Blog #10
Idaho Online Class
Requirement for High School Graduation Gets Board Approval Article
Published: November 3, 2011-11-04
Jessie L. Bonner
Summary
Education officials
gave final approval to a plan that would make Idaho the first state in the
nation to require high school students to take at least 2 credits online to graduate.
The rule would start fall 2012 and is set to be go before lawmakers for review
in the 2012 session, starting in January. This plan is a part of far-reaching education
overhaul that introduces teacher merit pay and phases in laptops to every high
school teacher and student. This plan has gained a lot of opposition, based
around the claim “they'll replace teachers with computers and shift state
taxpayer money to the out-of-state companies that will be tapped to provide the
online curriculum and laptops.” One teacher stated she was a little conflicted,
because she is sure the online credit plan will not work for every kid. She
believes requiring it is not a good idea. Though most Idahoans disagree with
the plan the Idaho Education Associate overrule the majority decision and
disregarded parental choice by mandating the 2 credit requirement. Proponents
say they plan will save the state money and help better prepare the students
for college.
Analysis
I understand why
this plan could be so controversial. From a proponent view, I would say that
the students have a lot to gain by taking an online class at a younger age.
Since we are in a technological age it would benefit the kids to have computers
and learn how to navigate the web. But, I am afraid that it may hurt teaching
jobs. I am also confused on how they can afford to buy teachers and students
laptops. My biggest problem is the inequities it may cause. This plan does not
cater to those who have different learning styles or people who do not have
anyone to help them work on a computer. Many kids have a hard time making it
through the “basic” curriculum set forth in today’s school and the new
requirement may be a bigger burden. This may decrease graduation rates, mainly
by ethnic minority students whom already have low graduation rates worldwide. The
first sets of students will serve as “guinea pigs” and this is definitely not
fair to them. My question to the state is “have they tested the software to
make sure it is effective for all students?”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/04/idaho-online-class-requir_n_1076119.html
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