Missouri lawmakers give approval for 'virtual school'

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers approved the creation of a new public school Tuesday that would link students to teachers and textbooks by the computer instead of a traditional classroom.

The "virtual school" would begin offering courses during the 2007-2008 school year under legislation given final approval by a 136-20 House vote. The Senate passed the bill 31-0 last month, meaning it now goes to Gov. Matt Blunt.

A Blunt spokeswoman said Tuesday that he supports the concept of a virtual school but was still reviewing the bill.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would oversee the virtual school, projects it to start small -- with about 500 students and a $2.6 million cost the first year -- then gradually grow.

Supporters envision an Internet-based school used by a variety of students -- the sick, disabled and home-schooled, those failing in a traditional classroom or those needing a more challenging curriculum. Students could enroll full time in the virtual school or take just a course or two.

"It's not just the kid who wants to stay home and do nothing; it is an intensive program to try to reach those kids who have needs," said Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton, one of the bill sponsors.

It would be up to the education department, which supported the bill, to determine who can enroll in the virtual school, said deputy education commissioner Bert Schulte.

The bill would require Missouri's virtual school to meet the same standards as a typical school district, such as using certified teachers, having an approved curriculum, using state standardized tests and making progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The measure also spells out that state officials would have to approve more than one curriculum provider, such as a private company or another state's virtual school program. That way, parents and students could choose materials to fit their needs.

House Minority Leader Jeff Harris expressed skepticism about that provision, fearing the virtual school could become an avenue for out-of-state groups to get a foothold in Missouri.

"I just have this sinking feeling about this bill," said Harris, D-Columbia, who voted against it. "There's something here that makes me think that this is the type of bill that in five or six years we may regret having voted for. I think there may be an interest by some of these out-of-state curriculum providers."