As an early leader in distance education through Electronic High School and higher education through Western Governor’s University, Utah continues to lead the way in online education.
Utah’s bill SB65 makes it possible for students to have many more online options, through many different providers statewide, and offers students many additional course levels. Across the nations, there are many cuts being made to high school education budgets. Yet, in Utah, the students are going to be able to have all AP courses, and foreign language courses and high level STEM courses with very personalized options for those students that are also struggling.
The way the bill is set up encourages those that are providing the service to support the students in completing it by withholding 40% of the funds until the students complete the course. Students are able to graduate in three years rather then four, which also not only saves time, but it saves money. The fact that it is affordable and flexible makes it appealing to taxpayers and educators a like. It is a great way for students who have been raised in an online world to maintain interest in their studies. It is a modern form of media, that they are already accustomed to, that doesn’t feel archaic.
Which Utah spends among the least per pupil in the US, they tend to have more students then most other states. It is great that a solution has been found to lower the education budget, but increase the opportunities for further education as well as personalized help for those who are struggling with their studies. The idea benefits everyone. The students and parents have the option of a great education, cutting costs, and knowing that the providers are highly motivated that the students succeed. And clearly, the Utah Legislature also is making certain that there are opportunities regardless of the economic decline facing our nation.