FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 9, 2011
CONTACTS:
Tanja Clendinen – tanja@jamesmadison.org – 850.386.3131JMI Cites Florida’s Continuing Leadership in Digital Education
Florida Students to Benefit from Expansion of Online Learning OptionsTALLAHASSEE – In the 21st Century, our nation’s students must be equipped to compete in a global marketplace and a knowledge-based economy. In order to achieve this, the U.S. must shift from our current 1900’s time-based, factory-model of education to a mastery-based, student-centric model.Florida policy makers have recognized that an important step in achieving this shift is the implementation and expansion of digital learning opportunities. A less expensive alternative to the expansion of traditional brick and mortar offerings, online learning also increases choice and accessibility for a variety student groups:
Rural schools with limited or no access to advanced/specialized courses
Urban schools with scheduling conflicts and/or overcrowded classrooms
Home-schooled students
At-risk students needing to retake failed courses or access a more effective instructional style/environment
High-achieving students desiring additional classes beyond the standard school schedule and/or academic calendars
“The Institute commends the progress made during this legislative session regarding the expansion of digital learning options in Florida’s education marketplace,” said Dr. J. Robert McClure, President and CEO of The James Madison Institute. “This demonstrates Florida’s continuing commitment to providing parents and educators with the tools to customize instruction and maximize each student’s potential.” The James Madison Institute is a nonpartisan, public policy research organization based in Florida. For more information on digital learning, please “Virtual Schooling: Disrupting the Status Quo” by JMIAdjunct Scholar Michael Horn of Innosight Institute.
