Idaho became the first state in the U.S. to mandate two credits of online classes for high school students when the Idaho State Board of Education voted in favor of the rule Thursday.
The rule, listed as IDAPA 08-0203-1102 on the agenda, will take effect with the graduating class of 2016, according to a press release from the SBOE.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna sponsored the series of Students Come First bills that include the rule change and plans to provide all high school students with laptops.
Dale Kleinert, Moscow School District superintendent, said he testified this spring at the University of Idaho in front of the SBOE regarding the rule change.
“We currently offer 32 dual credits for our students with the University of Idaho and believe that having technology integrated in the classroom is very important,” Kleinert said. “However, having a teacher in a classroom is the best way for students to succeed.”
Kleinert said he didn’t know every way the bill would affect the Moscow School District, but he said he’s concerned about network availability in rural areas.
Corinne Mantle-Bromley, dean of the College of Education at UI, said it will be an “uphill battle” for schools to integrate online classes.
“I hope we study the impact of the requirements on student learning,” Mantle-Bromley said. “I don’t think we can just assume that this will result in increased student learning. We need to move forward with informed data.”
Mantle-Bromley said future teachers can add an online teaching endorsement to their teaching license. UI does not have that endorsement available yet, but will look into the possibility of adding it, she said.
“The main thrust of the legislation is to increase technology integration in teaching and in the classroom, which is something we all need to do,” Mantle-Bromley said.
The Idaho Education Association, a professional employee organization that represents elementary and secondary teachers, education support professionals and school administrators, released a statement Thursday opposing the change.
“The Idaho State Board of Education overruled the wishes of a majority of Idahoans and disregarded parental choice and local control,” the statement reads.
The IEA statement said it was pleased the SBOE changed the requirement from eight credits to two credits, however they believe that local school districts have the right to decide what is best for students.
The Idaho State Legislature will review the rule change in January 2012.