Doyle comments on virtual school agreement
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Lawmakers say they have a tentative agreement that would keep virtual schools open in Wisconsin.
Governor Doyle, in Milwaukee today, says he's confident that if Democratic Senator John Lehman is agreeing to the compromise, he's probably going to support it.
Representative Brett Davis says the deal would allow the schools to continue receiving about $6,000 for each open-enrollment student. Some Democrats in the Senate had wanted to cut their funding in half.
Davis says the compromise would add new regulations to ensure quality at the schools, but he says most will have to make very few changes.
The schools allow students to learn from home under the guidance of their parents and instructors who teach over the Internet. They are popular with some families but critics say they drain money from traditional public schools.
The schools have faced an uncertain future in Wisconsin after a December court ruling ordered the state to stop funding the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, the state's largest virtual school.
Davis is expected to join Lehman at a news conference to announce the agreement this afternoon.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Jan 27, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.
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Education isn't a basic right secured by either the US Constitution, or the State of Wisconsin. Education is a privilege, not a right. As such, I don't feel compelled to fund it in any form. All it's gotten us is indoctrination daycare centers filled with cameras, and cops. Virtual schools should not get government money because that taints the quality of the education.
Jan 25, 2008 at 4:19 p.m.
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"stupid" This is a Real Education. These kids have the same requirements as kids that go to public schools. They take their tests with real teachers at local librarys. They have to ge the same amount of credits required in order to graduate. It is not a"Crock" It gives alot of kids an opportunity to get their diploma that cannot attend public schools for one reason or another. My daughter attends a virtual school and I know many other people that do. Many of the students who graduate form these virtual schools go on to great colleges. UW Milwaukee, UW FLorida and many Technical Schools. They take regular classes that Public High Schools take along with many Advanced programs too. There is more variety as far as electives go and many interesting Math, English, Science and Social Studies classes....many art and music classes and a ton of foreign language classes. I am thankful that Virtual Schools are an option.
Jan 24, 2008 at 6:40 p.m.
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I am very happy that they are keeping the virtual schools. It is wonderful that there are more options than sending kids to dangerous public schools!!!!! I am looking into it for my child! I am extremely happy that there is an affordable homeschool!!
Jan 24, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.
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If this isn't the biggest crock of crap! Cut the funding! This is not a real education!
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