| Michigan Leads the Way with Cyber Charter School Law |
| posted by: Cindy Omlin | May 31, 2012, 08:40 PM |
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"Michigan students can now achieve a quality education without boundaries," Governor Snyder said in a statement. "Empowering more parents and students with the option to enroll in cyber charter schools and attend college level courses increases not only their educational opportunities, but also their potential for success." The cyber charter school law is part of a series of education reform initiatives dubbed in the Michigan Senate as the "Parent Empowerment Education Reform Package," designed to give teachers, parents, and students options. The expansion of cyber charter schools was considered controversial as it was opposed by certain stakeholders who claimed there weren't enough safeguards to ensure quality in the virtual school realm. Before the bill was passed, Michigan law allowed only two cyber charters to exist and capped enrollment to a maximum of 1,000 students. The principal of Michigan Virtual Charter Academy, Bryan Klochack, said students are waiting to enroll in his program. "We are very excited about the opportunity to increase student enrollment. We have had a waiting list for two years," said Mr. Klochack. Responding to critics about the need for quality control, Mr. Klochack assured parents and students that the online charter school community is most interested in scalable and long-lasting success. "We are going to grow with quality," Klochack asserted. "It is a high-quality curriculum and relationships are the backbone of our service." He mentioned that according to a recent independent parent survey, 92% gave his school an "A" or "B" grade and would recommend it to other students. The new law will now allow up to five cyber charter schools to open by December 31, 2013. After a three year period, the online school could conceivably grow to 10,000 students. Still, in accordance with a provision set by Governor Snyder and State Superintendent Mike Flanagan, no more than 2% of the state's student population would be allowed to enroll in cyber charter schools. Online charter school supporters have hailed the new law as a welcome advancement in Michigan. Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, stressed the need for options. "We know that we can't put all students in a one-size-fits-all box. Students and parents need a robust assortment of quality educational choices, and that includes online learning opportunities." What do you think about the Michigan law? Comment below. Originally posted by Alix at AAE.
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