Oregon Business Association Makes a Stand

Here is the formal statement from the Oregon Business Association (OBA) regarding the current fight in the legislature to keep online learning in Oregon. The OBA has some serious influence in this regards. Why? It's hard for the state to ask for support from local and statewide businesses to support public schools if the state ignores the opinion of the OBA. I honestly hope the Oregon Department of Education understands this responsibility, and the reps who are making this decision, if nothing else, read the final sentence.

"OBA Education Committee
Position Statement

ONLINE LEARNING IN OREGON

Background:
Online learning is available currently in Oregon. Both the Legislature and the
State Board of Education have studied the issue. Because of the constantly
evolving nature of the issue, it has been difficult for either to recommend the
best path to sound policy that is in the best interest of students and the
state.

OBA recommendations:
The OBA Education Committee recommends a policy that preserves the flexibility
that the State Board of Education currently has to set policy for charter
schools and online learning in Oregon. We recommend opposing legislative efforts
to restrict the current ability of the State Board to set policy in this area
and to consider waivers. It is also the recommendation of the committee that we
should advise the Legislature to form a work group to study this issue and to
make recommendations for action in the 2010 session.

Based on our position statement, OBA cannot support SB 767 in its current form.

Rationale:

1. SB 767 restricts the ability of the State Board of Education to set policy in
this area and consider waivers. What then is the role of the State Board in this
discussion?

2. SB 767 forms a work group with the primary focus of studying virtual charter
schools. There is limited consideration given to the future of online learning
in general. Online learning encompasses many different variables with a
continuum of possibilities. Any work group should study the entire spectrum of
online possibilities. The issues of charter schools, virtual charter schools and
online learning are being lumped together when in fact, there are very different
challenges and opportunities related to these educational options.

3. SB 767 forms a work group composed primarily of traditional education
stakeholders who have already voiced their opposition to virtual charter
schools. This does not set the appropriate open tone that will be needed in the
work group if the interests of all stakeholders are to be considered.

OBA supports studying all options available for students to reach their
potential. We urge you to study online learning in a broad rather than a narrow
sense and to honor the role of the State Board of Education in developing policy
that is in the best interest of students and the state."