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Big Decision on Virtual School Expected Tomorrow

From the inbox…

December 4, 2007

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals is expected to release its Virtual School decision tomorrow, Wednesday, December 5, 2007.

As many of you know, the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) remains in litigation for its survival. It is a case whose outcome could determine the viability of the virtual public school option for all Wisconsin families. 

The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families will alert you to the outcome of the decision as soon as we receive word.

 

Background: In 2004, the state teacher’s union (WEAC) filed a lawsuit against WIVA and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) demanding that WIVA be closed.  According to WEAC, WIVA violates charter school and open enrollment laws because it is not really located in the Northern Ozaukee School District.  WEAC also claims that WIVA violates Wisconsin’s teacher licensure rules because the parents do too much with the students, and the teachers do too. The Coalition of Wisconsin Virtual School Families (Coalition) appeared in the Trial Court as an amicus, or “friend of the court,” and filed a brief in support of WIVA which brought the position of parents to the court.

Then, in March, 2006, Ozaukee County Judge McCormick ruled that WIVA did not violate the various statutes as alleged by WEAC and DPI.  WEAC appealed the loss.  In the Court of Appeals, WEAC again alleged that WIVA violates the charter/open enrollment laws and teacher licensure rules, and DPI again joined as to teacher licensure.  The Coalition submitted a brief to the Court of Appeals arguing that it should not close WIVA, as urged by WEAC and DPI.

Posted by Owen at 1842 hrs
Law + Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

1. Teachers educate our future Nation, Policemen, Doctors, Servicemen and women, Political leaders, American Buisnessmen and the list goes on and on, but for James Buss make the comment that at Columbine they new how to handle overpaid teachers etc., was not only an outrage but disloyality to the students, the parents, the schools, and educators as a whole, it is our tax payers who pay his salary and I do not want my sons in his class.
   Look at Rachael Scott, she lost her life at Columbine because Harris and Kleibold ask her if she beleived in God, the students and facality did not deserve to loose their lives, it affected the spouses, the parents, the siblings, the children, the relatives, the friends, and the community of those lost in a heartbreaking emotion that cannot be explained.
   James Buss should have his teaching credentials pulled and prosecuted.
   I hope James Buss is not so cold hearted he cannot realize just how wrong this is!

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 04, 2007 at 1907 hrs
   
   
   

2. o rly?

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 04, 2007 at 1914 hrs
   
   
   

3. A bit off topic Chuck, don’t you think?

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 04, 2007 at 1920 hrs
   
   
   

4. From past personal experience, WIVA is a great option for those who don’t want to or can’t afford to do traditional homeschooling, but want to incorporate the resources of the public funding into their children’s learning experiences.The teachers are available and check on the students’ progress and assignments.Parents can learn what their children’s interests/strengths are and what areas they may need more practice in. It’s also a great opportunity to communicate and make friends with other students/parents from around the state.

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 04, 2007 at 2035 hrs
   
   
   

5. RE: WEAC also claims that WIVA violates Wisconsin’s teacher licensure rules because the parents do too much with the students, and the teachers do too.

   As I have said before,, “public education” is not about educating the public, but indoctrinating the children in spite of parental influence.

   But, then that was the design goal when the Prussian common school was imported to America. It is designed to create three classes: leaders (1%), assistants (4%), and working volk (95%).

   Posted by John Washburn on December 05, 2007 at 0111 hrs
   
   
   

6. UPDATE:  The Appeals Court ruled against WIVA:

   http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo;=31069

   Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families will be consulting with their attorneys to decide the next course of action.

   

   Posted by hsgbdmama on December 05, 2007 at 1152 hrs
   
   
   

7. Word from a friend in WEAC but not a teacher—she’s a school social worker.  Homeschoolers might get some WEAC support, as not all are teachers, if there was agreement that school social workers’ visits would not be blocked.  There have been a few (very few, undoubtedly) cases in which students have been abused—and homeschooling was those parents’ resort, and then they could block visits.  The vast majority of good homeschooling parents could get support from at least some in WEAC, as not all are teachers, if there was agreement to a few changes—again, so I’m told.  Always good to avoid litigating these matters, as today’s decision shows.

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 05, 2007 at 1902 hrs
   
   
   

8. From past personal experience, WIVA is

   Looks like that is ‘was’ a great resource.

   My youngest two are in WIVA and are learning by leaps and bounds.  The argument about funds is nonsense, at least for my family: my boys have never attended public school in Wisconsin.

   I’m angry enough at this ruling that looking for employment out of state - in a home school friendly part of the country - is a move I’m strongly considering.

   I won’t move of course - I like my job, my employer and where I live and we can always go back to home schooling without WIVA.

   But geez-oh-me people - if you’re trying to make ‘teachers’ look bad, keep it up WEAC.

   Posted by Brian on December 05, 2007 at 2009 hrs
   
   
   

9. Brian, Wisconsin is very home school friendly—we have very accomodating laws here. 

   Posted by hsgbdmama on December 05, 2007 at 2036 hrs
   
   
   

10. There will always be the Technology Transfer University which will be a great option if anyone desires so. This scandal is probably just a war that needs to be won by some circle of interest with decision power.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on March 07, 2008 at 1122 hrs
    
    
    

11. Is this virtual school gonna help home-schooled children? My kid has a problem and taking him to a public school isn’t an option. Hiring teachers for every subject will cost me a fortune. Paying online teachers might be cheaper and he might like it better if it’s on the computer.

    Posted by people pc on March 21, 2008 at 1121 hrs
    
    
    

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