iNACOL Releases Report on Policy and Funding Frameworks for Online Learning

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) announces the release of a new report, Policy and Funding Frameworks for Online Learning.

Susan Patrick, President of iNACOL, stated, “There is a tremendous need for policy leaders to understand policy and legislative frameworks that enhance and support online learning in their states, to expand access to high-quality online schools and courses for every child. This report decodes policy and practices to help state leaders understand how to be more effective in supporting online and blended school programs that offer more engaging, personalized learning with today’s students.”

Last year, there were more than 1,000,000 students enrolled in online courses, but the access to online schools and courses is still not keeping pace with the demand from students and parents. More than 40% of middle and high school students want to enroll in online courses – which equates to more than 20 million students interested in online courses. Patrick added, “Today, every student can access a world-class education with online courses taught by talented, qualified teachers at any location. The barriers to entry are outdated policies restricting student registrations, funding policies that limit choices, and seat-time requirements. Policy-makers are looking to find new solutions for education reform, and online learning will allow every student to choose customized, world-class educational options.”

This cutting-edge research, published by iNACOL, guides policymakers toward effective choices to support the high-quality online and blended learning environments potentially available to every child today.

About iNACOL

iNACOL is the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, a non-profit association that believes online learning is a powerful innovation that expands education opportunities (www.inacol.org). iNACOL supports access to high-quality online learning for all students. iNACOL hosts the annual Virtual School Symposium (VSS); VSS 2009 will be held Nov. 15 – 17, 2009 in Austin, TX (www.virtualschoolsymposium.org). Policy and Funding Frameworks for Online Learning is the fifth in a six-part series published by iNACOL titled Promising Practices in Online Learning, supported by K12 Inc., Apex Learning, Connections Academy, and Florida Virtual School.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning