Some have argued that we should address widespread academic failure by making the school day longer or the school year longer. Others have suggested breaking up one long summer vacation into shorter breaks during the year. All this does is tinker with an anachronism. Students of varying abilities still will sit in a classroom for a pre-determined period to learn the same amount of material. This is equivalent to putting 1,000 high school students on the starting line and expecting them to finish a mile run in the same time.
2013 Florida Highlights
During the past legislative session, Florida passed several key pieces of legislation relating to digital learning. Among those, SB 1514 increased flexibility in enrolling in virtual courses, clarified the reporting and funding processes, and supported the study of students' technology needs. Additionally, HB 7009 established the District Innovation School of Technology Program, which presents a great opportunity for districts to try new models of blended learning and offer customized, cutting-edge programs to their students. Other provisions in HB 7009 ensure that all schools and districts will have the necessary technology resources to administer on-line assessments prior to their actual administration.Current Strengths and Reform Opportunities
- Florida offers numerous digital options, courses and services, for all K-12 students
- Poor performing schools and courses are closed by the state based on student outcome data
- Florida could develop governance structure and implement systems to provide timely and secure access to information. This would help them complete the last two steps recommended by the Data Quality Campaign to ensure the effective use of data