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SALT LAKE CITY -- Schools are hoping to move forward with online offerings now that the State Board of Education is weighing in.
A new Utah law says high schoolers can take up to two courses online instead of in a classroom. That law took effect in March; on Monday the Utah State Board of Education met in a special meeting to pass an emergency rule on it.
[The new legislation] gives us a road to implement options for students under the law, and it benefits students both inside and outside of Canyons.
–Hollie Pettersson, Canyons School District
"We're just so excited that the state board expedited the rule, because it gives us some guidelines to start planning for implementation and make sure that we are doing so under the law," said Dr. Hollie Pettersson, the secondary director of evidence-based learning with the Canyons School District. "We're excited about the opportunity it allows us to give students some real options."
The Statewide Online Education Program was passed as SB65 during the 2011 legislative session, and the concept is gaining ground. While many institutions offer online courses for high schoolers, Canyons is moving forward with its own online program, to be called "Canyons Virtual High School." Other districts and charters are still looking over the rule and considering how it affects their own programs, and many are deciding whether or not they should start programs to offer online classes.
The new legislation has recently come under fire for its many "unintended consequences," as stated by state board member David Thomas. Many say taking online courses could actually end up limiting students' choices and creating major logistical problems with funding and scheduling.
One of the big concerns being raised was the issue of supervision of those online students. The state board decided against making parents supervise, instead leaving the task up to districts and charters.
Pettersson says Canyons doesn't see that as a big issue.
"There are many students who have options during their day, and there are places in the building where adults can support students as they engage in learning," she said.
Pettersson said she believes the option to take online courses will benefit students both inside and outside of Canyons School District.
Story written by Mary Richards with contributions from Molly Farmer.
