Mailbag: Rep. Brett Davis Writes: Re Virtual School Status

Virtual School Compromise Moves Forward

It was a significant week of progress for the virtual school legislation I am leading through the State Legislature. After striking a deal on compromise legislation with a bipartisan group of legislators, the bills were passed by Assembly and Senate Education Committees.

In addition to my support, the compromise language is supported by the Senator John Lehman, the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Education Committee; Elizabeth Burmaster, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction; as well as the coalition of virtual school families and virtual schools.

The bills, Assembly Bill (AB) 697 and Senate Bill (SB) 396, were both passed at the committee level. SB 396 was passed unanimously, while AB 697 was passed on a 6-3 vote.

As you know, earlier this year, a court ruling threatened to shut down the state’s online education programs, and put more than 3,000 students in limbo. We responded quickly and put legislation on the fast track to keep virtual schools open and make sure state government doesn't stand in the way of a student’s education.

The consensus legislation addresses the court ruling directly and sets specific standards, requirements and best practices for the state’s virtual schools. The legislation will, among other things:

• Require the same hours of instruction per year for online students as those in brick-and-mortar schools;
• Establish a “Web academy,” administered by the state’s Department of Public Instruction, to share and promote best practices and curricula. This academy is not mandatory: virtual schools are not required to use it and do not have to pay for it; and
• Require that only certified, licensed teachers be allowed to develop lesson plans and grade assignments, set certification and training requirements for teachers, and require that teachers respond to parents and students within 24 hours.

Both bills will now need to be passed by the full Assembly and Senate, respectively, and be signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle.