The classes are free to students, and taught by Florida-based teachers certified in that state. Alaska students in kindergarten through 12th grade can register now to take online classes through the Florida Virtual School for the final part of the school year.The state’s contract with the online Florida school includes three parts: “It’s a well-respected public school, and we are trying to find as many options as we can.”Īlaska’s school buildings are closed to students until at least May 1, and teachers are delivering lessons remotely. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic that we’ve never been in before,” Johnson said. The new partnership will expand options for students stuck at home right now, especially those enrolled in small schools, he said. “The ‘4th quarter solution’ that is suggested through the purchase of this Florida version of distance delivery is seen as an insult to most, if not all, teachers in the state who have been supporting their students,” Juneau Schools Superintendent Bridget Weiss wrote in an email.Īlaska Education Commissioner Michael Johnson is defending his department’s one-year contract with the Florida Virtual School, saying the state-run school has a long track record and has worked with Alaska schools.
But some educators say they were offended and shocked to get the news of the state’s $525,000 contract with the school without advance notice.
Jeb Bush, had enrolled about 80 Alaska students by Friday. The Florida Virtual School, which was recommended to Dunleavy’s education commissioner by former Florida Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration to launch a new virtual school in partnership with a Florida program that was recently rocked by scandal. (Office of the Governor)Īs Alaska educators scramble to adjust lessons to the new reality of online teaching, some are blasting a decision by Gov. Alaska Education Commissioner Michael Johnson discusses the new statewide virtual school on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at a news conference with Gov.
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