As the Governor, Department of Education and Ball State work to iron out much needed and timely virtual learning details so our children can take advantage of a virtual pilot this fall we are encouraged to read that the Governor continues to support alternative learning (read article - click here). 

We want to stress how important it is to get a successful pilot off the ground and soon!

Indiana University reports that a new survey of Indiana superintendents, principals and school counselors finds that a majority see virtual learning as a way to enhance academic offerings in public education. Sixty percent of respondents to the "2009 Survey of Virtual Learning in Indiana," said they are offering or may offer online courses in six different areas, including alternative education, gifted and talented education, and instruction for homebound students.  A complete report on the survey is available online at CEEP IVLC Report.

We¹re glad to see there is more attention being paid to virtual learning. But, what appears to be missing from this report is the view of parents and end-users of virtual education.  Parents across Indiana strongly believe there is room in Indiana for full time virtual learning opportunities for ALL students. States across the nation for years have been moving forward with making comprehensive, full time options available to their students and Indiana finally is poised to join the other states.  We remain confident that the pilot program being established will prove to our leaders that fairly funded, full time public virtual schools should be available to ALL Indiana children. For a national view of what¹s happening in virtual learning, visit iNACOL at http://www.inacol.org/.

We will keep you informed on news from the Indiana Department of Education for next steps of the virtual pilot as we receive it!  Watch for more updates.