My Virtual Schools Op-ed that was Banned in Boston

A few weeks ago, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education established a series of restrictions that are sure to slow the growth of any virtual schools that open in that state.
The board voted to cap enrollment of online schools at 500 students. It also requires that 25 percent of the online school's students live in the district operating the school.
I wrote an op-ed about this misguided decision and submitted it to the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. Neither paper chose to publish it.
Here is a link to the article. Read it and tell me what you think. Let me know why you think the Globe and the Herald were afraid to publish this.

Guest Commentary: Bugets crises, tech could put an end to the 'Little Red Schoolhouse'

Susan Colby and Caitrin Moran Wright of Bridgespan Group, a non-profit strategy consulting firm, wrote a smart blog post for Edutopia.
In their article, Colby and Wright say the technology-led teaching and learning innovations may be inside the silver lining in the budget reductions so many school districts are facing because of the economic downturn.
Schools may be forced to turn to virtual classes that foster personalized learning because district can no longer afford "the solitary school marm" who stands in front of a classroom "filled with 25 to 30 students." Click here to read complete post.

Mass. "Innovation" Regulations Block True Innovation

Worst online learning law in America. That's what I wrote about this month's action by a Massachusetts state board's action that places restrictions on virtual schools that want to open in that state.


As the incoming chair of the International Association of K-12 Online learning (iNACOL), I am insulted by this dramatic assault on parent/student choice. Please read my entire blog entry on this matter.


Also, please take time to read the letter written by Susan Patrick, the director of iNACOL wrote to the comission of this Massachusetts education board