CHEO Position Paper on Cyber Community Schools
February 2002 (updated September 2005)
Dear Home School Families,
The purpose of this letter is to explain basic concepts
regarding the State of Ohio’s design for community [charter] schools and to
share CHEO’s position regarding this recent phenomenon. There have been many
opportunities for our organization to answer questions and discuss this issue
with local support group leaders and individuals who have contacted our office.
Therefore, we believe it would be helpful to address some of the concerns that
have been raised.
As a brief background, in 1997 the Ohio General Assembly
created community schools [referred to as charter schools in most states] as an
opportunity to expand school choice options for parents. Every community school
could have a slightly different design, but must comply with certain statutory
requirements, allowing the state to retain oversight. Community schools are
considered a part of the public school system for the purpose of funding and
accountability. All community schools must have a governing board, which must
operate under a contractual agreement with a sponsor. There are several types
of sponsors outlined in state law. Families who participate in this kind of
educational choice place themselves under the contract’s umbrella of authority.
The most recent design in community schools incorporates
the use of a “cyber school” format. Children enrolled are allowed to learn at
home via pre-selected curricula and internet-linked instruction and support. In
essence, it is home based distance learning, but it is separate and
distinct from home education as families have experienced under the state
regulations since 1989. Unfortunately, some media coverage of this option has
created a degree of confusion by portraying cyber schools as a form of home
education. Additionally, it is not uncommon for cyber schools to market their
programs to families who have already chosen to home educate their children.
It is important to understand that the number of eSchools
are increasing around the country. In reality they represent a form of school
choice that will likely continue to develop in our state. There are two basic
risks that need to be understood. First, enrollment in a community school
distance learning format and home education may share the same learning
environment [the home], but have significant differences in the rights of
parents to direct the education of their children. Second, if the line
of distinction between distance learning and home education continues to be
blurred, policies may begin to shift regarding the State’s current regulations
governing home education.
The following points represent few of the legal and
practical distinctions between home education and community school distance
learning:
 | The statement of purpose in the Ohio Administrative Code
for home education [3301-34-02] is in part “to safeguard the primary right of
parents to provide the education for their child(ren)”. Within these
regulations parents have complete freedom to make curricular choices that are
consistent with religious ideals and meet the academic needs of their
children. On the other hand, community schools (including cyber schools) are
prohibited from having any religious emphasis in programs or operations. ORC
3314.03(A)(11)(c)
|
| Home-educated students pursuant to OAC 3301-34-04 may
choose from one of three assessment options, which provide opportunities to
show student progress without a tight alignment to a state-controlled
assessment system. On the other hand, community school students must show
mastery of predetermined state criteria via state assessments.
|
| Parents who choose to home educate have shown
considerable success without the oversight of an outside public school
teacher. Cyber school contracts specify that a master teacher/ instructional
management teacher will monitor parents and students on an on-going basis to
ensure that the curriculum is being followed.
|
| Supplementary materials and services purchased by
stipends provided by the cyber school must be approved by the sponsor. This
is an important distinction because the governing authority will be held
responsible for fiscal expenditures. Since home educating families receive no
stipends, there are subsequently no strings attached to what families may
choose to purchase and use. |
While we have a respect for the right of parents to make
decisions regarding the education of their children, it is important to protect
the established rights of parents to home educate. We also understand it is
inevitable that some parents will choose the cyber school experience. However,
when opportunities arise to discuss either home education or the distance
learning option, it is critical that the distinction between the two is clearly
understood.
Melanie Elsey, CHEO Legislative Director
CHEO Board of Directors
Copyright 2002, 2005 Permission is given to reprint document in its entirety.
CHEO, 117 West Main St. Suite #103, Lancaster, OH 43130
www.cheohome.org
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