Online Classes Now Required in Idaho

Updated
|
Online Classes Now Required in Idaho
Learn about the new requirement in the state of Idaho for students in high school to take at least two online courses before graduating.

Online learning has become a convenient way for many students of all ages to meet academic requirements today. However, as more of the world goes virtual, some states are beginning to require secondary students to spend at least some of their academic experience online. Idaho is the latest state to join the trend, with even stricter online requirements than their three predecessors: Michigan, Florida and Alabama. Although Idaho legislators believe online education is the best way to prepare students for life in the 21st century, not everyone in the state is on board with the idea.

The Advent of Online Learning

Online learning is not a new concept. College courses have been available online for some time, with some universities going entirely virtual for the convenience of students. High schools have also seen an increase in online learning, which is a helpful option for students who perform better in school when they can go at their own pace. It is also essential for some students who cannot easily get to a classroom every day due to a physical disability or other challenge.

As virtual learning continues to grow globally, it has become touted as the education wave of the future. With the ability to earn degrees online, students can now study from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a computer or comparable device and Internet connection. There is no doubt that online courses are reshaping how we look at academics today. However, when legislators begin mandating online learning to high school students, the controversy sparks.

The New Requirement in Idaho

Although many Idahoans were not in favor of the plan, the Idaho State Board of Education recently voted in a new rule that requires all high school students to take at least two courses online before they are eligible for graduation. According to a report in the Spokesman-Review, this rule will take effect with the class of 2016, which are now in 8th grade. The requirement is touted as the centerpiece of sweeping education reform introduced by state schools Superintendent Tom Luna.

The reform plan, titled, “Students come First,” is considered one of the most radical attempts at education reform nationwide. In addition to the online requirement, the reform plan also includes removing collective bargaining rights from teachers, shifting to merit-based bonuses and phasing in laptops for every student and teacher in the state. While the online course requirement is not the only aspect of the reform plan spurring controversy, there have been plenty of vocal opponents to the idea.

Opposition to Online Requirement

When the online requirement was introduced earlier this year, it faced a significant amount of opposition. Those who argued against the idea voiced concerns about teachers who would be replaced by machines, and tax payer dollars that would be shifted out of state to online learning companies, according to a report in the Washington Post. However, proponents of the program argue that online courses will better prepare students for college and life outside of high school. It could also save districts a significant amount of money – no small factor at a time when budgets are already stretched beyond their reasonable limits.

“There is still a live teacher,” Susan Patrick, president of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, told the Post in response to concerns about replacing teachers with computers. “It may be at a distance, but that teacher is still instructing and interacting with the student.”

Not everyone is convinced that online learning is the best choice for all students, which is why many prefer that online courses be available – but not required – as part of the high school experience. Kendra Wisenbaker, an elementary school teacher in Idaho, told the Post, “I am a little conflicted, I am. It won’t work for every kid, and I think requiring it is a horrible idea.”

Although Wisenbaker acknowledged that online learning is a boon to some children, “It shouldn’t be an option for saving money.”

The Idaho Education Association is also opposed to the idea. After the reform was voted in by state legislators, the association released the following statement at Boise Weekly, “Idahoans have repeatedly said since last January that the decision to take online classes should be made by students and their parents, not by the state. The Association is pleased that the State Board chose to require two credits rather than the eight originally sought last January by State Superintendent Tom Luna. We also know that Idahoans will still have the last word on this mandate at the ballot box in November 2012.”

Other States Requiring Online Learning

While Idaho isn’t the first state to require online learning as part of the requirement for high school graduation, the two classes required by Idaho is the biggest requirement for online courses thus far. Three other states, Michigan, Florida and Alabama, also require some online learning for graduation, but the most a student has to complete is one class. According to the Michigan Department of Education website, students must participate in an online course or online learning experience. The website for the Florida legislature states students must complete at least one required course online.

While online learning may be the wave of the future, not everyone is ready to embrace this methodology as standard high school fare. In Idaho alone, the battle is far from over, since voters will take their opinions to the ballot box in one year. Time will tell whether online learning requirements will survive in this state – or continue into other states as well.

Additional Resources [+]
comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles

Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Stay up to date on the current requirements for vaccinations for school-age children today, as well as some of the problems schools face when parents do not properly immunize their kids.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
Public Schools in a Minute
January 27, 2024
Public Schools in a Minute
Explore the diverse world of public schools in a minute! Our brief overview provides a snapshot of the educational landscape, school districts, curriculum, and more. Get a quick glance at the big picture of K-12 education.

Local School Topics

Eastern States (39)
Southern States (27)