TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Digital Learning Now (DLN), an initiative of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), today released the 2014 Digital Learning Report Card. The Digital Learning Report Card measures state policies on digital learning based on their alignment to the 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning. New in 2014, the report card examines and highlights the progress of individual states in implementing policies. Texas earned a B- in 2014. The report highlights Texas for the implementation of HB 1926, passed in 2013, which increases access to online courses, improves the course approval and review process and prioritizes professional development.
“Digital learning can open doors for students by improving the delivery, access, quality and rigor of education for today’s learners,” said Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd. “This is exactly what our students need to succeed in the 21st century. Many of today’s lawmakers and education leaders are stepping up and creating the opportunities and infrastructure for students to explore powerful new models of learning.”
State policymakers play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of new models of learning enabled by technology. State policy can either remove barriers to innovative approaches or it can stifle them with restrictions, red tape and protecting the status quo.
Under HB 1926, students can enroll in up to three online courses through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN), operated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Because students are allowed to enroll in high school courses before ninth grade, middle school students are able to enroll in online courses. This means an advanced middle school student could access an upper level virtual math course not offered at his or her school.
In addition, the policy requires improved student and family notification of these options, a better course review process and heightened eligibility requirements while allowing both private and nonprofit course providers to be included in the statewide course catalog.
The nation’s 50 states and their education systems have the opportunity to use technology in innovative ways to drive learning. The annual Digital Learning Report Card offers a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of laws and education policies that are doing just that. In 2014, state departments of education, superintendents, teachers and parents tackled implementing and making adjustments to some of the 422 digital learning laws enacted over the last four years. This year, the Report Card amplifies state voices, clarifies metrics for next generation policies and creates a broader picture of digital learning across the nation.
In 2010 the Digital Learning Council, a diverse group of more than 100 leaders in education, government, philanthropy, business, technology and members of policy think tanks convened to develop a roadmap to integrate technological innovations into public education. As a result, the group produced the 10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning, a comprehensive framework of state-level policies and actions designed to advance the meaningful and thoughtful integration of technology into K-12 public education. Download the 2014 DLN Report Card to learn more about states’ progressions compared to the 10 Elements.
###
Spread the word via social media:
- @DigLearningNow measures and analyzes #DigLn policy landscape nationwide, state by state. View report card here: https://bit.ly/1s0BNtX
- In ’14, more than 450 #DigLn bills were debated & 51 signed into law. Check out the #DLNreportcard from @DigLearningNow https://bit.ly/1s0BNtX
About ExcelinEd
The Foundation for Excellence in Education is igniting a movement of reform, state by state, to transform education for the 21st century economy by working with lawmakers, policymakers, educators and parents to advance education reform across America. Learn more at ExcelinEd.org.
About Digital Learning Now
Digital Learning Now, an initiative of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), works to advance state policies that will create a high-quality digital learning environment to better equip all students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st century. The policy framework stems from the belief that access to high-quality, customized learning experiences should be available to all students, unbounded by geography or artificial policy constraints.