HS online learning bill advances

INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) - A bill that would require students in Indiana to take a virtual instruction course before they graduate from high school has cleared its first hurdle, Senate Republicans announced Wednesday.

The bill, authored by Republican State Sen. Jim Banks of Columbia City, is aimed at ensuring high school students are proficient in online learning before they enter college or the workforce. It passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development Wednesday with a 9-1 vote. The bill will now move on to the full Senate.

“Technology has changed how we work and live,” said Banks. “The ability to work with new technologies is absolutely necessary for our modern workforce, and students must be prepared.”

Banks’ bill would require students – beginning with the freshman class of 2013 – to have at least one virtual instruction course or credit requirement go toward their Core 40 diploma.

Ivy Tech Community College has said it will provide the technology for these courses, which would enable high school students to get dual credit, according to Senate Republicans.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett included the online coursework bill in his list of priorities for the 2012 legislative session.

Banks said the bill will be a cost-savings measure, helping schools make better use of time and teacher talent.  He said Florida, Idaho and Michigan have already passed similar legislation.