Jan. 22, 2009 - Public School District Requires Homeschooling! (sort of)
I just received my local paper, The Rochester Post (Michigan). The front page headline reads, "Avondale among first to offer off-campus, online study".
In 2006, Michigan became the first state to "require" online learning (limited to two online courses per semester outside a school building for grades 9-12) for graduation. And now, two Michigan school districts have been granted a "seat-time waiver" in which high school students can take all or part of their academic classes online off-campus (home). Twenty-four districts are awaiting approval. Michigan's ultimate plan is that all schools have a "variety" of teaching methods.
Mike Flanagan (State Superintendent for Public Instruction) states "Online learning can provide a powerful alternative for students who have a need for greater flexibility with their education due to individual learning styles, employment commitments and comfort with traditional learning environments." Periodically, students make contact with a mentor who checks to make sure their online learning is on track.
The above two paragraphs were taken from The Rochester Post, January 22, 2009 (www.candgnews.com)
So what do you think? Are the benefits of home education being publicly recognized? But if the lines between public education and homeschooling start to blur, what might that mean for those of us who homeschool? Does it make it easier for the government to eventually require home educators to be monitored?
I'm very curious what all of your first impressions are on this!
Comments
Jan. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 40winkzzz
My first impression was, "Michigan requires online learning for high school graduation???" I followed your link to the newspaper & did a search for the article and it did indeed say that, although the paragraph did not read the same as your did (prob due to the dif between print & online versions). Perhaps that does not apply to private school students, as my own hs senior has not had this requirement as far as I know-- or perhaps the requirement starts w/the class of 2010.
Anyway, as to the story in this article- my FIRST impression (which may or may not change after further reflection) is that this would be a positive thing. The more options kids have, the better. As for the effect on homeschooling, the concerns about it leading to more regulation are valid, but it seems to me that having the educational powers-that-be recognize that traditional classroom learning is not the only viable method of education helps the cause of homeschooling more than hurts it. And if for some reason (eg. new political climate) the state did begin "cracking down" on and restricting homeschooling, then online learning via public school at least provides another option for those who would rather not be "in" the schools.
That's my 2 cents, at least for the moment.
