Governor Bob McDonnell Highlights Virtual Schools in Visit with Students from Virginia Virtual Academy

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

February 18, 2010

Contact: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell met with students of the Virginia Virtual Academy this afternoon at the Executive Mansion. During the visit McDonnell had the opportunity to demonstrate how virtual high schools work by connecting remotely with students in a statewide government class. The expansion of virtual school programs is one component of McDonnell's "The Opportunity to Learn" education reform legislative package.

Speaking about the visit Governor McDonnell remarked, "Today I had the opportunity to speak with students participating in a government class remotely through the Virginia Virtual Academy about how a bill becomes a law, something I know well from my time in the Virginia legislature. The virtual students connect everyday through their computers and learn through full-time distance learning, outside of the traditional classroom environment."

McDonnell continued, "Students in virtual school programs have the services of highly qualified, Virginia-certified teachers and must take all mandated state testing, but they aren't limited by classroom walls. Virtual schools are a great option in our public schools. We need more positive options in our public schools to allow students the opportunity to learn in the environment that suits them best - whether it is a virtual school program, a college lab school or a charter school."

Governor McDonnell's virtual schools bill is being carried by in the Senate by Senator Steve Newman (SB738) and in the House by Delegate Dickie Bell (HB1388).

Virtual Schools

Virtual School Programs (Senator Newman and Delegate D. Bell)

SUMMARY - Establishes virtual school programs of local school divisions around the Commonwealth. The purpose of the bill is to stimulate the growth of these innovative education programs among local school divisions to help students who struggle in a traditional classroom environment and provide parents with an option within Virginia's public school system. Virtual school students utilize technology in order to learn full-time through a distance learning environment outside of the traditional classroom. They continue to have the services of a highly qualified, Virginia-certified teacher; must take all mandated state testing (SOLs); and adhere to attendance requirements. In addition, it will encourage the growth of online learning programs by directing the Department of Education to maintain a page on their website that provides information for online learning options for parents across the state.

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