Though the items listed above focus on the high school student, we recognize the need to re-evaluate the programs at the elementary and middle school as well. The District needs a forward thinking plan for the use of technology in the classroom. Online text books and virtual learning have demonstrated success and can be a more efficient use of time.

Our team understands that increased accountability throughout our District will lead to better results. We recognize that these initiatives represent necessary change to the status quo so that our District can embrace the challenge of improving upon our educational excellence.

For the rest of the article, go to Letter: Accountable to be Exceptional

In California, the Riverside Unified School District has a pilot program in which students access digital content using either a personal device, such as an iPod Touch, or a unit provided by the school. Officials estimate the new approach could save as much as 30 percent over traditional textbooks.

Rocketship Education, a charter school network near San Francisco, with national expansion plans, is reinventing how learning takes place in the classroom, asking its students to spend 25 percent of each day in a “learning lab,” where they work on customized, computer-delivered material. During this time the students are supervised by monitors, rather than teachers, saving significantly on costs.

More than half the states already have virtual high schools. Florida Virtual School, the first and largest state-run online school in the country, offers more than 100 courses to students throughout the United States and more than 40 foreign countries. One study estimates the school has saved Florida taxpayers some $38 million over the past four years.

The classroom that does not embrace technology is becoming progressively out of touch with the way America’s children learn and interact at home and away from school.

Of course, we can’t let technology become the distraction many educators fear. We don’t want kids texting or engaging with friends on Facebook when they’re supposed to be studying. There need to be guardrails.

Still, there’s no legitimate reason education can’t adapt to the modern era. When it does we’ll see students who are more engaged, more proficient, and more likely to graduate and succeed as adults. Technology can help educators get the job done: better, faster and at a lower cost.

For the rest of the article, go to Can technology fix education?

That’s a fear that must be addressed if all Indiana school students are required to take at least one online course in order to graduate from high school.

Tony Bennett, Indiana’s state superintendent of public instruction, plans to propose legislation to require online courses — and to incorporate technology into his reform agenda. He said 38 states operate virtual schools or have online learning opportunities.

So far, the specifics of Bennett’s vision are lacking. Bennett’s second annual State of Education speech briefly touched on the topic, according to a text version of the speech, but did not offer details.

So this could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the goals and what standards the state devises.

One thing we know for sure: The motivation for such a proposal needs to be based on what’s best for students and their education, and not how much money the state can save.

In an Associated Press article, Bennett said decisions regarding what courses would be acceptable to complete online, or whether they would be offered during school hours or completed at home, would be left up to school districts.

Bennett and the IDOE have struck a chord with accountability in school systems by issuing letter grades for school performance and Annual Yearly Progress reports. It would behoove the DOE to require some accountability in any online course ventures as well.

To begin: What constitutes an online course? Is that the same as a videoconference course? Some schools are using this to join together and offer higher level courses to students in smaller school districts that lack the class size and resources to offer a class in, say, chemistry 2.

And what about tests? How will they be proctored to ensure there is no opportunity to cheat?

Bennett has shaken up Indiana’s education system — much of it for the better — and requiring completion of an online course has the potential to enhance the education of Indiana students if done correctly.

But that seems to be a moving target without a set of standards and built-in accountability.

Before passing judgment on Bennett’s plan, we need to see more details. The Legislature must seek those same answers before committing to another mandate that makes little educational sense.

For the rest of the article, go to Excerpts from recent Indiana editorials

The district also has placed Kristopher Gordon, a former middle school teacher who embraced technology, into a position as an e-learning “coach” who will work with other teachers.

Its Virtual Academy allows students to retake courses, or allows those who are ready for more challenges to jump ahead into more difficult coursework. Its New Tech Institute relies heavily on technology and project-based learning.

“We believe the use of technology is very important. We are not at a point where we require an online course,” said Marsha Jackson, a district spokeswoman.

The call for online education came during a speech delivered in front of about 200 state lawmakers, education reform advocates and a few teachers in an auditorium at the Indiana History Center.

Much of the speech underscored the changes he and Gov. Mitch Daniels pushed this year, such as launching a new private school voucher program, expanding Indiana’s charter school offerings, restricting teachers’ unions’ collective bargaining rights and instituting a merit pay system for teachers.

He signaled at least three other areas where he intends to make a push, as well.

The state now has the authority to intervene in schools with test scores low enough that they’re pushed into Indiana’s bottom tier for six straight years. Bennett said he wants to shorten that to, perhaps, four years and also help schools earlier.

For the rest of the article, go to Bennett wants Indiana high school students to take online courses | POLL

Tony Bennett will propose legislation to that effect — a way to incorporate technology into his reform agenda — in his second annual State of Education speech Tuesday night.

“Technology will continue to be a driving force in education and in our economy,” Bennett said. “We have to make sure our students are prepared to flourish and prosper in that environment.”

Bennett noted that 38states operate virtual schools or have state-led initiatives promoting online learning. Indiana, he said, is not among them.

The state also must ensure that online opportunities are available for all students, rich or poor, he said.

“If we don’t address this issue of technology for all children,” he said, “I think we’re going to be setting up the next achievement gap.”

Under his proposal, local school districts would decide specifics such as what types of courses to offer online, Bennett said, and whether students would complete online assignments at home or during regular school time.

For the rest of the article, go to Kids may have to go online to graduate

The first regional approach to education goals, according to that meeting, may be creation of a regional virtual school. While each of the districts offers courses through contracts with the Florida Virtual School, a state-approved provider, if the school districts on the Treasure Coast create their own virtual school, costs may be reduced, more children may have more opportunities for courses, and course offerings may be expanded.

Martin County School Board Chairwoman Sue Hershey said, “We have talked about (teaming up) so long that I think it’s time we do it. The virtual school is a great one to start with.”

This is just the kind of partnership that our schools need for support and a very positive way to bolster students whose families may not otherwise be able to provide a foundation equal to that of their peers. Everybody gets an A+ for this initiative.

For the rest of the article, go to Name of the game here is ‘literacy’

Centre virtual school students met with program coordinator Vicki Jirak on Monday and became acquainted with Centre teachers who will be communicating with them this semester via Skype.

The only thing that unites the group of students is the program itself; their backgrounds and educational goals are decidedly different.

Sharp’s plan is to complete her schoolwork at night. She needs approximately a full senior year worth of classes, including multiple mathematics courses. She knows having a full-time job and raising a young family will make the task a “juggling act.”

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual school is a second chance

It took place at the Holiday Inn in Terre Haute. It was an informational meeting for parents interested in the “Connections Academy” .

It’s an online school alternative. Officials from the school answered questions and explained how the academy works.

Organizers say one of the major selling points is that it’s more flexible than traditional schools.

For the rest of the article, go to Parents learn about virtual school

achieve Virtual Education Academy in Wayne Township the state’s first all-online high school.

They “open their doors” in the fall and offer regular high school diplomas.

The school is an alternative way of teaching that can help cut costs.

For the rest of the article, go to Indiana High School Moves Online