

Research at the University of Florida last week concluded what many advocates of online education have long maintained: virtual schools save state governments money.

But what happens when a state government cuts its investment?

The Florida Virtual School had enjoyed tens of millions of new state dollars every year since 2003 as demand for its programs spiked. It’s now the fastest growing school system in Florida, but it will suffer a funding cut like no other.

When the Florida Legislature looked to save money in a darkening economy, its members zeroed in on the class-size reduction money paid to the Virtual School — as much as $19 million. Lawmakers asked:

Why would a school with no classrooms need money to cut crowding?

Without that money, however, the Virtual School’s administrators say it’s harder to hire enough teachers and develop new courses to accommodate the thousands of new students they attract annually.
Source: Tampa Bay Online via District Administration

Knowing that Texas legislators aren’t much smarter–if at all–than Florida politicians, what future will Texas virtual education projects have?

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure