Guest Commentary: Free Market Competition for Online Students? FLVS Chief Says, 'Bring It On'

What happens when disruptive innovation disrupts an innovator? That's one of the conundrums facing Florida legislators as they debate the future of SB 1620. Simply put, SB 1620 would create virtual charter schools, let students sign up for the online courses with or without the school districts' permission and allow companies anywhere in the world provide online courses to children in kindergarten through high school. Currently virtual education in Florida is provided by the public Florida Virtual School, which offers middle and high school classes, and six private vendors that districts can contract with. Districts also can create their own virtual programs. Students must go through the district to sign up for the classes. SB 1620 would require the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) to offer full-time classes from K-12 and allow students to sign up directly with vendors approved by the state education department. There are some in Florida who, in other instances, would be supportive of SB 1620, but are conflicted. They do not want to do harm to the venerable FLVS. The Florida Virtual School was founded in 1997 and was the first state-led virtual school in the U.S. It is currently the nation's largest state-led virtual school serving more than 90,000 student in the 2009-2010 school year. Not to worry, says Julie Young, FLVS's president and chief executive. “We feel like that every program is different and has its own personality, and parents and students will choose what’s best for them,” said Young. “I think it’s good.” Click here to read more about Young's thoughts on SB 1620.