Idaho Districts Gearing Up For Mandatory Online Courses

The Idaho Press Tribune (10/24) reports on the controversy surrounding Idaho's new requirement that all high school students must take at least two online courses, noting that "Proponents believe that online classes will prepare students for digital environments in their college and work careers, while also allowing students to choose from a broader range of classes and potentially helping the state save money. But others argue that online classes should only be offered as electives. They worry online classes don't provide the same academic rigor and interaction as traditional classes, and say funding online classes could result in cuts to district salaries and programs." The piece notes that a number of districts in the state-especially rural ones-are already experienced in offering online courses.