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NEW FUNDING MECHANISM BRINGS STABILITY; ADDS ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
MEASURES TO NATION’S LARGEST ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOL Orlando, FL (July 23, 2003) – Building upon a tradition of national
trendsetting for online education, the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) announced
today a major change in the way it is funded by the state legislature. Under
the new law, FLVS will now be included in the statewide funding formula for
K-12 Education, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), instead of relying
on a line-item appropriation in the state’s annual budget.
“This is a groundbreaking step for online education,” said Julie
Young, Executive Director, FLVS. “Not only does it provide a viable way
to fund online learning (or distance education), it also means virtual learning
options are here to stay in Florida.”
Accompanying the funding change is a tougher accountability
measure for FLVS, which sets the school apart from a brick-n-mortar school.
While traditional
public schools receive state support based on the number of students physically
present in the schools, FLVS will only receive support for students who successfully
pass and complete their courses. Under FLVS’ performance policy, students
who complete their coursework receive credit for courses only if they pass
the course’s final examination. A typical one semester course, depending
on the level of complexity, can have 40 to 60 assignments, which must be completed
and graded by the instructor.
“While it may seem like a double-tough standard, we find it works well.
To balance our academic accountability measures, we provide more flexibility
so students can complete online courses at their own pace, rather than be tied
down to a traditional academic schedule,” explained Young. “Basing
our funding on course completions and mastery of standards allows for the flexibility
inherent in distance learning.”
“I am very pleased that the legislature approved my recommendation to
include FLVS in the state’s funding formula. As the proven national leader
in online education, FLVS will now be able to serve and offer many more Florida
school children an opportunity to learn in a non-traditional manner,” said
Governor Bush.
The new funding formula went into effect on July1, 2003. The new measure is
designed to increase educational opportunities while also offering traditional
schools an avenue for reducing class size.
About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is an established leader in developing and
providing virtual K-12 education solutions. A nationally recognized e-Learning
model, FLVS was initially funded by the Florida Legislature as a pilot project
in 1997. At that time, FLVS began course development with limited student
enrollment, pioneering Florida’s first Internet-based, public high
school—complete with online high school curriculum. In 2000, the Florida
Legislature established FLVS in state law as an independent education entity
with a gubernatorial appointed governing board. Today, FLVS serves the state
of Florida and beyond, offering virtual education options for grades 7 through
12 as well as adults seeking GED alternatives. For more information visit:
www.flvs.net
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