The debate over the effectiveness of K-through-12 cyber schools is ramping up at the state Capitol.
A state House panel is considering a measure that would allow more "cyber schools" to operate in Michigan.
There are currently two cyber schools authorized in Michigan.
Former state schools Superintendent Tom Watkins supports allowing more cyber schools to operate in the state. But he cautioned lawmakers to take careful consideration of how well individual schools are performing.
“I would invoke an old Chinese saying; that once you open the window, all the flies can come in,” said Watkins.
Those opposed to more cyber schools in the state say not enough is known about their success rates.
Democratic state Representative Rudy Hobbs, playing on Watkins' flies metaphor, said he wants to make sure new cyber schools operating in the state meet high performance standards.
"Once we pass this, we open up the window. All the flies can come in; every single one of them," said Hobbs. "And then we have to try and figure out which ones are good, which ones are bad, get our fly-swatter out and kind of kill the ones that are bad. Why get the fly-swatter out? Let’s just make sure we let the good ones come in and be done with it."
Supporters of online learning say kids and parents should be afforded more education options and opportunities in the digital age. And they say wait-lists for cyber schools are long.
Republican state Representative Tom McMillin chairs the House Education Committee.
"Education is changing, and it’s changing rapidly. But if we don’t change, the world’s not waiting. And we can’t be stuck in some of the older ways of doing things and our kids are going to be left behind and our state is," said McMillin.
Governor Rick Snyder says he wants traditional public schools to incorporate more cyber-learning. But he has not called for more online-only schools.
