Mailbag: Virtual Schools: Rep. Brett Davis Writes:

(Ed.note: This is part of an e-date from Rep. Brett Davis.)

Protecting Wisconsin’s Innovative Virtual Schools

Just as modern technology is allowing many people in our country to work out of their home, innovative public school districts nationwide are allowing students to learn from home via virtual schools without having to attend a traditional brick and mortar school. Our education system in Wisconsin utilizes virtual schools, which are changing the way education is delivered to some students. As we prepare our children for the 21st Century workplace, we have to seriously consider the role of virtual schools and how they can enhance student achievement. We must ensure our state laws allow public schools to continue offering this important alternative school setting.

Virtual schools are not for every student. They certainly are not meant to, and will not, replace traditional brick and mortar schools. Virtual schools are simply an option for certain students that learn better outside of the traditional classroom setting. Gifted and talented students, as well as students with special needs, can benefit from this model of learning. To ensure high quality, state licensed teachers monitor a student’s progress, while parents play an active role in the daily education of their child.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) website, there are 9 virtual schools in Wisconsin that enroll thousands of students. The Monroe School District's public virtual school currently has over 700 students participating.

Unfortunately, not everyone thinks virtual schools like the Monroe Virtual School should be allowed to run as it currently exists. The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Madison-based teacher's union, has sued multiple virtual schools in court over the past few years. Up until December 5, the courts have ruled in favor of virtual schools.

However, a recent appeal by the teachers union was successful, thus jeopardizing the future of virtual schools in our state. This ruling means the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, run by the Northern Ozaukee Public School District, will not receive the funding it needs to continue operating in July from DPI, leaving parents, students and the school board wondering if the school will be shut down. It also could force property taxpayers to pick up the final tab.

An especially frustrating component of the trial was over parental involvement. Although the students are taught by DPI licensed teachers, the union argued that the parental participation the virtual school program was too great. In this day and age we need to be stressing the importance of parental involvement in our children’s education, not discouraging it.

While it's too early to tell the how the District 2 court ruling will eventually play out, the big question is whether or not other virtual schools can continue to legally operate under current state law.

During the last legislative session I authored a bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1060, that would have solved this issue. AB 1060 was approved by the full Assembly and Senate, but vetoed by the Governor. This session, as the Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, I immediately began working on new legislation when I learned of the court decision. I believe virtual schools are a valuable asset to Wisconsin students. Public school districts like Monroe should be allowed to continue operating their virtual school. I look forward to the important debate in the legislature about the role of virtual schools in our education system.

In Wisconsin, we must constantly be looking for ways to improve our school system so our students can compete in the 21st Century workplace. Virtual schools are a proven model of success for students of all ages and abilities and will help keep our schools among the best in the nation.