We have received indication from several of our Coalition members and from the State Department of Public Instruction that, after a 10-day delay, the DPI is again moving through the enrollment waiting list.

DPI recently notified the families of those who were numbers 115-546 on the list that slots in the public school of their choice were available for them.

We are hopeful, but there is no guarantee, that the waiting list can be whittled down before the beginning of the school year and that those currently locked out will have an opportunity to enroll at one of the schools of their choosing.

So if you have not yet received notice from DPI, don't lose heart.  In fact, many schools have been working with families on the waiting list, doing some preliminary work so that once their slot is opened enrollment can be expedited. Those still on the waiting list may want to reach out to their virtual school to see if such accommodations can be made.

We understand that for those on the waiting list, this period of uncertainty is quite upsetting. We also realize the waiting list discourages families from pursuing the virtual school option. That is why we will continue to work on your behalf to ensure that this is the final year enrollment in our virtual schools is capped.

With no arbitrary cap, there is no need for this onerous waiting list and the gut-wrenching annual waiting game hundreds of families must endure.

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families will continue to monitor whatever progress DPI makes.

Please continue to share your stories with us. This enrollment process has real impact on real families, and we'd love to share your stories with the media and public policy makers.

Finally, we encourage you to make sure everyone who has an interest in online public charter schools in Wisconsin is aware that we are here as a resource and advocate for them. Thank you.

Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families 

Open Enrollment Deadline Reminder

For Virtual School Families 

June 4, 2010 
 

Please note that the June 11 enrollment deadline is coming up 

Friday, June 11 is an important deadline for several categories of students:

• All new applicants to virtual schools (those who have applied to enroll in a virtual school for the first time for the 2010-11 school year) who have received firm approval letters from one or more virtual schools saying they have an opportunity to enroll.  New applicants must notify the school they intend to attend no later than June 11 that they intend to attend it in order to be allowed to enroll for the 2010-11 school year.  Each school will explain to you in its firm approval letter whether you may respond by sending in a written "Intent to Attend" form or by calling or e-mailing.
• Current virtual school students who have applied to enroll in a virtual school that is not located in the district where they currently attend virtual school. These students must notify the school they intend to attend no later than June 11 that they intend to attend it in order to be allowed to enroll for the 2010-11 school year.  Again, each school will explain to you in its firm approval letter whether you may respond by sending it a written "Intent to Attend" form or by calling or e-mailing.  (However, if current virtual school students want to return to a virtual school that is located in the district where they currently attend virtual school, they have until September 1 to enroll in the school in their current district.)

Additional information 

Further detailed information about virtual schools, the open enrollment process and the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families is available at our web site at www.wivirtualschoolfamilies.org . 

If you have general questions about virtual schools or about making enrollment decisions, we would encourage you to contact the WCVSF so we can have a parent from a virtual school family call you.  Just call (888) 446-6829 or send an e-mail message to info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and let us know what you'd like to discuss. 

You should contact the virtual school to which your child has applied if you have questions about acceptance forms, such as how to complete the forms or where to send them, or if you have other detailed questions about procedures that are specific to each school. 

Additional information about the open enrollment process is available at the web site for the Department of Public Instruction at http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/psctoc.html .

Open Enrollment Update

For Virtual School Families

UPDATED

May 21, 2010

Background

This information sheet will provide a status update about the virtual school open enrollment process as of Thursday, May 20, 2010. 

On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 12, the Department of Public Instruction informed virtual schools about the process for sending out firm approval letters, and also letters telling students they are on the waiting list, to students who applied to enroll in virtual schools next year.  DPI also told them which specific students should get firm approval letters and which ones should be placed on the waiting list.  The schools have sent letters to all students who sent them applications or are in the process of doing so. 

DPI will publish a Question and Answer list to provide detailed responses to questions people have about the process, which should be posted on their web site soon.  The key points about the process are highlighted here. Click the headline, above, for the full update.

[Madison, Wisc.] The Wisconsin Coalition for Virtual School families wants some answers from the state's education bureaucracy.  They want to know why the state is hiding the truth about their onerous restrictions on virtual charter schools.

"Two years ago the Doyle Administration absolutely demanded that open enrollment in Wisconsin's virtual charter schools be capped," said Coalition Vice President Julie Thompson. "Now in a grant request to the federal government they have denied the cap even exists."

Wisconsin’s recently-rejected Race to the Top funding application  states: There is no limit in State law or regulation concerning the number of charter schools that can be authorized or the number of children who can be served by such schools in the state.  (http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/phase1-applications/wisconsin.pdf Pg 240)

This contradicts state law. For the last couple of years there has been a cap on open enrollment within Wisconsin’s online, or virtual, charter schools.

WisStats118.40(8)(h)1.
1. Subject to subds. 3. and 4., beginning in the 2009-10 school year, the total number of pupils attending virtual charter schools through the open enrollment program under s. 118.51 in any school year may not exceed 5,250.

After the release of the state audit of virtual schools last month, your Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families renewed our call on the state legislature to lift the onerous, baseless enrollment cap.

Thousands of boys and girls are being placed on a waiting list by DPI right now. Children and their parents will face months of uncertainty as they watch the daily mail for word of whether or not the state will lock them out of their public school of choice.

This morning we have some great news.

The state's largest newspaper is on our side!

Today, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial Board joined the chorus calling for abolishment of the enrollment cap.

Your Coalition board spoke with the newspaper last month and we're pleased they understand our plight. The state's largest newspaper did a great job helping our cause.

Several coalition parents have as well.

Have you?

It is not too late to go to http://www.LiftTheCap.com today and follow the four, simple, steps.

Together, we have proven we can make a difference.

Here's the great editorial, which hopefully will inspire you to call your legislators today!

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/88960962.html

Thank you!

Audit Shows No Justification for Capping Enrollment and Locking out Children from Wisconsin’s ‘Virtual Schools’

[Madison, Wisconsin] The much-anticipated audit of the state's 'Virtual' schools shows no justification for continuing to cap enrollment in these excellent public online charter schools.

"The audit shows tremendous satisfaction on the part of all involved,” said Julie Thompson, Vice President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, whose daughter attends a virtual school operated by the McFarland School District. "Every  school would love to be loved as much as these virtual schools. This audit proves there is absolutely no justification for an arbitrary enrollment cap that locks out children from attending these excellent schools." 
According to the findings of the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau: 

• More than 90 percent of the parents and guardians, teachers, and high school pupils surveyed were satisfied with their virtual charter school
• Full-time enrollment in virtual charter schools increased from 265 pupils in the 2002-03 school year to 2,951 pupils in the 2007-08 school year. In the five largest schools, which enrolled 92.2 percent of all pupils in 2007-08, total enrollment ranged from 245 to 865 pupils
• All 161 virtual charter school teachers were licensed in Wisconsin and taught subjects and grade levels that were appropriately authorized by their professional Wisconsin teaching licenses

Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

November 3, 2009

Virtual School Advocates Welcome President, Hope Visit Encourages Education Reforms in Wisconsin

On Line Charter School Enrollment Needlessly Capped in Badger State

[Madison, Wisc...] Advocates of online, public charter schools in Wisconsin hope President Obama's visit to Wisconsin Wednesday will prompt Wisconsin education policy makers to embrace this proven educational model.

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families will welcome President Obama to their state tomorrow with a half page newspaper ad in the Wednesday edition of the Wisconsin State Journal.

"Thousands of families are seeing their students excel in online charter schools in Wisconsin; however, the enrollment cap is a looming threat that will needlessly lock out new students from enrolling in 2010," said WCVSF Vice President Julie Thompson, whose daughter attends a virtual school in Mc Farland. "We hope President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan can encourage Wisconsin lawmakers to do the right thing, eliminate the cap and let this education reform continue to flourish."

While in Wisconsin on Wednesday, Obama and Duncan will visit Wright Middle School, a 12-year-old public charter school in Madison.

The newspaper ad applauds Obama's choice of Duncan to serve as Education Secretary and expresses hope that he and the President will encourage Wisconsin officials to remove the onerous enrollment cap on the state's online public charter schools.

Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

For further information, contact: (888) 446-6829 or info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org

Families, Teachers Push to Eliminate Enrollment Cap on Statewide Online Public Charter Schools

Cap Could Derail State's Efforts to Obtain Race to the Top Funds

[Madison, Wisc.] Hundreds of parents, teachers and administrators were in Madison Tuesday to fight for the future of the state's online public charter schools. They attended the inaugural Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families Day at the Capitol and lobbied lawmakers for the removal of the cap on the enrollment in these statewide charter schools. 

The cap threatens to lock out hundreds of families from the public school of their choice in 2010, and could jeopardize Wisconsin's bid for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal education funds for countless school districts across Wisconsin.

"We came to thank lawmakers for saving our schools in 2008, and to also ask them to help other families who want to attend these schools next year and beyond," said Bob Reber, president of the Coalition. "Because these schools are so successful, enrollment increases every year. This year our attendance came close to hitting the cap. Next year it is certain families will be locked out if the law does not change."

In 2008 lawmakers passed legislation that defined virtual schools in Wisconsin, established accountability standards and capped enrollment in these schools at 5,250. While some believed it would take several years to reach the cap, it is clear it has become an issue in only its first year of existence.

"This limitation on enrollment in these statewide public charter schools could harm Wisconsin's chances to obtain federal Race to the Top funds," said Reber. "There is no need for a cap on enrollment of these charter schools that enroll students from across Wisconsin--districts, parents, teachers and most importantly the students have embraced these schools and they are doing a great job.”

More than 200 members of the Coalition held a series of workshops at Madison's Inn on the Park, which concluded with families and teachers walking across the street to meet with their legislators and their office staff in the Capitol.

Also at the conference, the Coalition honored Democrat State Senator John Lehman and Republicans State Senator Luther Olsen and State Representative Brett Davis as their 2008 Rising Stars of Public Virtual Education for their work in the legislature last session.

The Coalition will continue their efforts to educate policymakers on the importance of removing the cap in the weeks and months ahead.

Some important information for those attending the

WCVSF Day at the Captiol on Tuesday

1) There are important items in our online toolkit, located on the Registration page for you to print out at home BEFORE you come to Madison on Tuesday.

2) All participants will meet with their State Senator and State Representative in the afternoon. You can call to schedule an appointment, or simply drop in for a brief meeting (more information on this is also available in our online toolkit. ) Teachers and families can go in larger groups, if they want.

3) As an additional service to Coalition members, Representatives from several virtual schools will have informational booths on site.

4) You are responsible for your own lunch, there are dozens of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

5) If you'd like to schedule a visit to a museum or a tour of the Captiol, that information is also available here:

WCVSF Day at the Capitol Agenda

10:30   Welcome and Introductions

10:45   Legislative and Regulatory Update  A panel of government relations professionals will bring you the latest news from Madison and answer your questions regarding developments in federal education funding, the Open Enrollment and Charter School Laws in Wisconsin and the impact of the waiting list on public virtual schools.

11:45  Awards Presentation  The Coalition will recognize those legislators who took a leadership role in helping Online Public Charter Schools last year.

Noon  Break for your lunch

1:15 to 2:00 Break out sessions  Teachers will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with their peers  Administrators will be holding a separate meeting onsite  Families will learn how to host an informational demonstration for legislators and High School students will learn how they can become active members of the coalition.

2:00  Communications Training  We all regroup to learn and discuss how we can best communicate our message. What are some of the dos and don'ts of writing to your lawmaker, a letter to the editor, or messages on chat boards? How can you help our Coalition's voice grow?

The program ends at 3pm, although legislative visits may continue until 5.

Registration closes at Midnight. There is still time to be a part of  this special day.

Attendees, in addition to advocating on behalf of their children, will receive answers to many pressing questions, including: (Click on headline above for the rest of this message)

It's not too late to give your children an opportunity to be part of a remarkable school day - a living civics lesson.

Come and join other families, teachers, and administrators at our Day at the Capitol next Tuesday, October 20th.

Our statewide public virtual schools need our support.  Children will need our schools next year and some will be locked out.  Parents just like you will hope to be able to register their child for the public school of their choice and they will be turned away.  The enrollment cap on public virtual charter schools will lock children like yours out in 2010.  We're working to change that.

On Tuesday, we will ask our elected officials to give these Wisconsin families the chance for the public education of their choice.  We will ask them to remove the arbitrary, baseless enrollment cap that will hurt so many.

Come to Madison and be part of this effort to stand up for others.  It will surely be one of the most remarkable school days of this school year.  Be there to hear our inspiring speakers, recognize the champions who helped save our schools last year, meet your teachers and other families, learn more about the threats to virtual schooling and take your children with you into THEIR state Capitol building.

In 2008, families with children in public virtual schools stood up for future students and won additional slots.  Several thousand new students now are in the school of their choice because of that fight.  Maybe you know some of these children.  Maybe some of them are your own children.  On Tuesday, we will stand up for other kids who will need and want these great schools next fall and beyond.

It's the least we can do. No checks to write, no physical labor. Just show up and be counted. Be heard. We have made a difference before, and we can again. 

Don't miss this.  Registrations are still being accepted.  Registration will close at midnight Monday.

Simply click here to register and say  "Yes, you can count on us to be there."

Thank you.

-The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

PS, Check out the registration page even if you have already signed up. We now have an online toolkit for attendees, complete with a fun project for the kids! 

Our Day at the Capitol is NEXT TUESDAY.

If you have already signed up, here are some useful links for you:

Look up Your Legislators - To Schedule Your 5 Minute Meeting with Them and/or their Staff Between 1 and 3pm. 

Map for Inn on the Park and area Parking

Madison Attractions

Information Regarding Guided Tours of the Capitol

If you haven't signed up, there is still time.

Please don't miss out, we need you there and you need to join your fellow parents, students, teachers and administrators in Madison.

Help us eliminate the enrollment cap that will prevent perhaps hundreds of students form attending the public school of their choice as soon as next year.

Click here to sign up.

Best Western Inn on the Park, On the Capitol Square in downtown Madison.
Easy to get to...Ample parking within walking distance...Dozens of eateries and several museums also a short walk away.

Register today to reserve your space and to sign up for your official WCVSF T-Shirt.

Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Students from a half dozen schools have already signed up. Come meet your peers. Exchange stories. Learn about best practices.

There's something for everyone.

Parents  -- Bring your kids. Together, families can distribute our Apple-grams to lawmakers and help push for the elimination of the arbitrary enrollment cap that will lock out many families next school year. Attend training sessions on how to write a letter to the editor and how to conduct voluntary in-home demonstrations for lawmakers. Several of the curriculum providers will also have information booths available on-site so families can compare what the various schools have to offer.

High Schoolers  -- Learn how you can directly advocate for your school. Participate in training sessions and work with fellow students from virtual schools throughout Wisconsin.

Teachers and Administrators, this is the best opportunity you will have all year to meet your peers, share your stories and discover and discuss best practices. We already have more faculty registered for this year's Day at the Capitol than for any other WCVSF event ever.

Some schools have indicated they may provide transportation for their students. But regardless of what your school is providing for that day, it is important that you register, as soon as possible, by clicking here.

Virtual schools in Wisconsin are still subject to an arbitrary enrollment cap that will see students turned away from the public school of their choice in 2010. What does this cap mean to your family? Your neighbors?  What's the latest news from Madison? Are virtual schools still in jeopardy?  Invest in the future of your school. Invest in your child. There's no registration fee, we just require a few hours of your time. As a Coalition, we've proven what we can accomplish. It is only through continued advocacy and hard work that we will succeed.

With just one week to go everyone will need to spread the word. Please invite your teachers and your fellow parents.  Pass this e-mail on freely and encourage others to join you.  Everyone is welcome.

Don't delay. Help us prepare for a wonderful Capitol Day!

The decision makers in Madison listen to us when we work together with a common purpose. The members of this Coalition, your Coalition, hold a lot of power. Please choose to use it--register to attend the Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, October 20th.

Please note, if this message was forwarded to you, and you did not get this directly from the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, please take a second to visit www.wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and add your e-mail address to our list. You won't want to miss any news.

An urgent alert from the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

Click on this link to register for our 2009 Day at the Capitol, which will be held on October 20th at the Inn on the Park in Madison.

More information regarding the agenda for this special day will be forthcoming, but it is important to get your registration in ASAP so that we can accommodate the expected crowd.

Students, teachers, parents and administrators of Wisconsin's online public charter schools will meet in downtown Madison on October 20, 2009 to raise awareness of virtual schools in the state, demonstrate to policymakers the powerful constituency behind online learning, and to find out what's next for our schools.

Don't delay. Register your family , today! 

It's Here!

Save the Date - Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

We have some exciting news for members of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families.

On Tuesday, October 20th we'll be holding our Day at the Wisconsin Capitol.

Virtual schools in Wisconsin are still subject to an arbitrary enrollment cap that will see students turned away from the public school of their choice in 2010.  What does this cap mean to your family? Your neighbors?  What's the latest news from Madison? Are virtual schools still in jeopardy?

Students, teachers, parents and administrators of Wisconsin's online public charter schools will meet in downtown Madison on October 20th to raise awareness of virtual schools in the state and demonstrate to policymakers the powerful constituency behind online learning.

In the days ahead, we will share with you further details on our Day at the Capitol (including details about the agenda for the day, information regarding travel and other logistics, and how you can sign up to show your support.)

But for now, save the date. Tuesday, October 20th: Our Day at the Capitol!

In three weeks you will once again have an opportunity to not only show your school spirit, but make a difference for you and everyone involved in virtual schools in Wisconsin!

With three short weeks to go everyone will need to spread the word. Please invite your teachers and your fellow parents.  Pass this e-mail on freely and encourage others to join you.  Everyone is welcome. 

Stay tuned for more details later this week!

Please note, if this message was forwarded to you, and you did not get this directly from the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, please take a second to visit www.wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and add your e-mail to our list.  You won't want to miss any news.

As the year ends we wanted to give you a quick update on the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families' leadership.

As you know, former Coalition President Rose Fernandez stepped down last month so that she could pursue the post of State Superintendent at the Wisconsin DPI next spring.  

Many of you have written the Coalition to express thanks to Rose and we join you in that praise. We've forwarded your notes, but to talk to Rose, it's best to email her directly at rose@changedpi.com

Since Rose left, the Board has met to elect new officers.

Bob Reber, a founding member of the Coalition Board of Directors and former Board Vice President will serve as the new President of the Board.

Julie Thompson, a founding member of the Coalition whose daughter is in the 8th grade at Wisconsin Virtual Academy is the Board's new vice president and treasurer.

Jane Kummer-Meyer continues to serve as Board Secretary. Jane has four boys in virtual schools in Wisconsin:  a 10th grader attending National Connections Academy, an 8th grader, 4th/ 5th grader, and kindergartner attending Wisconsin Connections Academy.

This seamless transfer of leadership is a sign of strength of our entire Coalition. You will hear more from us in 2009 as the new year brings new challenges. Until then, we wish you all the most joyous of holiday seasons and a Happy New Year.

I hope this email finds you well and preparing to share the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends. I have some important news that I'd like to share, and I appreciate your patience.

Last month at the international conference of NACOL (North American Council for Online Learning - www.nacol.org), I spoke on a panel along with our two champions in the Wisconsin Senate, Senator John Lehman (D - Racine) and Senator Luther Olsen (R - Ripon). We shared the highlights of the Coalition's grassroots victory in spurring a bipartisan bill earlier this year that changed our state education statutes to protect virtual charter schools. A slide show of our Day at the Capitol on that sunny, but brisk, January day told the audience all they needed to know about how Wisconsin parents and teachers and children got the job done, together.

As I said that day on the Capitol steps we did make history. Together the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families made a name for itself. The Coalition remains your source for any news about moves in Madison to limit our rights to this choice in public education. Threats remain and vigilance must be part of our mission as we move forward. The arbitrary enrollment cap imposed by Governor Doyle will be hit in a few short years and children will be left out if further legislative action doesn't follow in a few years.

Four years ago I began working to organize the Coalition so parents would have a voice in the fight for virtual charter schools. We grew in numbers and in authority to become the premiere source for advocacy and information on this way of public schooling in our state. 2008 proved to be the first big challenge for us and the Coalition rose to every call and served us all better than we could have hoped.

I was most privileged to participate. As I testified to the legislature and said often then and since, for me it was about real boys and girls and the education our state owes them. My gratitude to each of you who stood with me is most profound. We did every single thing together. And that will not change as future challenges arise.

So, now it is time for me to step aside from the Coalition presidency and let others bring their energy and perspective to our organization. I will remain a member, but I am considering other ways to devote more of my time to work to improve public education in Wisconsin. The gains we have made simply can not be squandered. Just as important of a personal challenge for me: there are hundreds of thousands of other parents, students and teachers in this state who are faced with needless hurdles to educational excellence.

But, we as a Coalition are in good hands.

Bob Reber, a founding board member from Fond du Lac, will remain on the board. We are fortunate that Jane Kummer-Meyer of Rhinelander continues on the board and gratefully welcome Julie Thompson of Cross Plains. You'll hear more from them soon. These parents will serve us all so very well, but they need you. Please help grow the Coalition by telling others about it. Our strength will always be in our numbers and our solidarity. And the time will come again that those numbers will be our voice for our children. We will need that voice with our government and with our schools.

Like our work these past few years, this email is about the Coalition, not about me. However, if you'd like to keep in touch or are interested in learning about my future plans, you can email me at GreatWISchools@gmail.com . Your support and encouragement made the difference last spring; I treasure the new friends I've made, and I'd hate to see my stepping aside here at the Coalition have us drift apart.

Again, it's been my privilege to serve you on the board, and I wish the new leadership all the best success in the days and years ahead.

All the best, and Happy Thanksgiving,

Rose Fernandez

GreatWISchools@gmail.com (personal e-mail)

***UPDATE!

At the Coalition's request, the deadline for submitting the surveys (Parental and HS Students) has been extended until the end of the day, THIS SUNDAY, October 19th. So, please if you have yet to respond, do so this weekend. Please note that your spam filters may have caught the email from the LAB, so  check your spam folders for an email from Allison Latarte.

Coalition members are the most-informed families with children in these schools. It is important that every Coalition family participate, so that state officials get a proper understanding of how effective these schools are.

We hope the start of autumn finds all of you and your students enjoying the school year. As you know, thanks to your efforts this past spring, Public Virtual Schools continue to thrive in Wisconsin. Again, congratulations!

One component of the compromise plan that the Governor signed earlier this year was an audit to be performed by the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB). This WCVSF alert concerns that audit.

Please watch your e-mail in boxes for an important survey during the week of October 6. The Audit Bureau is going to be e-mailing a survey about virtual schools to all parents of virtual school students and also to all students who attended virtual schools in 9th through 12th grades in the 2007-08 school year.

This is not a customer satisfaction survey. It is not a chance to merely cheer lead or complain about your particular school. The findings of this audit will most assuredly be used to shape future legislation and regulation of our schools.

Remember, the survey is part of a performance and financial audit of virtual schools that is required by the virtual school legislation that was passed in March of 2008. The survey will ask some questions about why families have chosen virtual schools, about how virtual schools work, and about parent and pupil satisfaction with virtual schools, as well as some background questions about virtual school attendees and families.

(click on headline for more information)

For Immediate Release
April 7, 2008
Contact: Rose Fernandez, Rose Fernandez,  262-565-7844

The following is a statement by Rose Fernandez, president of the WI Coalition of Virtual School Families:

"Today marks the end of a long battle for public virtual school supporters. While we are not happy that this victory came at the cost of the enrollment cap, we are thankful for the work of Rep. Brett Davis and Senators John Lehman and Luther Olsen. Together, they guided our bill through a contentious spring legislative session.

"We fought off court-ordered closures of our schools; proposals to slash per-pupil funding in half; and onerous suggestions of parental licensing.   Today's signature by the governor would not have happened had 1,100 of us not brought our appeal directly to the halls of government in January.

"This was grassroots democracy at its finest; a blow to powerful special interests; and, most important, a win for Wisconsin's children."

Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

For Immediate Release, March 12, 2008
For further information, Contact: Rose Fernandez, 262-565-7844 

Senate Passes Virtual School Plan, Bill Awaits Governor's Signature

The Wisconsin State Senate gave final passage to SB396 today.  It now awaits action by the Governor, who has publicly voiced his support and is expected to sign the bill soon.

Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families made the following statement upon the Senate's action:

"This is a good day for advocates of education reform in general and public virtual schooling specifically. Especially when you consider how far we've come. Three months ago, public virtual schools were on the verge of shutting down because of a court order. Two months ago there was a proposal to cut per pupil funding at these schools in half. A month ago, we faced a two year enrollment freeze at present levels with the hope of only being able to grow to 4,500 students by 2015. When this bill is signed into law, a large bipartisan majority of legislators, the Governor and even the teachers' union will have been on record in support of fully funding those who enroll in these schools, have an enrollment cap of 5,250 students and the schools will be statutorily recognized as an important component of the public school system in Wisconsin. We did not favor any cap, but we still anticipate these schools will continue to thrive. We look forward to the positive results of the audit and we are thankful of those who supported us today, and all those who continue to be our champions. While our efforts proved that democracy can work for the little guy, our Coalition continues to grow larger and stronger with each passing day. We look forward to continuing to be a voice for thousands of families who deserve an opportunity to choose these great public schools."

Early this evening, the Wisconsin State Assembly concurred in the amended SB 396 by a 96-1 vote. The Virtual School Rescue Bill agreement is now in the hands of the state Senate, which will vote on the bill tomorrow.

Earlier today, Gov. Doyle told the press that he believes the agreement is a “good deal,” so we expect it to be signed into law shortly after Senate passage.

Congratulations for all you have done. We’re not done yet, however.  Stay tuned.

If you have questions, send a note to info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org.

Coalition Supports Bipartisan Measure that Breaks Stalemate over Virtual Schools

[Madison, Wisconsin…] The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families is supporting the recently-announced bipartisan agreement regarding online public charter (virtual) schools.

“We are happy that lawmakers remembered the futures of real children were at stake here,” said Rose Fernandez, president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. “We are not thrilled about the eventual imposition of a cap on enrollment, but we are happy to see that not only was an agreement reached before session ended, but that the cap won’t be an immediate burden and that the two year enrollment freeze/lockout provision is gone.”

The agreement was released earlier today by Senator John Lehman and Representative Brett Davis. The new legislation will contain the key provisions of the previous compromise, including creating clear authorization for their operation, and creating new accountability measures. According to the agreement, as early as tomorrow, the Assembly will vote to amend SB396 to incorporate the new compromise and send the bill back to the Senate for a concurrence vote:

-Eliminate the proposed two year enrollment freeze

-Raise the cap on enrollment in public virtual schools in Wisconsin to 5,250 (Current enrollment is less than 3,500)

-Siblings of virtual school students will be guaranteed the opportunity to enroll, regardless of any cap

###

At 4:04 this morning, the State Assembly passed AB870, the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan, by a vote of 53-44. The bill was immediately messaged to the State Senate where it now awaits action by that house. You can see archived footage of the debate at WisconsinEye .

A copy of the roll call of the vote will be distributed later today.

Here's a hot off the Internet news blurb .

During the debate on the issue, several speakers noted that they have heard our voices loud and clear. You should be proud of the fact that our efforts have been recognized. And while some legislators who spoke last night were audacious enough to infer that we did not understand the complexity of the issue, that we were somehow misinformed, we are not going to dwell on the past.We need to focus our energies on the next week.

The Coalition's job now is to convince the State Senate to vote on AB870, without amendment, before the end of the current legislative session, which is expected to last only another two weeks. We will also continue our efforts to persuade the Governor to sign AB870, so that public virtual schools in Wisconsin continue to operate for current and potential students.

It's time, once again, to write letters to the editor, encouraging your State Senator to do the right thing, put people before politics, and vote for AB870, as it came from the Assembly. Letters should also encourage the Governor to accept the fact that this new compromise does have the audit and enrollment cap as he requested, and that he should sign the bill and save these schools.

About AB870:
The bill allows public virtual schools to continue to operate in Wisconsin
It calls for an audit of the schools to monitor their effectiveness and impact on other schools
It caps enrollment at one percent of total k-12 enrollment in the state (approximately 8,700) but does NOT freeze enrollment (lock out students) for two years.
The cap sunsets at the same time as the Senate's proposal
Unlike the Senate plan, it passed on a bipartisan basis

AB870 is not as good as the original compromise that was announced in January. However, given the Governor's insistence on a temporary cap on enrollment while these schools are studied, it is a reasonable bipartisan compromise to the original bipartisan compromise.

We should feel great about tonight's victory, but resolute that we have two more big hurdles to overcome in very short order.

It's late (or early depending on how you look at it). Look for another update later today.

Well done! Thanks to all who have written letters, made the calls, attended the rally, sat through long days and nights at the Capitol and watched/listened at home on Wisconsin eye.
Our efforts are having an impact. Keep it up.

Breaking the Stalemate II:

Virtual School Supporters Hope Governor, Senate Will Engage in 'Serious' Negotiations with Assembly Today

Partisan Senate Plan with Lock Out Jeopardizes Virtual Schools in Wisconsin, Bipartisan Compromise Needed

At an event in the Capitol this morning, Governor Doyle dismissed the latest effort to forge a bipartisan compromise to keep Wisconsin's online charter schools open and viable as 'Not a serious offer.' The following statement was issued by Rose Fernandez, President of Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families:

"Rather than simply comment to press inquiries, we'd like to see the Administration sit down with lawmakers today so that agreed upon legislative language can be voted on in the Assembly today, the Senate early next week and signed by the Governor ASAP. I would be willing to personally sit down with them and resolve this stalemate today so that the focus can be placed back on the most important stakeholder in this debate, the thousands of children whose educational future hangs in the balance.

"Where's the Governor's counter offer? Those that are truly interested in a bipartisan compromise that saves these schools will move in a bipartisan manner. The Huebsch/Davis offer was indeed a serious offer that showed a true willingness to compromise; and despite the Governor's casual dismissal of that offer, we hope he is serious when he says he'd negotiate and wouldn't merely stick to the partisan, non compromise passed by the Senate last week. The clock is ticking and the children in these schools, and those who may want to attend in the future, are not well served by the issuance of ultimatums. The Coalition of Virtual School Families hopes that Senate leadership and the Governor will join the Assembly leaders to negotiate in good faith and resolve this issue, today, and we stand ready to help make that happen."

Our letter writing campaign is focused on harnessing the energy needed to revitalize the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan. By writing these letters, we’re sharing our stories with our friends and neighbors, and encouraging them to request that the Governor and the State Senate redeem themselves the next opportunity they get.

And they will get that opportunity.

The State Assembly announced that they will advance a new bill next week that reflects the bipartisan compromise announced last month, includes the Governor’s requested audit of public virtual schools, but does not include the onerous, arbitrary enrollment cap lock out provision.

Support for these efforts continues to grow. Today the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorializes , in part: 

There is still time to save Wisconsin's virtual schools, but the clock is ticking after a state Senate vote this week that unwisely capped enrollment and blew up a bipartisan compromise.

In a letter to legislators on the eve of the vote, Gov. Jim Doyle called for a cap on enrollment and recommended a study to determine how well virtual schools were serving students and what their fiscal impact was on existing public schools and property taxes.

The request for a study is sensible enough, but the cap is a solution looking for a problem. And now, despite exceptions for siblings of existing students and for students who signed up during the current open enrollment period, some children may be denied the opportunity to learn in an environment that is best suited to their needs.

Legislation was needed after a state Court of Appeals ruled in December that the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, operated by the Northern Ozaukee School District, was not eligible for state aid. That ruling threatened the existence of all 12 online schools in the state, which serve more than 3,000 students.

The compromise plan was a good one that balanced the need to legalize virtual schools while imposing new standards on them. It had the support of the state Department of Public Instruction.

The Senate vote sends the measure back to the Assembly, where Rep. Brett Davis (R-Oregon) said Thursday he would draft new legislation that includes a financial audit but not a cap. He also planned to send a letter to Doyle inviting the governor or his staff to a hearing on Monday to explain why a cap is necessary.

With your help, we’ll hear similar calls from across the state.

Keep those letters coming, folks.

The hearing next Monday will not be a repeat of the two marathon committee hearings earlier last month. The committee chair tells the Coalition that he does not intend on covering issues that have already been discussed. The committee is expected, however, to examine the rationale behind the Senate’s lock out provision. The Coalition has been asked to provide summary testimony that reflects the concerns of our membership, and we’ll provide you with an update Monday night on the developments.

This means that in short order the Senate will get a chance for a ‘Do over.’

Let’s continue to push for them to get it right.

Our efforts to educate our lawmakers are not confined to the Capitol Building. Please let us know if your State Senator is holding office hours or is expected to appear in your community over the next few weeks. We can’t ignore opportunities to get our message across. And check back to the Coalition website for regular updates and further ideas on how to make a difference.

As we head into the weekend, please be sure to get your letters to the editor submitted.

You can rest assured new assignments await next week.

Keep the faith and keep up the good work!

"With shame comes the chance at redemption."

That's our take on the disturbing developments in Madison this week.

Here's the latest news. And it's good news! The State Assembly will move next week to revive the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan.

Odds are they will add the Governor's audit and study provisions, but not the onerous Lock Out imposed by the State Senate. We can live with that.

Our job is clear. To let everyone know that when the Senate and the Governor get a chance to reconsider their actions, they put partisanship aside and pass the Plan without the lock out. Even one of the Senators who voted to put the lock out amendment on the bill admitted that their work wasn't the end of the line...that there was plenty of opportunity to resolve this issue. They know this issue will be back before them again. The odds of them doing the right thing increase dramatically if our stories our told.Every time we've mobilized, we've helped advance our cause further. No longer are they questioning the right of these schools to exist. We need to keep at it. How can you help? By spreading our message in the court of public opinion.

It's time to flood Wisconsin's newspapers with letters in support of the Bipartisan Compromise, and against the lock out.

Click on the headline above for the full text of this e-Alert

Coalition Urges Passage of Unamended SB396
Kids with special needs would suffer if locked out of Virtual Schools in the future


[Madison, WI] Supporters of Wisconsin Virtual Schools want an agreed upon legislative agreement to pass without an amendment that would lock out new families from choosing this innovative educational option.

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families is supporting the much-praised Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan which is scheduled for a vote on the floor of the State Senate today.  

"We're so thankful that legislators of both parties put partisan power politics aside and worked together in good faith to reach this agreement," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "It would be a shame to see this all fall apart at the last minute."

Late yesterday afternoon, Governor Doyle sent a letter to the authors of the compromise and asked that new families be locked out of Wisconsin's public virtual schools until a study of indeterminate length can be conducted.

"Who would want to deny these kids a chance to succeed? That's what a Lock Out Amendment does," said Kaye Martin, a licensed, unionized public virtual school teacher, and coalition member. "We have five years of data that proves that these schools work. And we are creating countless new success stories every day."

The lock out would be especially hard on those who could benefit most: kids with special needs.

 "As a parent of kids with special needs, I can't believe in my heart that the Governor would want to deny this option to other families whose children may have similar needs and who may also benefit from a public virtual school," said coalition member Joanne Kremer.

Ray Kastner, whose son has Asperger's Syndrome, agrees. 

"We sincerely hope this thoughtful bipartisan compromise passes today without any amendments that would lock out other families from this option," Kastner said. And we hope that the Governor thinks of my son, David, and others like him when he reconsiders any veto threat."

Fernandez said an enrollment cap Lock-Out not only radically alters the compromise, no one has offered a meaningful reason for supporting such a change. During 16 hours of public testimony on the bill, the Governor never weighed in on the compromise.

"Today is Election Day," said Fernandez. "Every candidate for President, including the one supported by our Governor, have railed against the influence of special-interest lobbyists, have pledged to work in a bipartisan manner and have expressed hope and optimism about changing politics as usual.  Let's hope all that is more than just empty rhetoric. Passing and signing SB396 into law, without new amendments, would show that indeed things can change in politics."


 
WISCONSIN COALITION OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL FAMILIES'
TESTIMONY AT PRESS CONFERENCE
Kaye Martin
 
My name is Kaye Martin and I am a special education teach at a public virtual school in Wisconsin.

We work elbow-to-elbow with related service providers from resident districts across the state, and we (the special education staff) are on the road every day making home visits. We have found a way to meet the needs of our kids with IEPs or 504 plans.  We follow all the mandated guidelines and rules for Special Ed. programming, and support our kids in their work with their regular ed. teachers.

Some of my kids needs are so great, that had they stayed in their resident school district, they would have needed their own personal aide.  Instead their resident districts encouraged them to look into enrolling in a virtual school.

My Special Needs kids have a variety of disabilities… sometimes, their needs are too numerous to be met in the 'traditional' classroom. Virtual Schools are a great option for these kids.

Putting a lock out provision on this bill could mean that a student who needs this alternative means of public education misses out on an opportunity to succeed, unless they were lucky enough to either already be enrolled or have a sibling in a Virtual School

A lock out predetermines the educational choices of those children yet unborn, who… by no fault of their own… will enter this world with special needs.  

Who would want to deny these kids a chance to succeed? That's what a Lock Out Amendment does.

We have five years of data that proves that these schools work. And we are creating countless new success stories every day.


WISCONSIN COALITION OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL FAMILIES'
TESTIMONY AT PRESS CONFERENCE 
Ray Kastner
 
My name is Ray Kastner. My son David has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a high functioning member of the Autism Spectrum Disorders.  
David is very smart, he began reading at the age of three.  He as a vocabulary above his age and this often caused him frustration while waiting for everyone to catch up to him.

Because of his Asperger's David does not function well in social settings like the classroom.  

Even with a small classroom the amount of background noise caused aggravation and meltdowns.  His Asperger's caused him to stick out as different--subjecting him to abuse by some of his peers. 

Our Public Virtual School has been a godsend for the whole family. David is doing really well.

For the life of me, I do not know why the Governor, or anyone here, would want to deny this educational option to other kids like David. 
Why lock out other families from having this choice of a public school?

We sincerely hope this thoughtful bipartisan compromise passes today without any amendments that would lock out other families from this option. 
And we hope that the Governor thinks of David, and reconsiders any veto threat.
 
WISCONSIN COALITION OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL FAMILIES'
TESTIMONY AT PRESS CONFERENCE 
Denice Brunner
 
My name is Denice Brunner. 

I have six children, two not yet school aged, two in traditional schools and two in public virtual schools.

Our 7 year old daughter, Sarah, is visually impaired and has epilepsy.  When she was 5, we were told she is also at risk for being diagnosed with ADHD and a Learning Disability.   We open-enrolled Sarah in WIVA when she was 5 for Kindergarten.  Sarah is currently in 1st Grade at Wisconsin Virtual Academy and is thriving.  As one example, Sarah did no more than scribble as a 5 year old leaving her Early Childhood Program at our local elementary school.  During her Kindergarten year at WIVA she progressed through a pre-school and kindergarten handwriting program and is currently writing at a 1st grade level.  Sarah is also reading large print at a 1st grade level.  

Given Sarah's special needs and personality, the one on one teaching/learning environment of our public virtual school has been exactly what she needed to excel.

Our other daughter, Rachel, does not have special needs.  She is 5 and currently in Kindergarten.  The beauty of public virtual education is that it allows children to progress at their own pace. That kind of flexibility to move at a student's own pace through the school year is one of the very unique qualities of virtual education, and Rachel is already in mid first grade math!

We have two children with very different educational needs, and both are thriving in public virtual schools! 

How could anyone want to squash something so obviously beneficial to the education of children across the state?  How could anyone want to limit the number of children that could benefit from this type of learning environment?  
It seems to me those people are not thinking about the children at all. These schools work well.

We should not lock out new families, new children from exercising this public school option. 

WISCONSIN COALITION OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL FAMILIES'
TESTIMONY AT PRESS CONFERENCE 
Joanne Kremer

My name is Joanne Kremer.  I have children in two different public virtual schools, and one in a traditional brick & mortar school. 

Each school fits my children's individual needs.  They are all doing well. 

And although I am home nowadays, I am also a certified special education teacher. 

We tried private as well as public brick and mortar schools and I am sorry to say they failed some of my kids.  Some of my kids struggle because they are on the autism spectrum. 

My kids struggled with, what for other kids is normal noise in the classroom, as well as the buzzing lights, the scratching of 30 pencils on paper, the brightness of the lights and even at times the feel of certain clothing.  All of this affected them greatly, to the point where they were sick and actually had to take medication just to function. 

Having my children now learn at a public school, online, from home allows them the chance to learn without having to deal with all that stuff.  It allows them to really shine.  It's just a mom, 4 kids and two cuddly dogs.  They can turn off the lights, we can all use gel pens.  We can shut out all the things that get in their way. We can allow them to grow. They can take breaks when they need to.  They can test through 3 weeks worth of World History because they already know it.  They can slow down if something is difficult. 

And.... they no longer need medication. 

It's true traditional brick and mortar schools failed some of my kids. Fortunately we had the option of public virtual schools. 

I want to thank the lawmakers who listened to us and want to keep these schools thriving. 

But please, do not choke these schools by locking out new families. 

As a parent of kids with special needs, I can't believe in my heart that the Governor would want to deny this option to other families whose children may have similar needs and who may also benefit from a public virtual school. 

I hope SB396 passes today, without a cap that locks out new families. 

Thank you.

For Immediate Release, February 19, 2008
Contact: Rose Fernandez, 262-565-7844 

PARENT COALITION STATEMENT ON TODAY’S SENATE ACTION REGARDING VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

[Madison, WI] -- The following statement is from Rose Fernandez, president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families.

“Today, more than 100 children and their parents were on hand in the Senate Gallery to witness a shameful display of partisan power politics at its worst.  The Republicans in the State Senate, along with Democrat State Senator Jon Erpenbach, voted to honor the previously-agreed-to, bipartisan compromise.   

“At the 11th hour, Governor Doyle and many Democrat Senators who previously supported the much-touted, bipartisan compromise, decided to renegotiate the deal at the behest of one powerful special-interest group.  After several hours of what proved to be empty rhetoric, and political gamesmanship that included a re-vote, the State Senate voted to lock out future families from Wisconsin’s public virtual schools.

“It was shameful. But with shame comes a chance at redemption.

“We hope and will continue to fight for a revival of the bipartisan compromise in the State Assembly.

“We are not going away.”

# # #

Today is Election Day, but all the action isn’t at the polls. Either the best or worst of Democracy will be on display at the State Capitol today as well.

First, a giant THANK YOU to the hundreds of coalition members who heeded our call and picked up the phone. Senate offices and the switchboard at the Governor’s office rang all day Monday with our message.

Although it had not been reported in the press, we told you that there were efforts to amend the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan to include an arbitrary enrollment cap which would Lock Out new families from pursuing this educational option.

On Monday, press reports affirmed our assertions. As the Capitol was flooded with our calls, the Website WisPolitics issued this report:

Gov. Jim Doyle wants amendments to the virtual school bill that would cap enrollment at current levels until a formal study of the schools is completed to ensure they're meeting educational requirements of other public schools.

The Senate is due to vote on the bill tomorrow. The legislative compromise is an answer to an appeals court decision that threatens to shut virtual schools. The guv's office is working with legislators, but it's unclear who will present the amendment in the Senate tomorrow.

Sen. John Lehman and Rep. Brett Davis worked out the compromise bill now before the Senate after introducing competing versions in the wake of the appeals court decision.

Doyle spokeswoman Jessica Erickson said Doyle wants to study whether the virtual schools are meeting requirements for hours of instruction and are providing adequate contact time between teachers and students.

Then, late in the day, Governor Doyle sent a letter to the authors of the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan which said, in part: the Legislature should cap the enrollment at the existing attendance level, with exceptions only for siblings of students enrolled in these schools and any new student who enrolled during the current open enrollment period.

Today, we’ll go to the Capitol with the hopes of having the Senate pass SB396 without the Lock Out or other amendments, which would alter the compromise and could derail the agreement. The compromise was reached in good faith and should be honored.

While skeptics and a powerful special interest group are against us, we continue our efforts.

For example, thanks to your contributions, we ran this ad in the Wisconsin State Journal Monday.

It is uncertain if and by whom the Lock Out amendment will be offered. But we continue to advocate against it.
Public opinion is with us. Read this great editorial in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

On Tuesday, your Coalition will hold a press conference in the Capitol. We will reiterate our support for SB396, without amendments.

At least 100 of us will then be in Madison watching the Senate session. Kids, parents, teachers…all wearing our famous green shirts, imploring lawmakers to save our schools, not just for us but for other families considering public virtual schooling.

We still hold out hope that despite the teachers’ union influence, the pleas of this Coalition will be heard and we’ll be able to save public virtual schools in Wisconsin.

If you haven’t called the Governor at 608-266-1212 and asked him to support SB396 without amendments, do so today.

Our voice continues to echo throughout the Capitol. There is no need to alter the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan. The skeptics’ concerns (hours of instruction, student/teacher interaction, school finances, academic achievement) were fully vetted during the 16 hours of hearings and ensuing compromise. Every school testified to their instructional model, their scores, their accountability and standards. Parents and teachers are wildly in support of these successful schools. An attempt by the teachers’ union to scuttle this agreement is nothing but raw power politics. It is not what is in the best interest of the students’ education. It’s a blow to bipartisanship, good faith compromise and good government. Cowardly passage of a Lock Out amendment could happen, we won’t lie to you.
But we have faith in those that reached this celebrated bipartisan agreement that they will abide by their word.

We’ve come a long way. Today is an important day in our journey.

Today is all about the real face of Democracy.

As always, we will keep you posted….

Vote Yes on SB396, No Amendments

Please read this alert carefully. It’s the most important newsletter we’ve ever sent out.

Thanks to the continued work of members of our Coalition, the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan will be voted on by the full State Senate next Tuesday, February 19th.

But…and this is a big but… in these politically competitive, partisan times, the closer we get to victory the greater the danger for political shenanigans. Indeed, we believe there will be attempts to impose new restrictions on virtual schools (including an arbitrarily tight enrollment cap) which are not a part of the compromise that was already negotiated and agreed upon.

1,100 of us marched on the Capitol to get us this far. Yet, while the carefully-crafted compromise passed with a unanimous bipartisan vote out of the Senate committee and by a two to one margin out of the Assembly committee, nothing is certain from this point out. So, we're not done yet!

As we said, we believe that opponents will try to attach "poison pill" amendments that, once included in the bill, would significantly alter the compromise. This would be an attempt to choke virtual schools toward their ultimate demise, or to purposely unravel the compromise. Either way, amendments to the fair compromise alter the bipartisan agreement that was announced just a few short weeks ago.

So, even though a fair, bipartisan compromise was worked out and agreed to, if we don’t keep the pressure on, this deal could fall apart.

It is imperative that this bill receive a clean vote, up or down, without amendments. This long-negotiated, bipartisan compromise saw both sides give and take. The compromise has already been agreed to and received broad, bipartisan support. Including new concepts, new ideas, or new provisions at this late date would alter the agreement and could kill the compromise.

Please, whether you've never called your legislators about this matter, or if you've called several times before:

1) call your State Senator and the Governor today. Find out who your Senator is by clicking here.

2) call the Governor's office at 608-266-1212.

ASK THEM TO SUPPORT SB 396, as is. Ask that they oppose any last minute amendments as they could scuttle the deal. No amendments. Be sure to LET THEM KNOW THAT A VOTE FOR A POISON PILL AMENDMENT WILL BE VIEWED AS A VOTE TO CHOKE AND KILL PUBLIC VIRTUAL SCHOOLS.

• Tell your Senator that as a member of the Coalition, you support a clean vote. A yes vote on SB 396. No amendments. No arbitrary enrollment caps.
• Tell the Governor's office that you hope he follows through with his support of Senator Lehman's efforts and that he will sign the compromise, as is, without amendments.

You've never had an opportunity to make a more important call for your child's educational future. This has a chance to be an extraordinary bipartisan accomplishment, at a time when progress in politics is rare. Three minutes of your time could make the difference.

Please make those two phone calls before the weekend.

Then please email the coalition at info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and let us know how your Senator, (and/or their staff) responds.

Thank you so much for your continued efforts. We are truly making a difference, but we are not done yet.

TIME SENSITIVE REQUEST

Dear Coalition Member:

There have been some positive developments since our huge rally last month. However, in our effort to save our schools, time remains our enemy.

First, the good news.

• Both SB396 and AB697 were amended with identical language, reflecting the bipartisan compromise announced last month. Then, the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan passed both Senate and Assembly Education Committees. This critical compromise passed the Senate Committee unanimously, and the Assembly Committee on a bipartisan vote of 6-3.
• Both bills are now ready to be scheduled for a vote in their respective houses.
• Many of you heeded our plea and called yourlegislators. Many more sent thank you notes to the 13 legislators who voted to pass the Rescue Plan through the education committees.
• We've received editorial support from most of the major newspapers in Wisconsin, including The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Green Bay Press Gazette and the Wisconsin State Journal.
• A great number of legislators from both parties have told Coalition members that they support the Rescue Plan and will vote for the compromise, without amendments, if the legislation comes up for a vote.
• Legislatively, the Assembly Speaker announced his support and his pledge to bring the vote to the full Assembly for a vote.
•  The Governor has said publicly that he's confident that if Democratic Senator John Lehman is agreeing to the compromise, he's probably going to support it. (Lehman is one of the authors of our compromise.)

Now, the bad news.

• The Assembly announced they will NOT be in session until Feb. 26th, thus further reducing the window of opportunity for our compromise legislation to pass both houses yet this Spring.
• We have not received word from the State Senate leadership that the bill will be given a floor vote before the full Senate.
  
• As we've said from the beginning, even though we've made a lot of progress, this isn't over until it's over. The longer we go without having the bills officially scheduled for a vote, the less likely it is the compromise will become law.
• We have heard that some legislators are thinking of proposing an amendment to cap virtual school enrollment.  There should not be any cap on enrollment in virtual schools.  For three reasons:
• The virtual school finance system is revenue neutral, so caps are not needed for financial reasons; the same amount of tax money is spent whether students are in virtual schools or brick and mortar schools.
• Wisconsin already has a very short three week open enrollment period which puts a constraint on how many kids enroll in virtual schools in any one year. 
  
• Finally, virtual school students make up only 0.3% of total K-12 students in the state and they come from school districts all across the state, so there is no discernible impact on any given district from having a tiny percentage of its students choose to enroll in virtual schools.

1) Call your state Senator (again). Find their contact info here . Inform them that it is imperative that the delicately-balanced compromise passes, unamended, this month. Ask them to encourage their leadership to bring the plan to the full Senate for a vote NEXT WEEK.

2) Make the point that any amendment could shatter the already negotiated bipartisan compromise. Note that an arbitrary cap on enrollment does not make sense for the reasons outlined above.

3) Ask your family, friends, business colleagues and neighbors to call their State Senators with the same message.

We realize we've asked you to do many things during this fight. But we can say without reservation that your efforts are the reason we've gotten this far. The legislators and the media have acknowledged that your efforts are bringing progress. We have to keep it up.

As always, failure to win this battle would result in closure of many fantastic public schools.

Please, by all means, keep the pressure on our lawmakers. It will make a difference.

In the world of politics in Madison, there are no sure things. Even though we've made extraordinary progress over the last few weeks, we have a long way to go to get the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan passed into law.

The legislature will only be in session for a few days yet this year, an they are set to tackle a wide range of issues. In order to make sure OUR issue is resolved, it's imperative that the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan be advances to the floor of both the Senate and the Assembly this month.

Last week we encouraged Coalition members to do several things to help keep the pressure on the legislature and the governor.  Unfortunately, far too few of us have answered that call. While disappointing, it's not too late to make an impact.

Just as our overwhelming presence at the Capitol last month helped give the Rescue Plan a public hearing and gained us overwhelming support through the committee process, we MUST have an overwhelming presence on the phones and in the mail in order to ensure this plan passes both houses, without amendment, this month.

Please, make those two calls (one to your State Senator, one to your State Representative) on Monday. Click here for their contact information.

Without constant pressure and reassurance, this Rescue Plan could die of benign neglect. Our lawmakers need to keep hearing from us. They need to know that our problems are not solved until the Bill passes both houses and is signed into law.

Finally, I will leave you with this extraordinary column by two young girls who joined more than 1,100 of us in Madison last month.

Please, make those calls on Monday. Don't let your children, and these girls, down.

We're close, but we're not done yet!

Rose Fernandez
Coalition President

Because of your combined hard work, we're closer than ever to passing legislation that saves our schools.

Both SB396 and AB697 were amended with identical language Tuesday, reflecting the bipartisan compromise announced last week. The Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan passed both Senate andAssembly Education Committees yesterday. This critical compromise passed the Senate Committee unanimously, and the Assembly Committee on a bipartisan vote of 6-3.

Over the next couple of weeks, the Coalition will again be asking you to take action to help advance the Bipartisan Public Virtual School Rescue Plan. We've come a long way, but the home stretch is always the most arduous. So, we have some homework assignments for you.

First, we've compiled an analysis of the compromise and some research, which refutes our opponents' arguments. These can be found here.

Second, we'd like you to encourage your children to mail hand written thank you cards/notes to the following 13 members of the legislature who voted for the compromise in the Assembly and Senate Education Committee. Please make every effort to mail these by Tuesday, February 5th.

Third, we want parents to place two phone calls before the weekend: One, to their State Senator, another to their State Representative. You can find out who represents you in the legislature at this link.

When calling your lawmakers, please deliver the following messages in your own words.

Click on the headline above for this complete post.

For Immediate Release, January 29, 2008

Families Hail Bipartisan Committee Work on Virtual Public School Rescue Plan

 Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families
 PO Box 70760
 Madison, WI 53707-0760

For Immediate Release January 28, 2008                                          

For further information, contact: Rose 262-565-7844

[Madison, Wisc…] The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families is hopeful the Bipartisan Virtual Public School Rescue Bill will now pass the Assembly and Senate Education Committees. The group has published a fact sheet about the legislation that dispels many myths about online public charter schools.

“This has been such a delicately-balanced compromise, it is imperative we move forward without any detours,” said Coalition President Rose Fernandez. “We applaud those well-intentioned lawmakers who have come together to help save these schools, and we remain hopeful no last minute shenanigans scuttle this impressive agreement.”

The compromise legislation has widespread support, including from the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. John Lehman (D-Racine) the committee’s ranking Republican Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Berlin), Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, Rep. Brett Davis (R-Oregon), and many other legislators from both parties.  

The compromise is supported by Superintendent of Public Instruction, Elizabeth Burmaster, and Governor Doyle has said he is also likely to support the bill.  The school districts, superintendents and administrators that operate the largest online public charter schools in Wisconsin support the compromise, as do the thousands of teachers, parents and students in online public schools.

This compromise bill protects online charter schools and the more than 3,000 Wisconsin children who are succeeding in these public schools.  The bill also establishes strong new regulations, guidelines and policies that will ensure accountability and quality.  

The compromise would:

• Legalize the current operation of virtual schools, and require all virtual contracts be subject to open records law
• Require a minimum number of hours of “educational opportunities” and school days
• Require certified, licensed teachers in each content area
• Require teachers to respond to student/parent inquiries within 24 hours during school week
• Provide parents with all contact information for school boards, administration and staff
• Require virtual schools to have a parent advisory board that meets regularly
• Define truancy for virtual school students, and requires truancy reporting
• Require virtual educators to have 30 hours of staff development in online teaching
• Allow DPI to operate an on-line academy

“This compromise legislation comes after nearly 16 hours of public testimony and  continues to provide fair and equitable funding for all Wisconsin public school students and ensures teachers in online charter schools are not burdened with mandates that do not allow them the flexibility to meet the individual needs of their students,” said Fernandez. “The compromise isn’t everything the Coalition wanted, but that’s the essence of compromise. The important thing is that Wisconsin’s online public charter schools will not be closed, nor will their success be shackled by arbitrary restrictions.”

Attached is the coalition fact sheet on the controversy and the compromise.
 

During the recent public hearings held by the Education committees in the Assembly and Senate, a number of misconceptions about online schools were clarified with facts, research and data that helped shape the compromise bill.  Here’s a summary of what was learned during nearly 16 hours of testimony:


Funding

Richard Chandler was formerly the State Budget Director and Secretary of the Department of Revenue.  He testified as a consultant to the Coalition on school finance issues.  Below is a summary of his testimony:

Questions have been raised about whether the virtual school funding system hurts traditional schools or taxpayers.  The answer is no.  Virtual schools are funded under the state’s open enrollment program, using an approach recommended by a legislative study committee which has worked well.  It balances the needs of all school districts and is neutral in its impact on state and local taxpayers.

Here’s how the funding works:  In the 2006-07 school year, when a student chose a virtual school outside his or her home school district, the receiving school district got $5,845 more in state school aids and the sending district got $5,845 less.  The receiving district didn’t levy any additional property taxes.  The sending district still counted the student for purposes of the state’s school revenue limits and collected the difference between the $5,845 it sent to the receiving district and the $9,149 (on average) it was allowed to collect and spend from general state aid and property taxes, and it didn’t levy any additional property taxes either.

The theory behind this approach is that the $5,845 payment that follows a student who moves represents a school district’s variable costs, that is, those instructional and extracurricular costs that rise and fail directly as a district gains and loses students.  The $3,304 retained by the sending district covers the fixed costs the sending district has taken on and still must pay, such as building costs.

This is a fair and logical system.  It is revenue neutral for the state and for property tax payers in individual districts.  When a student moves from his or her home school district to a virtual school in another district, neither state taxpayers nor property tax payers pay more.  According to the public school districts that run virtual schools, it provides adequate reimbursement for the costs of running high-quality programs, even though virtual schools spend less than two-thirds of the amount per pupil that bricks and mortar schools spend

• Several national studies have recommended that virtual schools be funded at higher levels than they are funded in Wisconsin.  For example, a 2006 study done for the BellSouth Foundation by Augenblick, Palaich & Associates concluded that full-time virtual school costs should range from about $7,200 to $8,300 per pupil.
• A draft report by a Virtual School Advisors Committee appointed by the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction noted that a number of states have sponsored studies to determine the cost of educating a virtual school student and cited a Colorado study that concluded that the cost of educating virtual school students “appears to be comparable to the cost of physical schooling.”
• “It has been my experience in monitoring the evolution of online learning in the United States over the past eight years that the consequence of under-funding is the inability of programs to operate and to innovate to provide the highest quality education to students.” (letter to WI Legislators from John Watson, author of Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning)

Online Instruction

During the hearings, online school administrators and licensed teachers described their instructional models and demonstrated that teachers need flexibility to succeed in online schools.  Mandating face-to-face contact or set student-teacher ratios will burden teachers’ ability to successfully meet the needs of their individual students.

• Teachers testified that some students need more direct time with teachers, while others need less.  If new mandates for direct instruction were established, a teacher may not be able to spend the one-on-one time they need with some students because they would have to satisfy a state-mandated requirement for all students.
• North American Council for Online Learning, the leading organization for K-12 online learning, says, “nothing in best practices literature for virtual learning indicates that face-to-face instruction is necessary for quality outcomes”

Accountability

• Full-time online public charter schools must meet the same federal and state fiscal and accountability requirements as other public schools, including No Child Left Behind requirements.Online schools are not “homeschooling.”  They are public schools. 
  
• Teachers assign lessons, provide grades, and monitor student learning.   Students are accountable to the teachers and school district; students are required to participate in state tests.  Online school students must meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and can be disciplined for truancy.

Student Enrollment

• Thousands of students and parents demonstrated that online schools are an important public school option.  They spoke in one voice that enrollment should not be restricted in any way.  Students who desperately need online schools should not face enrollment caps or barriers.  Protecting the freedom to choose online schools is extremely important for children and must be preserved.  

•  This compromise in no way impacts homeschooling in Wisconsin. The legislation addresses families who voluntarily participate in the public school system’s open enrollment program to send their children to online public charter schools.

Conclusion

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families is encouraged that the bipartisan compromise legislation protects online public schools, ensures accountability and strong new standards of quality, and does not establish burdensome mandates on teachers or barriers for students to enroll.  It puts children before politics.

We hope that this compromise bill will not be obstructed in any way.  We urge lawmakers to follow the leadership of Senators Lehman and Olsen, Representative Davis, and Superintendent Burmaster, and pass this bi-partisan bill quickly.  It is critical for the education of thousands of children.

###

There have certainly been many matters of urgency and import to attend to before, during, and after our record-breaking rally and hearings at the Capitol last week. As the work continues, it is important to pause a moment and most sincerely thank those who made it what it was. Those who made history.

Parents and children, thank you.

Teachers and administrators, thank you.

We will keep you posted as things develop. A lot of discussions have taken place since we held our rally. I remain optimistic that they will ultimately be productive. We have Democrats and Republicans on our side. We just need more of them. Rumors will abound and the process will ebb and flow. Know that the Coalition will keep you posted of pertinent news and need for action as merited.

To be sure, in the very near future we'll get back to you and encourage further action. Be it visits to in-district meetings, writing letters to the editor, calling your legislator...know that our combined efforts, when directed and focused, have tremendous impact. We proved that in a big way last week.

In the interim, we'll be posting pictures on our official Coalition website : and testimonials over at our new site.

We've also launched a You Tube Channel , where we are beginning to postsnippets of video taken that day

So, as we continue our efforts, know that we will keep you posted. For now, I just wanted to take this moment to say thanks to all of you who by your actions, are helping to make a difference.

Shake off that Packers loss, take a deep breath and gear up for our next mission to save these schools.

Stay tuned.

Read the entire post by clicking on the Headline, above.

2008 is here and we resolve to do all that we can to save these great public virtual schools.

Today, we launch a special website dedicated to the current court case.

A press release will be issued later today, but we wanted to give you a heads up.

Please check out http://www.EveryKidDeservesAGreatSchool.com

Things are progressing in Madison. We're getting word that there may be pieces of legislation (possibly both good and bad) that address online public charter schools in Wisconsin. We're optimistic that at least one bill will help save the nearly half dozen schools whose continued operation beyond this school year is in doubt.

We will keep you posted about possible public hearings in this matter. Right now, it looks like we may have an opportunity to swarm the Capitol in a show of support sometime in the last two weeks of January. As soon as this fluid situation firms up, we'll get back to Coalition members with all the details.

Meanwhile, check out our new site. And look for a great column in the Sunday edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, by public virtual school teacher Kathy Hennings.

Our New Year's Resolution: To do all that we can to save these schools!

Membership update: December was a record month for new member registration. Keep it up! Spread the word and help grow this coalition.

Share your story, save your school!

As a part of our advocacy efforts, the Coalition is collecting testimonials from students, parents and teachers who have found public virtual schools to be a rewarding and successful option.e members of the Legislature. We’re looking for your story.

Are you a student excelling at WIVA? Are you a parent who has discovered that iQ suits the needs of your child? Are you a teacher at Connections Academy who enjoys a successful and rewarding relationship with your students?

Please consider sending a brief (300 words or less) synopsis of why public virtual schools work for you. By sending us your testimonial, you’re giving the coalition permission to disseminate your story to opinion leaders and decision makers in Wisconsin. We’ll highlight some of these stories on the web as well. Please send your story to info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and include MY STORY in the subject line. Also, be sure to include your name and hometown, so we can share your story with your specific legislators!

Media coverage continues

The Coalition continues to actively be featured in the media coverage of the WIVA court case. Please go to our News section to keep up with the latest.

It’s a distinct possibility that the eagerly-anticipated Day at the Capitol will occur in early January. We’ll let Coalition members know as soon as we schedule this important civic demonstration.

Click on the headline above for the complete update from December 17, 2007.

First, we want to thank all of you for your continued interest in the WIVA case, which impacts thousands of families in many schools across Wisconsin.

Keep it going. The single most important thing you can do to ensure the continued existence of Virtual Public Schools in Wisconsin is to grow our coalition right now. If and when the time comes to support a specific piece of legislation, the more individuals we can mobilize the better.

Folks can join for free by signing up on our registration page.

Second, a lot of you would like to reach out to legislators to express your support for your school and virtual schooling in general. This is a fine idea and will be powerful if you follow up with additional contacts in the future months once we coalesce around a specific bill or bills.

If you want to write a brief letter to your legislator, click the headline, above for further instructions and information.

Again, the most important thing you can do is to grow the coalition. Keep those new memberships coming!

If you want to follow the latest media coverage, read below:

See coalition president Rose Fernandez take on WEAC attorney Lucy Brown on Wisconsin Public Television’s Here and Now program this weekend. In this 10 minute exchange, WEAC acknowledges that this ruling, if upheld, would force more schools than just WIVA to close.

See the panelists on Charlie Sykes’ Sunday Insight television program discuss the case.

Here is today’s update following the ruling yesterday in the Court of Appeals:

Short term: WIVA remains open and, moreover, the operators of the school have now indicated that regardless of the outcome of the eventual appeal, the school will remain open for the duration of the school year.

However, the long term prospects for all the virtual schools in Wisconsin that, like WIVA, draw a student body from across the state are such that they remain in serious jeopardy.

If today’s ruling is upheld by the Supreme Court, or if the Supreme Court refuses to even hear an appeal, these schools will no longer operate as we know it. That’s why we’re asking you to continue to help us grow the coalition. We will need more help as we prepare for a possible push for legislation that the court may require to allow WIVA and schools like it to remain open as a viable public school option for Wisconsin’s parents.

It is with great sadness and deep regret that we alert our Coalition members that we have lost in the Court of Appeals. The three judge Appeals Court panel ruled in favor of the teachers' union on all counts. We will have much more information in the hours and days ahead.

Here is the decision.

Rose Fernandez, Coalition president, is currently consulting with our attorney and will be fielding several press inquiries. We will issue a statement later today. We will share that statement, and continue to inform our members of what this decision means, both immediately and in the long term.

The Coalition just issued this press release:

[Madison, WI] A state appeals court today ruled that a successful and innovative public school, which has educated hundreds of Wisconsin children for several years, must close. The decision comes in a case where WEAC, the state's teachers' union, questioned the moral character of the parents who participated in the educational process.

 "This is a terrible day for Wisconsin parents and we are deeply disappointed. The Court has decided to shut down a public school that is working well. And just think, WEAC is happy today. They have been relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "They file cases, lose and then appeal. They finally won a round, but even in 'victory' their actions show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."

So much for every kid deserving a great school. Click the headline above for the full press release.

More information in the aftermath of today’s ruling in the Court of Appeals.

First and foremost: For now, WIVA remains open. The school alerted its parents this afternoon:

Despite this disappointing outcome, we will continue to be open for business: all possible legal measures will be taken to ensure that we will stay in operation, including an appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

So they will appeal and ask the Court to stay the order so that the school can remain open until the Supreme Court rules. There is no guarantee that the Appeals Court will stay the order, nor that the Supreme Court will hear our appeal, but WIVA will remain open for the duration of the school year.

Click the headline above for more news.

Click headline above for background information on the case.

While supporters of public virtual education in Wisconsin anxiously await a decision by the Court of Appeals, the case against the Wisconsin Virtual Academy continues to garner media attention.

Sunday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel included this fantastic column by Patrick McIlheran, which highlights the State's ridiculous case against WIVA. Note that Coalition Board Member Bob Reber is quoted near the end of this insightful piece.

Please share this with others who care about education and parental rights in Wisconsin.-The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

Educrats to Parents: Bug Off

Because one of the judges participating in the case is retiring on December 31, it is likely we will have a decision in the case by then. For now, all we can do is wait for the decision, knowing that all of our efforts to highlight issues we all believe important are at least being heard.

For further details from the oral argument, click above.

Coalition Alert:

Next Tuesday is Crucial Day for  Future of Virtual Education in Wisconsin

On October 30 at 9:30 am the Wisconsin Court of Appeals will take oral argument on WEAC's lawsuit to close the Wisconsin Virtual Academy

 ***The proceedings will take a number of hours and space in the courtroom in Waukesha extremely limited, but your attendance is welcome.   If you'd like to attend, please contact the coalition at: info@wivirtualschoolfamilies.org

Click here for more details 

The Coalition's attorney was just notified that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has acted regarding the request from the Court of Appeals that the Supreme Court immediately take the case involving WIVA.  (Wherein the state teachers' union is trying to close the school).

The Wisconsin Supreme Court denied the request, meaning that the Court of Appeals will now be required to issue a decision in the case.

Click on headline to read more.

As many of you know, the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) remains in litigation for its survival. It is a case whose outcome could determine the viability of the virtual public school option for all Wisconsin families.  Our Coalition strives to keep the members informed as the critical development in this case develop over the coming months.  Here is the latest update...

Reminder: Supreme Court Race to be Decided Tuesday

Virtual Public Schools operate within Wisconsin's open enrollment and charter school statutes, and as supporters of public virtual schools, our Coalition often allies ourselves with those in the Charter School movement as well as those who support other reforms. Together, we've successfully pushed the educational establishment to advance measures that empower parents with options that best suit their children's individual needs. Therefore, the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families closely monitors potential threats to educational reform efforts in Wisconsin.

As you know, in our efforts to not only educate policy makers, but also get their feedback, the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families conducted a survey of candidates for governor and the state legislature. We asked them questions regarding a variety of educational issues.

I am happy to tell you that today, we've posted the results online. You can find them here.

We wanted to make sure that each of you knew the latest on the lawsuit that could affect virtual learning across the state of Wisconsin.  We consulted with our Coalition attorney who had this to say:

Dear Supporter of Virtual Education:

Please take a moment to read this article that recently appeared in The Fond du Lac Reporter.  The article, which features Coalition board member Bob Reber and his family, discusses how beneficial virtual education has been to Bob and Lisa Reber. More importantly, it shows how much their daughter, Maria, has benefited from public virtual education.

FdL family finds virtual school ideal for special needs daughter

By Sharon Roznik, The Reporter

June 16, 2006

Maria Reber was up for a challenge and so were her parents.

When Bob and Lisa Reber of Fond du Lac adopted their special daughter they were told she was a victim of abuse and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and severe reactive attachment disorder.

Today, 7-year-old Maria is reading at a fourth-grade level and eagerly starts school in the morning, all on her own.

The Rebers credit virtual school as the stimulus and nurturer of Maria's latent abilities. It turns out, her father believes, that she is a gifted child who would have floundered in a public school setting.

Maria's school, Wisconsin Virtual Academy, is one of several virtual schools in the state. A K-8 charter school operated by the Northern Ozaukee School District, WIVA has a statewide enrollment of about 670 students, with another 650 inquiring about the program, Bob said.

Other area students enrolled in WIVA come from Oakfield, Campbellsport and Kiel.

"As financial constraints continue to hit brick and mortar schools, virtual schools continue to grow because they are much more equipped to handle special needs students from both ends of the spectrum," said Bob, who serves as a board member of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families.

Curriculum

The curriculum Maria uses via computer and workbooks is more advanced than public school offerings, Lisa said. In a regular kindergarten classroom she believes her daughter would have been held back to avoid students working ahead of the rest of the class.

"She would have become bored, even disruptive," Bob said.

Once every two weeks, the Rebers talk with Maria's teacher, DPI-licensed Kathy Hennings, on the phone and e-mail her in-between. Maria is required to take state-standardized tests, receive 180 days of face-to-face learning and participate in field trips that bring WIVA students together.

"One of the best advantages is the children work at a level appropriate for them. To me, that's my philosophy of education," said Hennings, who works from her home office.

She teaches math and language arts online to classes of about 10 students. She uses a white-board on the computer and a web-cam that shows her face. One by one, students share themselves via their own web-cams.

A sticker box and a trunk full of scientific toys as incentives for Maria to stay on-task and earn something for her achievement.

"We work on attitude a lot and concentration. Saving up for one of the larger toys teaches her the importance of managing money," Bob said.

Benefits and challenges

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the benefits of virtual schools include increased offerings, advanced placement courses for rural students, more opportunities for home-schooled students and a source of education for expelled students, incarcerated students, migrant students, those who need to work and those whose medical conditions prohibit them from attending school.

At the same time, the DPI lists challenges that include lack of socialization or an assurance of quality, along with the possibility of cyber predators. Teachers have expressed concern on how virtual schools may impact their jobs.

The state's largest teachers union, Wisconsin Education Association Council, has appealed a judge's recent ruling denying its request to shut down Wisconsin Virtual Academy. WEAC contends the virtual school relied on parents, instead of state-certified teachers, to teach their children. It also alleged the school violated state laws on open enrollment and charter schools.

It was the second time a judge ruled against the Wisconsin Education Association Council in a lawsuit seeking to shut down a publicly funded virtual school.

Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a bill this spring that supporters said would have prevented similar lawsuits.

Learning

Tooling through her classroom located in the upper level of the Rebers' historic house on East Second Street, Maria shows off some of her Tai Kwon Do moves, plays a learning game on her computer and discusses some projects she worked on this past school year.

"I grew a bean," she announces proudly, as her mother further explains the germination of seeds, planting experimental plants in varying light conditions and Maria's task of hypothesizing which would grow the fastest.

Virtual school outings take place throughout the state, Lisa said. Students meet at Old World Wisconsin in Baraboo, the Horicon Marsh for a birding tour or the Milwaukee Zoo. Kids exchange emails and make friends.

Locally, Maria helps serve food for the Broken Bread program, takes piano lessons and participates in Swim & Gym at the YMCA. Once a month, she goes to the local Elks Club and sings to its members.

"The neat thing is she will go from playing with kids her own age to having lunch with our 90-year-old adopted grandmother. When you think about it, how many of us are in a room constantly with only people our own age?" Bob said.

According to DPI rules, students who attend virtual school can participate in some public school offerings, such as gym class or a school play. WIAA rules ban virtual school students from playing on sports teams, Bob said.

Parental guidance

Lisa, who works part-time and brings Maria along, said she is not a teacher and dismissed the idea of home-schooling her child. She thinks of herself as "guiding Maria through her lessons" like any mother helping with a homework assignment.

"I get up and exercise in the morning and Maria gets up and practices her piano, then goes straight to her classroom by herself and starts her assignments. The reason virtual school works in our home; We have very structured lives," Lisa said.

Although the Rebers are the first to admit virtual school takes family sacrifice and it is not for everyone, so far, it's worked like a charm for Maria.

"We believe education is the most important thing in a child's life, and how happy she will be with her life, as an adult," Bob said.

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2006

For further information contact: George 414-270-3442

WEAC Continues to Try to Close Public School

State Teachers' Union Files Appeal in Case Against Public Virtual School

[Madison, WI] The state's teachers' union is trying, once again, to shut down a successful Wisconsin public school. On Monday, the Wisconsin Education Association Council filed notice that it would appeal a decision made by Ozaukee County Circuit Judge Joseph McCormack in March.

"WEAC is relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "This appeal and the uncertainty it brings only further show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."

In January of 2004, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) filed a complaint in Ozaukee County Circuit Court in an effort to shut down the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). Although the students are taught by licensed teachers, WEAC argued that the parental participation in WIVA was too significant. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), although it originally did not object to the Charter school, took the union's side in the dispute.

"For two years now families who have made the choice to attend this great public school have been forced to live under the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be open from year to year," said Fernandez. "WEAC is going to extraordinary efforts to close a school staffed by their own union members, and the state DPI has been their willing accomplice in this crusade. This appeal is more of the same anti-family vitriol from WEAC."

Judge Joseph McCormack issued a summary judgment ruling in favor of the school district and rejected WEAC and DPI's arguments.

In the litigation, WEAC raised questions about the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education, a legal maneuver that threatens the right of every parent in Wisconsin who seeks to participate in their child's public education. The Coalition filed an amicus brief with the court defending WIVA and the right of parents to be involved in their children's education.

"As long as a parent's right to participate in the public education of their children is being threatened, we will continue to fight for children, parents, and teachers involved in public virtual education in Wisconsin," said Fernandez.

WEAC has tried unsuccessfully to shut down two public virtual schools in Wisconsin. A court dismissed a lawsuit brought against Connections Academy in Appleton in 2003.

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families consists of hundreds of parents, students, teachers and supporters concerned about the educational opportunities available to Wisconsin families. Wisconsin has nearly a dozen virtual schools, including: Appleton eSchool, Northeast Wisconsin Online Charter School, Grantsburg Virtual School, iQ Academies, Kiel eSchool, Monroe Virtual School, Wisconsin Connections Academy, WIVA and the Wisconsin Virtual School. Thousands of students from all of the state attend these schools and many other public schools that use on-line instruction.

###

Dear Supporter of Public Virtual Education -

We previously shared the news with you regarding Governor Doyle's veto of Assembly Bill 1060, which would have helped provide guidance and clarity on several issues related to online public education. We also shared with you the column by Board Member Bob Reber, regarding the veto of AB 1060, which appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal. (Read the entire column here)

WEAC has responded. Please take a moment to read this column by Stan Johnson, President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), which recently ran in the Wisconsin State Journal. In the column, Johnson attacks AB 1060 and claims that if the bill would have been signed by the Governor, students in Wisconsin's public virtual schools would receive a "sub-par" education. Read the entire article here.

After reading this article by the president of the teachers' union, several of Wisconsin's own public virtual school teachers responded to Mr. Johnson's comments with letters of their own:

I read with great displeasure the recent column by Stan Johnson in the Wisconsin State Journal. Mr. Johnson seems to think that if the Governor had signed Assembly Bill 1060, students in Wisconsin's public virtual schools would receive an inferior education and, according to Johnson, would not actually be "taught" by people like me. I've been teaching in public schools for 14 years. I take great offense to the statement by my own union president that I am not teaching my students and giving them the best possible education! Each student in a public virtual school receives the best education possible and receives exceptional attention from every teacher employed in Wisconsin's public virtual schools. Shame on you Mr. Johnson! Teachers in Wisconsin's public virtual schools work extremely hard to ensure their students are getting a great education! (this letter appeared in the May 12th edition of the Wisconsin State Journal. Click here to view the letter)

Lorie Phalen, WIVA Teacher, Grades 4 & 5

The recent article by Stan Johnson regarding virtual schools in Wisconsin was completely inappropriate. AS my union president, I expected him to stand up for the union teachers who work in Wisconsin's public virtual schools, not claim they were inept and unable to perform their jobs correctly. In the article, Mr. Johnson states that if a bill (AB 1060) would have been signed by the Governor, teachers in Wisconsin's public virtual schools would not "be required to instruct students, to evaluate and ensure that the students are learning, to diagnose learning difficulties, or to help students identify strategies for achievement." I take offense at the thought that I, or any of my colleagues, would not perform any of those duties. We are educators, and it does not matter if we teach in a virtual school or in a traditional school. Our first priority is to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible. I love being a public school teacher, but I continue to be disappointed in the lack of support I am receiving from the head of my professional organization.

Kathy Hennings, WIVA Teacher, Grades 1 & 2

As an educator in a public virtual school in Wisconsin, I was extremely disappointed to find out that Gov. Doyle vetoed Assembly Bill 1060, a bill which would have given more guidance to school districts that run public virtual schools. I was even more disappointed to read the May 3rd column by my union president, Stan Johnson, who said that the bill would have only hurt virtual schools and its students. I love being a teacher in a Wisconsin public virtual school, but I'm very disappointed to read these comments by WEAC President Stan Johnson. WEAC may say they are a proponent of public virtual education, but the facts show otherwise. If they were really in favor of public virtual schools, why have they tried (unsuccessfully) to close down two of the state's most successful public virtual schools? The face is, public virtual schools are an innovative way for Wisconsin's students to get a quality education. Unfortunately, my own union doesn't feel that way and wants to see my students' school closed.

Kay Martin, WIVA Teacher

Our highly qualified, experienced, professional teachers are committed to this way of public schooling and they are certainly one of the central reasons our schools are great public schools. Teachers in traditional settings join them in outrage over WEAC's refusal to both recognize quality in virtual public schools and to allow educational innovation to continue.

Please stay tuned for more information on what you can do this summer to help make sure public virtual schools remain a choice for parents in Wisconsin.

School may be out, but the work for our cause continues...

Sincerely,

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families Board of Directors

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2006

For further information, contact: George 414-270-3442

Grassroots Coalition Seeks Documents from Governor's Office

Virtual School Supporters Want to Examine WEAC-Doyle Correspondence

[Madison, Wisc...] The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families announced today it has filed an open records request with Governor Doyle's office, requesting all information related to Assembly Bill 1060. The bill, which was recently vetoed by Governor Doyle, would have provided additional guidelines for school districts who wish to offer public online schooling as an educational option for parents.

"We are extremely interested in finding out who said what to Governor Doyle with regards to the virtual school bill," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Coalition. "We know that hundreds of parents from across the state told him to support the bill, we'd like to see the contents of the communications he received from WEAC on the matter."

The Governor vetoed AB 1060 on April 18th.

"Hundreds of parents and educators from around the state contacted the Governor in support of AB 1060, but it was apparently no match for the one call from WEAC," Fernandez said when the veto was announced.

Last year, thanks in part to the advocacy efforts of the Coalition, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster drafted a group of expert advisors to examine virtual schools and online learning in the public PK-12 schools of Wisconsin. AB 1060 mirrored many of the recommendations made by the group.

Wisconsin has nearly a dozen public virtual schools, including: Appleton eSchool, Northeast Wisconsin Online Charter School, Grantsburg Virtual School, iQ Academies, Kiel eSchool, Monroe Virtual School, Wisconsin Connections Academy and the Wisconsin Virtual Academy. Thousands of students from all over the state attend these schools and many other public schools that use on-line instructional programs.

###

Dear Supporter of Public Virtual Education-

Please take a look at this column written by Bob Reber, Board Member of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, regarding the recent veto of AB 1060 by Governor Doyle. Bob refutes many of the arguments made by the Governor in his veto message and those made by his campaign friends at WEAC. The column was featured in the Wisconsin State Journal, The Monroe Times and The Sheboygan Press. Be sure to let us know if you see the column printed in your local paper.  

"Doyle Flunks Test on Virtual Schools" by Bob Reber, Board Member-Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families

The Monroe Times also blasted Governor Doyle for vetoing AB 1060 and siding with the teacher's union.

"Doyle panders to teacher by vetoing virtual school bill" The Monroe Times, April 24, 2006

In addition, Debbie Regner, a Coalition member, had a letter to the editor regarding AB 1060 printed in the Racine Journal Times. Read what she had to say here.

Dear Coalition Member-

Yesterday, Governor Doyle vetoed Assembly Bill 1060.

While we are not surprised the Governor vetoed this bill, we are disappointed nonetheless. As the attached release indicates, Governor Doyle decided to put the needs of the special interests (WEAC) before the needs of the public interest.

AB 1060 would have ended uncertainty for hundreds of families across Wisconsin, and it's too bad that Governor Doyle did not take the opportunity. Even so, online education and virtual public schools continue to be legal in Wisconsin and each year more families make this choice.

The future of virtual public schooling in our state is bright. Our schools are growing and our students are thriving.

We fully believe that the state legislature will create an even better piece of legislation next year. The Coalition will work to ensure that choice in public education is protected and virtual public schools remain an option for years to come.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of AB 1060. We trust in your continued support.

(You can view the Coalition press released regarding the veto here)

Jennifer Ockerlander, Bob Reber, Rose Fernandez

Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families Board of Directors

Yesterday, Judge Joseph McCormick issued a summary judgment in the case of Stan Johnson, et al. v Elizabeth Burmaster, et al. The judge ruled in favor of the Northern Ozaukee School District and rejected the motions by the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The complaint filed by WEAC officially questioned the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education.

I bring you more good news from Madison.

The "Virtual School Bill," AB 1060, has passed the State Senate. It will now be sent to the Governor's office for review. The Coalition is still unsure what the Governor intends to do regarding the bill once he receives it.

Dear Coalition members:

As you recall, the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families has thrown its support behind legislation that reaffirms the State of Wisconsin's intent to keep virtual public education as an option for the parents of Wisconsin.