MI Families a Force for Change

In last week's newsletter, our student spotlight featured an inspiring Michigan Virtual Charter Academy student who testified before the Michigan State House Committee on Education. He wanted a student's voice to be heard in the debate over expanding public school options for Michigan students. This week, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill into law that allows more charter school options in Michigan and expands that number of students that can enroll.

MLive.com reports "The concept is critically important," the Republican governor said at the Capitol before signing the legislation into law. "It provides parents and students and another choice and ... great flexibility."

When our voices are heard...change happens.

In the News...

As expansion looms, Gov. Rick Snyder gives cyber school technology a whirl

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.

Greenfield School Committee votes to support continued operation of Massachusetts Virtual 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.

PublicSchoolOptions.org Blog

Size Speaks Volumes at Pennsylvania Capitol Day

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.

Virginia Cyber Students Get "Raw Deal"

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."

Pennsylvania Makes Headlines

The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted virtual school's role as a valuable public school option in Karen Rile's "Virtual Shout-out for Cyber Schools." Rile, who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, debunks a few virtual school myths and describes the success her two daughters found with cyber learning.