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One of the most discussed education issues in Harrisburg this year has been cyber charter schools. It might also be the least understood.
For months, legislators have clashed over basic facts and tough policy questions. What exactly are cyber schools? How are they funded? How much should they cost? How should we hold them accountable? And, most importantly, are they a good educational option?
We believe that good policy always starts with great research. With that in mind, I am pleased to share PennCAN’s latest issue brief—Freedom to Succeed: Making Cyber Charter Schools Work.
In it, we address some of the misconceptions about cyber schools and offer policy recommendations to increase accountability and ensure fair funding.
We believe that, when held to high standards, technology can be an incredibly powerful educational tool to serve the needs of today’s students.
But to make sure cyber schools are a truly viable alternative to traditional schooling, we must strike the right balance between innovation and accountability.
And that’s exactly what I told WHYY reporter Ben Herold in his story on cyber schools that includes interviews with superintendents, cyber school CEOs and influential lawmakers in Harrisburg.
Please encourage your friends to flip through the report and read the WHYY story.
With the facts, we will make sure all schools—cyber and traditional alike—are great ones.
Because great schools change everything.