Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration has launched a new virtual school for Alaska students in partnership with a Florida program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of Alaska signed a $525,000 contract through next February with the Florida Virtual School.
The Florida Virtual School was recommended to Commissioner of Education and Early Development Michael Johnson by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Last week, Commissioner Johnson said that the new contract is intended to expand options for students stuck at home over measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He added: “It’s really been inspiring to see how teachers have responded and are filling in these gaps. It’s not intended to say that somebody’s not doing what they should. It’s just trying to put as many options for students on the table as possible and, where it works and where it’s helpful, then it’s there.”
School buildings in Alaska are closed until at least May 1, and educators across the state are providing lessons remotely.
Some teachers are concerned about the state putting money into the Florida-based program, as many borough districts have implemented their own distance learning programs, including the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, whose distance learning program officially launched on Monday, March 30.
Tim Parker, the head of the National Education Association-Alaska, expressed his concerns: “I can’t imagine a Florida teacher will be able to connect and understand the unique needs of Alaska kids.”
Commissioner Johnson has lauded in-state attempts by educators to provide the best for Alaskans, rather than solely relying on the Florida Virtual School: “The creativity and dedication of Alaska’s educators is truly inspiring. For example, Hannah Johnston is a music teacher at Homestead Elementary in Anchorage. Using her school’s Facebook page, Mrs. Johnston is sharing a lesson in her virtual classroom where she teaches a music concept through story and song every morning to her students. Another example is a teacher in Hughes who is reading stories to her youngest students over CB radio. The Department is not giving up on student learning. We’re committed to supporting districts to provide opportunities for students all across the state.”
The Florida program was created in 1997 and offers more than 190 online courses to more than 200,000 students across all 50 states.
Alaska’s contract with the program includes allowing K-12 students to register for online classes for free for the final part of the school year scheduled to end in May. The courses will be taught by Florida-based teachers certified in that state. The Florida staff is also contracted to train up to 50 Alaska teachers to move their own classes online and help the state transition to Alaska-based educators teaching the classes.
