10 steps to removing governance obstacles to K-12 online learning

Tyson Eberhardt / February 14, 2012

Today, Fordham is releasing the fifth and final paper in its Creating Sound Policy for Digital Learning series, "Overcoming the Governance Challenge in K-12 Online Learning." Online learning and our current system of local education governance are at odds with one another, to say the least. In this paper, the Hoover Institute's John Chubb examines how local school district control retards the widespread use of instructional technologies. He argues that the surest way to break down the system’s inherent resistance to technology is to shift control from the local district—and thus the school board—and put it in the hands of states. He then outlines ten steps to get us to this brave new governance system:

• Set K-12 Online-Learning Policy at the State Level
• Create a Public Market for K-12 Online Learning
• Provide Students the Right to Choose Online Learning Full Time
• Provide Students the Right to Choose Online Learning Part Time
• Authorize Statewide Online Charter Schools, Overseen by Statewide Charter Authorizers
• License Supplementary Online Providers
• Fund All Learning Opportunities Equally Per Pupil
• Exempt Online and Blended Teaching from Traditional Teacher Requirements Including Certification and Class Size
• Establish Student Learning as the Foundation of Accountability for Online Schools and Providers
• Address Market Imperfections by Providing Abundant Information to Students, Families, Schools, and Districts

Download the paper to learn more, and be sure to read Fordham’s other papers on this vital topic.

Category: Digital Learning / Governance