Gov. Rick Snyder got some hands-on experience with the type of cyber charter school program that will be expanding next fall under a new Michigan law. The self-described nerd's tech skills came in handy as he read a book to a class of children who watched and listened online through the Michigan Virtual Charter Academy.

The School Committee voted 5 to 2 to direct School Superintendent Susan Hollins to prepare a request for proposals to submit to the state by April 22 for the continued operation of Massachusetts Virtual Academy.

Several New Jersey policymakers got a taste of online learning Monday, thanks to a PublicSchoolOptions.org demonstration at the Capitol in Trenton. A prospective NJVACS (New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School) student and his mother, along with a NJVACS prospective teacher, volunteered their time to show attendees how online learning works for the students it serves.

Nearly 2,000 students and families rallied in Harrisburg Tuesday at Pennsylvania's Capitol Day. Those present represented 157 charter schools and 15 cyber charter schools. The size of the crowd gave force to its message: Don't slash funding for our alternative public schools.

A Virginia parent spoke out today about the impact of Carroll County's recent decision to shut down Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA). In response to a one-sided op-ed published by The Roanoke Times, one New Castle, VA mom explained "The real raw deal here is the more than 400 children (including my son) who just found out they have no school to attend next year."