Save Florida Virtual School
Target:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
Sponsored by:
We have just had some alarming news from Tallahassee. The Florida Senate PreK12 Appropriations Committee has adopted a series of budget and policy changes that will have a substantial negative impact on FLVS and the level of services it currently provides to students, parents, and school districts. The list below describes how such actions will impact you.
The cuts are more drastic than other proposed cuts to other Florida school districts. These cuts would eliminate 7th period course offerings and online elective courses, and they would limit student choice of online courses to the core academic courses.
What does this mean for you and your child if this bill passes?
If you are a student, %u2026
- you will no longer be able to take the elective course that FLVS offers like AP Art History, AP Computer Science, web design, Life Management Skills, personal fitness, and maybe even foreign languages
- you will no longer be able to accelerate by taking additional courses with FLVS after school
- who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, you will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- you will no longer be able to accelerate via FLVS courses and enter college or the workforce early
- you will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- your class size in the brick and mortar school may increase dramatically
If you are a parent, %u2026
- your child will no longer have access to elective courses at FLVS, only core courses will be offered
- whose child is enrolled full-time in a public school, your child will no longer be able to take an additional course at FLVS, eliminating acceleration and grade forgiveness options
- with a child who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, your child will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- your child will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- whose child is taking an FLVS course, his/her class size will increase dramatically
What does it mean for the state of Florida?
- It means that Florida will have to pay more per student. The Tax Watch study in 2007 estimated that FLVS saved taxpayers about $1000 per student each year.
- It means that Florida students will not be able to accelerate or take extra courses to prepare for college or careers.
- It means that Florida may lose its place as the thought leader in online education, and maybe even destroy the nationally #1 ranked on-line program in the country.
- It means that rural districts will be deprived of access to enhanced curricular choices.
FLVS cannot fight this battle by itself! Each of you needs to get involved. Please take the time to call and email your local legislators and tell them NOT to allow this proposed budget to remove the opportunities and choices that FLVS provides to you and your children, not to mention the cost savings to the state of Florida.
Tell your legislators your FLVS story. Has FLVS helped your child in certain ways? What did you think about the relationship your child, your child%u2019s FLVS instructor, and you developed? Have you ever spoken to your child%u2019s teachers that much?
It is not too late! Florida legislature will listen to you! Pick up the phone right now, and call your local legislators and the members of the four education committees. Tell Florida legislators to not single-out FLVS when making budget reductions.
Find your local legislators (Senator and Representatives) here:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Tab=legislators&CFID=37274819&CFTOKEN=79073907
The cuts are more drastic than other proposed cuts to other Florida school districts. These cuts would eliminate 7th period course offerings and online elective courses, and they would limit student choice of online courses to the core academic courses.
What does this mean for you and your child if this bill passes?
If you are a student, %u2026
- you will no longer be able to take the elective course that FLVS offers like AP Art History, AP Computer Science, web design, Life Management Skills, personal fitness, and maybe even foreign languages
- you will no longer be able to accelerate by taking additional courses with FLVS after school
- who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, you will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- you will no longer be able to accelerate via FLVS courses and enter college or the workforce early
- you will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- your class size in the brick and mortar school may increase dramatically
If you are a parent, %u2026
- your child will no longer have access to elective courses at FLVS, only core courses will be offered
- whose child is enrolled full-time in a public school, your child will no longer be able to take an additional course at FLVS, eliminating acceleration and grade forgiveness options
- with a child who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, your child will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- your child will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- whose child is taking an FLVS course, his/her class size will increase dramatically
What does it mean for the state of Florida?
- It means that Florida will have to pay more per student. The Tax Watch study in 2007 estimated that FLVS saved taxpayers about $1000 per student each year.
- It means that Florida students will not be able to accelerate or take extra courses to prepare for college or careers.
- It means that Florida may lose its place as the thought leader in online education, and maybe even destroy the nationally #1 ranked on-line program in the country.
- It means that rural districts will be deprived of access to enhanced curricular choices.
FLVS cannot fight this battle by itself! Each of you needs to get involved. Please take the time to call and email your local legislators and tell them NOT to allow this proposed budget to remove the opportunities and choices that FLVS provides to you and your children, not to mention the cost savings to the state of Florida.
Tell your legislators your FLVS story. Has FLVS helped your child in certain ways? What did you think about the relationship your child, your child%u2019s FLVS instructor, and you developed? Have you ever spoken to your child%u2019s teachers that much?
It is not too late! Florida legislature will listen to you! Pick up the phone right now, and call your local legislators and the members of the four education committees. Tell Florida legislators to not single-out FLVS when making budget reductions.
Find your local legislators (Senator and Representatives) here:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Tab=legislators&CFID=37274819&CFTOKEN=79073907
We have just had some alarming news from Tallahassee. The Florida Senate PreK12 Appropriations Committee has adopted a series of budget and policy changes that will have a substantial negative impact on FLVS and the level of services it currently provides to students, parents, and school districts. The list below describes how such actions will impact you.
The cuts are more drastic than other proposed cuts to other Florida school districts. These cuts would eliminate 7th period course offerings and online elective courses, and they would limit student choice of online courses to the core academic courses.
What does this mean for you and your child if this bill passes?
If you are a student, %u2026
- you will no longer be able to take the elective course that FLVS offers like AP Art History, AP Computer Science, web design, Life Management Skills, personal fitness, and maybe even foreign languages
- you will no longer be able to accelerate by taking additional courses with FLVS after school
- who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, you will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- you will no longer be able to accelerate via FLVS courses and enter college or the workforce early
- you will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- your class size in the brick and mortar school may increase dramatically
If you are a parent, %u2026
- your child will no longer have access to elective courses at FLVS, only core courses will be offered
- whose child is enrolled full-time in a public school, your child will no longer be able to take an additional course at FLVS, eliminating acceleration and grade forgiveness options
- with a child who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, your child will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- your child will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- whose child is taking an FLVS course, his/her class size will increase dramatically
What does it mean for the state of Florida?
- It means that Florida will have to pay more per student. The Tax Watch study in 2007 estimated that FLVS saved taxpayers about $1000 per student each year.
- It means that Florida students will not be able to accelerate or take extra courses to prepare for college or careers.
- It means that Florida may lose its place as the thought leader in online education, and maybe even destroy the nationally #1 ranked on-line program in the country.
- It means that rural districts will be deprived of access to enhanced curricular choices.
FLVS cannot fight this battle by itself! Each of you needs to get involved. Please take the time to call and email your local legislators and tell them NOT to allow this proposed budget to remove the opportunities and choices that FLVS provides to you and your children, not to mention the cost savings to the state of Florida.
Tell your legislators your FLVS story. Has FLVS helped your child in certain ways? What did you think about the relationship your child, your child%u2019s FLVS instructor, and you developed? Have you ever spoken to your child%u2019s teachers that much?
It is not too late! Florida legislature will listen to you! Pick up the phone right now, and call your local legislators and the members of the four education committees. Tell Florida legislators to not single-out FLVS when making budget reductions.
Find your local legislators (Senator and Representatives) here:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Tab=legislators&CFID=37274819&CFTOKEN=79073907
The cuts are more drastic than other proposed cuts to other Florida school districts. These cuts would eliminate 7th period course offerings and online elective courses, and they would limit student choice of online courses to the core academic courses.
What does this mean for you and your child if this bill passes?
If you are a student, %u2026
- you will no longer be able to take the elective course that FLVS offers like AP Art History, AP Computer Science, web design, Life Management Skills, personal fitness, and maybe even foreign languages
- you will no longer be able to accelerate by taking additional courses with FLVS after school
- who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, you will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- you will no longer be able to accelerate via FLVS courses and enter college or the workforce early
- you will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- your class size in the brick and mortar school may increase dramatically
If you are a parent, %u2026
- your child will no longer have access to elective courses at FLVS, only core courses will be offered
- whose child is enrolled full-time in a public school, your child will no longer be able to take an additional course at FLVS, eliminating acceleration and grade forgiveness options
- with a child who has failed a required course in either middle or high school, and your public school offers no summer school option, your child will not have access to FLVS and will likely to be retained and repeat an entire year of instruction
- your child will have limited access to FLVS courses that are not offered in your traditional public school
- whose child is taking an FLVS course, his/her class size will increase dramatically
What does it mean for the state of Florida?
- It means that Florida will have to pay more per student. The Tax Watch study in 2007 estimated that FLVS saved taxpayers about $1000 per student each year.
- It means that Florida students will not be able to accelerate or take extra courses to prepare for college or careers.
- It means that Florida may lose its place as the thought leader in online education, and maybe even destroy the nationally #1 ranked on-line program in the country.
- It means that rural districts will be deprived of access to enhanced curricular choices.
FLVS cannot fight this battle by itself! Each of you needs to get involved. Please take the time to call and email your local legislators and tell them NOT to allow this proposed budget to remove the opportunities and choices that FLVS provides to you and your children, not to mention the cost savings to the state of Florida.
Tell your legislators your FLVS story. Has FLVS helped your child in certain ways? What did you think about the relationship your child, your child%u2019s FLVS instructor, and you developed? Have you ever spoken to your child%u2019s teachers that much?
It is not too late! Florida legislature will listen to you! Pick up the phone right now, and call your local legislators and the members of the four education committees. Tell Florida legislators to not single-out FLVS when making budget reductions.
Find your local legislators (Senator and Representatives) here:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Tab=legislators&CFID=37274819&CFTOKEN=79073907
We signed the "Save Florida Virtual School" petition!
# 308:
6:23 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Mari Raspatelly, Florida
I KNOW florida virtual school is a great school. I just started two classes and I cantget enough of them. Ive learned so much already and I've been active for only 2-3 weeks! Please keep them
I KNOW florida virtual school is a great school. I just started two classes and I cantget enough of them. Ive learned so much already and I've been active for only 2-3 weeks! Please keep them
# 307:
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6:14 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Elizabeth Molina, Florida
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# 306:
5:48 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Joy Wetherington, Florida
# 305:
3:59 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Debra Maki, Florida
becuase of my son's extensive schedule at school - the only way he was able to get his second year of a foreign language was through Florida Virtual School. This would be a major mistake to do away with such an outstanding program that is helping the kids who are trying to make something of their lives...
becuase of my son's extensive schedule at school - the only way he was able to get his second year of a foreign language was through Florida Virtual School. This would be a major mistake to do away with such an outstanding program that is helping the kids who are trying to make something of their lives...
# 304:
12:44 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 303:
12:42 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Serina Belzel, Florida
# 302:
8:18 am PDT, Apr 30,
Amsler Burns, Florida
I think that the Florida Virtual School is an amazing resource for all levels of students. As a public school teacher, I know many students who have used it to graduate on time, as well as take advanced courses that are not offered at our rural school.
I think that the Florida Virtual School is an amazing resource for all levels of students. As a public school teacher, I know many students who have used it to graduate on time, as well as take advanced courses that are not offered at our rural school.
# 301:
5:07 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Tyler Moses, Florida
I personaly need the FLVS summer program to graduate since my school dosent have AP micro economics
I personaly need the FLVS summer program to graduate since my school dosent have AP micro economics
# 300:
4:15 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Destiny Howard, Florida
# 299:
11:24 am PDT, Apr 29,
Donna Farrell, Florida
Despite our budget problems, I urge our legislators to support funding for our virtual school. We can be justly proud of this non traditional and excellent way of offering varied, interesting coursework. Please don't cut funding for this program.
Despite our budget problems, I urge our legislators to support funding for our virtual school. We can be justly proud of this non traditional and excellent way of offering varied, interesting coursework. Please don't cut funding for this program.
# 298:
3:30 am PDT, Apr 29,
Rabecca Deschenes, Florida
# 297:
10:52 am PDT, Apr 27,
Lydia Perron, Florida
# 296:
8:39 am PDT, Apr 27,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 295:
7:24 am PDT, Apr 27,
Daniel Jaye, Florida
FLVS has been critical to meeting the needs of our children - both those with learning challenges who needed the flexibility of self-paced study and those who are gifted and wanted to cover more material in more depth at a faster pace. It allows our family to support a variety of athletic schedules and academic goals in a manner impossible in the standard programs.
FLVS has been critical to meeting the needs of our children - both those with learning challenges who needed the flexibility of self-paced study and those who are gifted and wanted to cover more material in more depth at a faster pace. It allows our family to support a variety of athletic schedules and academic goals in a manner impossible in the standard programs.
# 294:
6:04 pm PDT, Apr 26,
Name not displayed, Florida
Our Florida legislators have promised for years to increase the quality of education in Florida, yet fail to realize that by cutting classes from FLVS they directly compromise this pledge. I have taken classes on FLVS that I couldn't otherwise. It opened the door to my interest in macro and microeconomics-- classes that are not offered at my school. Cutting the honors and AP classes would be a step backwards for intrepid kids trying to make the most of their education.
Our Florida legislators have promised for years to increase the quality of education in Florida, yet fail to realize that by cutting classes from FLVS they directly compromise this pledge. I have taken classes on FLVS that I couldn't otherwise. It opened the door to my interest in macro and microeconomics-- classes that are not offered at my school. Cutting the honors and AP classes would be a step backwards for intrepid kids trying to make the most of their education.
# 293:
1:04 pm PDT, Apr 26,
Jennifer Hill, Florida
FLVS has been an invaluable resource for my children's education. As a homeschoooling Mom, we reached a point in their childhood development where independent learning became the key to their continued educational success, and FLVS has filled that role so beautifully. It is my opinion that the children of the current generation need interactivity and specialization in their curriculum, and that traditional lecture doesn't give them the full breadth and depth that their minds require. FLVS is such a model for this interactivity, and it is my deepest hope that FLVS continues to receive the funding it needs to continue it's truly unique educational model. Very Truly Yours, ~Jennifer Hill
FLVS has been an invaluable resource for my children's education. As a homeschoooling Mom, we reached a point in their childhood development where independent learning became the key to their continued educational success, and FLVS has filled that role so beautifully. It is my opinion that the children of the current generation need interactivity and specialization in their curriculum, and that traditional lecture doesn't give them the full breadth and depth that their minds require. FLVS is such a model for this interactivity, and it is my deepest hope that FLVS continues to receive the funding it needs to continue it's truly unique educational model. Very Truly Yours, ~Jennifer Hill
# 292:
9:42 am PDT, Apr 26,
Name not displayed, Florida
Please do not cut a program that is finally working for many people, many reasons.
Please do not cut a program that is finally working for many people, many reasons.
# 291:
9:40 am PDT, Apr 26,
Suzanne Dutcher, Florida
My children have been in FLVS-Connections Academy and are excelling. it is allowing my daughter to pursue her extracurricular activity vigorously while applying herself to school, also. My other daughter is gifted and is able to work ahead instead of being held back. Please save FLVS!!!!!
My children have been in FLVS-Connections Academy and are excelling. it is allowing my daughter to pursue her extracurricular activity vigorously while applying herself to school, also. My other daughter is gifted and is able to work ahead instead of being held back. Please save FLVS!!!!!
# 290:
2:11 pm PDT, Apr 22,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 289:
2:03 pm PDT, Apr 22,
Janet Hernandez, Florida
I needed to do FLVS because I needed Personal Fitness if not I can't graduate!!!!!!!!
I needed to do FLVS because I needed Personal Fitness if not I can't graduate!!!!!!!!
# 288:
1:58 pm PDT, Apr 22,
Russell Dubberly, Florida
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the Florida Virtual School. I feel that it is an example of using cutting edge technology to expand the reaches of education within Florida. It also provides this education at a per student cost which is significantly less than the average public school in Florida. The Florida Virtual School has significantly higher levels of teachers with advanced degrees and National Teaching Certification. Please advocate for sustained funding for this institution, so they may keep operating at their current level of proficiency.
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the Florida Virtual School. I feel that it is an example of using cutting edge technology to expand the reaches of education within Florida. It also provides this education at a per student cost which is significantly less than the average public school in Florida. The Florida Virtual School has significantly higher levels of teachers with advanced degrees and National Teaching Certification. Please advocate for sustained funding for this institution, so they may keep operating at their current level of proficiency.
# 287:
1:31 pm PDT, Apr 21,
Jeremy Davis, California
This school is having impact across the entire nation. It is one of the greatest examples of truly cutting edge virtual schooling, with incredible results and a real vision for the future for so many school districts across our country. Cutting this program would be 10 steps back in the wrong direction.
This school is having impact across the entire nation. It is one of the greatest examples of truly cutting edge virtual schooling, with incredible results and a real vision for the future for so many school districts across our country. Cutting this program would be 10 steps back in the wrong direction.
# 286:
4:59 am PDT, Apr 21,
Victoria Todd, Florida
If you close the online classes then here is what will definitely happen to many students: 1-many seniors will not graduate 2-many people will drop in their class ranking 3-behind students will have no opportunity to get ahead 4-and finally those of us who love to learn will be held back So...how does that make us feel?..Horrible!! Do you know what it is like to tell a parent that you won't graduate?!! So, please think twice before you close these classes because most of us need them dearly. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Victoria Todd
If you close the online classes then here is what will definitely happen to many students: 1-many seniors will not graduate 2-many people will drop in their class ranking 3-behind students will have no opportunity to get ahead 4-and finally those of us who love to learn will be held back So...how does that make us feel?..Horrible!! Do you know what it is like to tell a parent that you won't graduate?!! So, please think twice before you close these classes because most of us need them dearly. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Victoria Todd
# 285:
7:38 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Adam Budden, Florida
# 284:
5:30 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Arthur Reinberger, Florida
# 283:
5:19 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Lisa Navaille, Florida
My child is so far ahead of the other children in public school. We have tried the magnet program but were not picked. We have no school choice. Please do not take this away from us again this year. He is just left alone to read because he causes no problems and already knows everything being taught. This is not how we will have successful citizens in our nation.
My child is so far ahead of the other children in public school. We have tried the magnet program but were not picked. We have no school choice. Please do not take this away from us again this year. He is just left alone to read because he causes no problems and already knows everything being taught. This is not how we will have successful citizens in our nation.
# 282:
5:17 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Ashley Reinberger, Florida
# 281:
5:09 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Marietta Reinberger, Florida
# 280:
2:56 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 279:
11:15 am PDT, Apr 20,
Kevin Burger, Florida
My son recently was hospitalized for thoughts of attempting his own life. His Dr's recommended that he be removed from the mainstream education system and he is now enrolled in Broward Virtual School. This program is his only option to finish high school and graduate and in his case it truly has life saving results. He is doing well and has been removed from the mainstream environment that was causing him great harm. Please do not take away the funding for this valuable educational resource.
My son recently was hospitalized for thoughts of attempting his own life. His Dr's recommended that he be removed from the mainstream education system and he is now enrolled in Broward Virtual School. This program is his only option to finish high school and graduate and in his case it truly has life saving results. He is doing well and has been removed from the mainstream environment that was causing him great harm. Please do not take away the funding for this valuable educational resource.
# 278:
7:48 pm PDT, Apr 19,
Jeneane Skeen, Florida
# 277:
4:24 pm PDT, Apr 19,
Rebecca Williams, Florida
I am a student of both a real, brick school and FLVS. When I first went to my high school, I was so excited, it offered French, Latin, and Spanish. The year I entered my high school, they dropped Latin, and by my sophomore year, they had dropped French too. I knew I was going to take Spanish, but I had always hoped/expected to take Latin first because that had been my sister's first language and she had loved it so much, plus it had helped make Spanish and French much easier to learn. I was upset by the quality of the education I was receiving at my school, so I searched the web for other things to do with my time. I found FLVS and I was amazed, I assumed it was too good to be true, but they offered three years of Latin, and it would actually count for a grade as if it were a course I took at my school. I happily signed up for Latin 1 and realized it was that great and immediately signed up for another course through FLVS, Computing for Colleges and Careers, in order to supplement my education. After I finished those two courses, I signed up for three courses over the summer (Latin 2, Pre-Calculus, and Physics Honors), the typical junior classes at my school, so that I could take more AP classes throughout the school year. I also decided to take Spanish 1 at my brick school since I now had nearly a year and a half of Latin. I took it expecting the same quality of education I had in FLVS's Latin, but I was sadly disappointed. Spanish was moving so slowly we'd learn one new concept plus a bit of vocabulary every two weeks and there was no way I could work at my own pace. I ended up just reading the book and learning the things myself while I waited for my class to catch up and I ended up finishing the book by January when my class was still in Ch. 4 of the book. So I was stuck in a class for another semester when I had already learned everything, whereas if I had taken the course through FLVS I could be done by then and I wouldn't be wasting my time.
I am a student of both a real, brick school and FLVS. When I first went to my high school, I was so excited, it offered French, Latin, and Spanish. The year I entered my high school, they dropped Latin, and by my sophomore year, they had dropped French too. I knew I was going to take Spanish, but I had always hoped/expected to take Latin first because that had been my sister's first language and she had loved it so much, plus it had helped make Spanish and French much easier to learn. I was upset by the quality of the education I was receiving at my school, so I searched the web for other things to do with my time. I found FLVS and I was amazed, I assumed it was too good to be true, but they offered three years of Latin, and it would actually count for a grade as if it were a course I took at my school. I happily signed up for Latin 1 and realized it was that great and immediately signed up for another course through FLVS, Computing for Colleges and Careers, in order to supplement my education. After I finished those two courses, I signed up for three courses over the summer (Latin 2, Pre-Calculus, and Physics Honors), the typical junior classes at my school, so that I could take more AP classes throughout the school year. I also decided to take Spanish 1 at my brick school since I now had nearly a year and a half of Latin. I took it expecting the same quality of education I had in FLVS's Latin, but I was sadly disappointed. Spanish was moving so slowly we'd learn one new concept plus a bit of vocabulary every two weeks and there was no way I could work at my own pace. I ended up just reading the book and learning the things myself while I waited for my class to catch up and I ended up finishing the book by January when my class was still in Ch. 4 of the book. So I was stuck in a class for another semester when I had already learned everything, whereas if I had taken the course through FLVS I could be done by then and I wouldn't be wasting my time.
# 276:
3:17 pm PDT, Apr 19,
Casey Henry, Florida
As an educator in Florida's public schools, I believe that the changes proposed by this bill will have a significant negative impact on the educational opportunities for students in Florida. Legislators, please continue to support excellence, innovation, and opportunity for Florida's public education by removing these cuts and limitations of FLVS programs from the bill. The Florida Virtual School is a revolutionary and award-winning public institution. Its mission is summarized in just two words--personalized instruction--and after hearing from FLVS instructors, students, and parents, it's clear to me that this model delivers personalized instruction more effectively than most traditional classrooms. As an educator myself, I have seen that the faculty and staff of FLVS place an emphasis on one-on-one, personalized instruction that many teachers in traditional classrooms would do well to emulate. This philosophy has served the Florida Virtual School well, as it has won numerous awards for educational excellence and is regarded by many as the standard against which other virtual schools are measured. Just five months ago, as a matter of fact, the Center for Digital Education recognized FLVS as the country's top provider of virtual education. I think Bill Tucker of Education Sector says it best: "In Florida, there is a public school program that is seen as a national model, rapidly increasing enrollments, and proving that public schools can compete for students and educate in new and different ways. This public school is being rewarded with significant budget cuts (double the per student cut of any other district) and significant limitations on its programs."
As an educator in Florida's public schools, I believe that the changes proposed by this bill will have a significant negative impact on the educational opportunities for students in Florida. Legislators, please continue to support excellence, innovation, and opportunity for Florida's public education by removing these cuts and limitations of FLVS programs from the bill. The Florida Virtual School is a revolutionary and award-winning public institution. Its mission is summarized in just two words--personalized instruction--and after hearing from FLVS instructors, students, and parents, it's clear to me that this model delivers personalized instruction more effectively than most traditional classrooms. As an educator myself, I have seen that the faculty and staff of FLVS place an emphasis on one-on-one, personalized instruction that many teachers in traditional classrooms would do well to emulate. This philosophy has served the Florida Virtual School well, as it has won numerous awards for educational excellence and is regarded by many as the standard against which other virtual schools are measured. Just five months ago, as a matter of fact, the Center for Digital Education recognized FLVS as the country's top provider of virtual education. I think Bill Tucker of Education Sector says it best: "In Florida, there is a public school program that is seen as a national model, rapidly increasing enrollments, and proving that public schools can compete for students and educate in new and different ways. This public school is being rewarded with significant budget cuts (double the per student cut of any other district) and significant limitations on its programs."
# 275:
10:54 am PDT, Apr 18,
Deborah J. Rhoades, Florida
Florida Virtual School serves many of our state's students beyond the reaches of a traditional classroom.
Florida Virtual School serves many of our state's students beyond the reaches of a traditional classroom.
# 274:
9:39 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Beth Hennessey, Florida
My son took Personal Fitness at FLVS in his senior year for a graduation requirement. He was not athletically inclined and dreaded the prospect of taking PE at his home school. The FLVS course allowed him to find his own path for success in personal fitness - he chose bicycling, an option that would never have been available to him in a regular PE course. He has become an avid bicycle rider, and although he's not Lance Armstrong, he still enjoys cycling for exercise and even bikes to and from the school he now attends in Gainesville. This is a lasting gift to him from FLVS, and it saddens me to think that FLVS will be thwarted from continuing to give these sorts of gifts and inspirations to the deserving high school students throughout the great State of Florida. Please continue funding for FLVS!
My son took Personal Fitness at FLVS in his senior year for a graduation requirement. He was not athletically inclined and dreaded the prospect of taking PE at his home school. The FLVS course allowed him to find his own path for success in personal fitness - he chose bicycling, an option that would never have been available to him in a regular PE course. He has become an avid bicycle rider, and although he's not Lance Armstrong, he still enjoys cycling for exercise and even bikes to and from the school he now attends in Gainesville. This is a lasting gift to him from FLVS, and it saddens me to think that FLVS will be thwarted from continuing to give these sorts of gifts and inspirations to the deserving high school students throughout the great State of Florida. Please continue funding for FLVS!
# 273:
8:27 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Deborah Minahan, Florida
# 272:
8:08 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Danielle Minahan, Florida
# 271:
2:56 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Cheryl Swartzberg, Florida
Support education! Do not eliminate any educational opportunity for our children! They are our future, let's focus on allowing them to be the best that they can be....through education!
Support education! Do not eliminate any educational opportunity for our children! They are our future, let's focus on allowing them to be the best that they can be....through education!
# 270:
2:44 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Murray Swartzberg, Florida
Do the right thing. Support our kids and FLVS. It's critical to our children.
Do the right thing. Support our kids and FLVS. It's critical to our children.
# 269:
12:05 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Kelly LeBlanc, Florida
# 268:
11:57 am PDT, Apr 17,
Eric LeBlanc, Florida
I am taking two elective courses on FLVS so I will be able to take a full AP class next year in school, but to do this I have to have the credits finished by the summer. FLVS is a great way for me to do this and get a worthwhile class next year. Many students like myself need FLVS to take certain classes and get ahead where we want to be. Don't cut FLVS!!!
I am taking two elective courses on FLVS so I will be able to take a full AP class next year in school, but to do this I have to have the credits finished by the summer. FLVS is a great way for me to do this and get a worthwhile class next year. Many students like myself need FLVS to take certain classes and get ahead where we want to be. Don't cut FLVS!!!
# 267:
11:09 am PDT, Apr 17,
Lori Smith, Florida
I believe in the FLVS and ask that you not approve the budget cuts which would limit the classes to core academic courses. It will cost more in the long run, so please think long-term rather than short-term. Easy fixes will hurt the educational possibilities for many students, and will inhibit students from being as prepared for the next step of their life. sincerely, lori j. smith
I believe in the FLVS and ask that you not approve the budget cuts which would limit the classes to core academic courses. It will cost more in the long run, so please think long-term rather than short-term. Easy fixes will hurt the educational possibilities for many students, and will inhibit students from being as prepared for the next step of their life. sincerely, lori j. smith
# 266:
9:28 am PDT, Apr 17,
Shannon Keefe, Florida
My name is Shannon Keefe. I am a full time home schooled student and attend the Florida Virtual School (FLVS). I've been asked to tell you my "success stories" about FLVS, so here it goes. I've been home schooled my whole life. Until 8th grade my mother was my teacher. When I got to high school, my mom decided to keep me home schooled but send me somewhere with actual teachers. We thought traditional schooling was our only option if we wanted teachers, but that's when we found FLVS. I was very nervous to switch from being taught by my mom to having a stranger teach me. I figured I wouldn't get one-on-one attention because I wouldn’t be the only student, that my questions wouldn't get answered, and that I would have to try and teach myself difficult high school material because I was just another number. I was completely wrong. Florida Virtual School is great. I have three teachers for every class so my questions never go unanswered. Because they don’t allow their classes to have too many students, every teacher gets to know their students on a personal level. I went on vacation for a few weeks and when I came back, every one of my teachers remembered and they spent a whole phone call talking to be about how much fun I had. My favorite teacher, Mrs. Phillips, was my Algebra 1 teacher. I had her my first year of high school and was nervous about taking math online, but she was absolutely amazing. She had a great way of telling, even by instant message, when you had done too much school that day. She didn’t treat me like a student that she just wanted to get work done; she cared about if I learned or not. Her best advice to me was “You’re tired. Take your dogs for a walk, eat a cookie, and come back in a few hours if you feel like it. School will be here tomorrow.” I passed her class with flying colors and it was thanks to FLVS’s great teachers. My favorite part is the pace they let me work at. Our weeks are Monday - Sunday instead of Monday – Friday. The fact that we just have a weekly minimum for assignments submitted instead of a daily minimum is what makes everything work for me. If you know any home schooled students, you know that we work by our own schedule. Flexibility to do extra circulars, travel, or just take mental breaks from intense school is what we live off of and what makes home schooling such a successful program. Luckily, FLVS understands this and molds to what we need. Having the structure of a weekly minimum but the flexibility of what day I can work makes my life easy and enjoyable. The most frequent question I get from others about FLVS, and home schooling in general, is “How do you socialize?” My answer is that when you do traditional home schooling, you need to be proactive and sign up for things, but if you take FLVS, it’s all there for you. We have around 5 clubs! I’ve joined FLVS’s National English Honor Society and have found that to be a great socializing point. It changed my home schooling experience from a one person thing to feeling like I’m in a traditional school. This year, we've done 2 book discussions, one of which I was in charge of. It was about the new best seller "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" where we got the author of the book to come and speak for free! I also run our tutor room. We have sessions 3 times a week where we tutor for a total of 10 hours. We definitely do not miss out on socializing or community service hours in this club; I have logged about 110 hours since joining in December! We're not deprived of social activities because we're home schooled. I think we actually get a better handle on what we want to be when we grow up because we all get a chance to see how we like teaching. I personally am considering becoming a teacher because of it. Florida Virtual School has made my transition from being traditionally home schooled to virtual schooling effortless and pain free. FLVS, to me, is one of the best options for Florida students. Between teaching you independence and readiness for college (planning courses, scheduling your time, not having your hand held, etc) to personal one-on-one help, it is an amazing school that I recommend to everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read this, Sincerely, Shannon Keefe FLVS High School Student
My name is Shannon Keefe. I am a full time home schooled student and attend the Florida Virtual School (FLVS). I've been asked to tell you my "success stories" about FLVS, so here it goes. I've been home schooled my whole life. Until 8th grade my mother was my teacher. When I got to high school, my mom decided to keep me home schooled but send me somewhere with actual teachers. We thought traditional schooling was our only option if we wanted teachers, but that's when we found FLVS. I was very nervous to switch from being taught by my mom to having a stranger teach me. I figured I wouldn't get one-on-one attention because I wouldn’t be the only student, that my questions wouldn't get answered, and that I would have to try and teach myself difficult high school material because I was just another number. I was completely wrong. Florida Virtual School is great. I have three teachers for every class so my questions never go unanswered. Because they don’t allow their classes to have too many students, every teacher gets to know their students on a personal level. I went on vacation for a few weeks and when I came back, every one of my teachers remembered and they spent a whole phone call talking to be about how much fun I had. My favorite teacher, Mrs. Phillips, was my Algebra 1 teacher. I had her my first year of high school and was nervous about taking math online, but she was absolutely amazing. She had a great way of telling, even by instant message, when you had done too much school that day. She didn’t treat me like a student that she just wanted to get work done; she cared about if I learned or not. Her best advice to me was “You’re tired. Take your dogs for a walk, eat a cookie, and come back in a few hours if you feel like it. School will be here tomorrow.” I passed her class with flying colors and it was thanks to FLVS’s great teachers. My favorite part is the pace they let me work at. Our weeks are Monday - Sunday instead of Monday – Friday. The fact that we just have a weekly minimum for assignments submitted instead of a daily minimum is what makes everything work for me. If you know any home schooled students, you know that we work by our own schedule. Flexibility to do extra circulars, travel, or just take mental breaks from intense school is what we live off of and what makes home schooling such a successful program. Luckily, FLVS understands this and molds to what we need. Having the structure of a weekly minimum but the flexibility of what day I can work makes my life easy and enjoyable. The most frequent question I get from others about FLVS, and home schooling in general, is “How do you socialize?” My answer is that when you do traditional home schooling, you need to be proactive and sign up for things, but if you take FLVS, it’s all there for you. We have around 5 clubs! I’ve joined FLVS’s National English Honor Society and have found that to be a great socializing point. It changed my home schooling experience from a one person thing to feeling like I’m in a traditional school. This year, we've done 2 book discussions, one of which I was in charge of. It was about the new best seller "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" where we got the author of the book to come and speak for free! I also run our tutor room. We have sessions 3 times a week where we tutor for a total of 10 hours. We definitely do not miss out on socializing or community service hours in this club; I have logged about 110 hours since joining in December! We're not deprived of social activities because we're home schooled. I think we actually get a better handle on what we want to be when we grow up because we all get a chance to see how we like teaching. I personally am considering becoming a teacher because of it. Florida Virtual School has made my transition from being traditionally home schooled to virtual schooling effortless and pain free. FLVS, to me, is one of the best options for Florida students. Between teaching you independence and readiness for college (planning courses, scheduling your time, not having your hand held, etc) to personal one-on-one help, it is an amazing school that I recommend to everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read this, Sincerely, Shannon Keefe FLVS High School Student
# 265:
7:31 pm PDT, Apr 16,
Andrea Mack, Florida
Please make no cuts to these programs... it will make it impossible for students with no means of transporation to get a good education from home.
Please make no cuts to these programs... it will make it impossible for students with no means of transporation to get a good education from home.
# 264:
5:55 pm PDT, Apr 16,
Lynne Burkett, Florida
FLVS offers so many opportunities for all children in Florida. One of the great things, it fosters a love of learning. You cannot put a price on that!
FLVS offers so many opportunities for all children in Florida. One of the great things, it fosters a love of learning. You cannot put a price on that!
# 263:
3:44 pm PDT, Apr 16,
Debra L Daley, Florida
FLVS has really helped my children achieve thier academic goals. One has managed to salvage some regrettable grades. The other has almost completed a class that could not, otherwise, have fit into his schedule. I have 5 children and really regret the possibility of losing such a great asset to our state. Every child in this state could benifit from FLVS at one time or another.
FLVS has really helped my children achieve thier academic goals. One has managed to salvage some regrettable grades. The other has almost completed a class that could not, otherwise, have fit into his schedule. I have 5 children and really regret the possibility of losing such a great asset to our state. Every child in this state could benifit from FLVS at one time or another.
# 262:
11:35 am PDT, Apr 16,
Pam Bittner, Florida
How can we ask our kids to strive to enter colleges that require rigorous curriculum with high GPA when they take away the tools they need to do it? FLVS has been instrumental in allowing both of my daughters to remain in the top 10 students of their class by allowing them to take AP courses at school and low credit electives online. To take this option away robs our children! Again!
How can we ask our kids to strive to enter colleges that require rigorous curriculum with high GPA when they take away the tools they need to do it? FLVS has been instrumental in allowing both of my daughters to remain in the top 10 students of their class by allowing them to take AP courses at school and low credit electives online. To take this option away robs our children! Again!
# 261:
10:41 am PDT, Apr 16,
Jodie Stephens, Florida
I am a teacher at a small private school here in Florida. Our students and school rely upon Florida Virtual School for different needs. Cutting this program would be a great mistake.
I am a teacher at a small private school here in Florida. Our students and school rely upon Florida Virtual School for different needs. Cutting this program would be a great mistake.
# 260:
10:00 am PDT, Apr 16,
Mallory Everitt, Florida
I am a guidance counselor at a private school in Hillsborough county. We use Florida Virtual School to help students who are behind to graduate on time with their class. Without this program, students would have to stay another year in high school. Our academy serves over 600 students with a staff of almost 90. We want Florida Virtual School. Cutting these valuable electives will hurt Florida's educational system.
I am a guidance counselor at a private school in Hillsborough county. We use Florida Virtual School to help students who are behind to graduate on time with their class. Without this program, students would have to stay another year in high school. Our academy serves over 600 students with a staff of almost 90. We want Florida Virtual School. Cutting these valuable electives will hurt Florida's educational system.
# 259:
8:57 am PDT, Apr 16,
Thao Ngo, Florida
# 258:
8:49 am PDT, Apr 16,
Elwood Fisher, Florida
# 257:
8:27 am PDT, Apr 16,
Alanna Browdy, Florida
# 256:
6:59 am PDT, Apr 16,
Rachael Favors, Florida
Please support our kids!!!
Please support our kids!!!
# 255:
8:26 pm PDT, Apr 15,
Cassandra Becker, Florida
Hello, I am a student with flvs. I was a student in my local highschool but because of my health problems I was missing to much time and I was falling behind until I heard about flvs. Free education, doesnt America want people to graduate highschool and go on to college? Well people cannot do that if they cannot afford other online programs, or cannot go to regular school. I am almost a straight A student, and I intend to go to university and make a political and enviromental impact someday in the near future but I need flvs. I hope you realize how important keeping florida virtual school is for me and many other young adults who want to be able to get an education. I understand tax cuts but when it comes to cutting of or limiting young peoples educations, I do not agree. Please take what im saying in consideration. Thank you, Cassandra
Hello, I am a student with flvs. I was a student in my local highschool but because of my health problems I was missing to much time and I was falling behind until I heard about flvs. Free education, doesnt America want people to graduate highschool and go on to college? Well people cannot do that if they cannot afford other online programs, or cannot go to regular school. I am almost a straight A student, and I intend to go to university and make a political and enviromental impact someday in the near future but I need flvs. I hope you realize how important keeping florida virtual school is for me and many other young adults who want to be able to get an education. I understand tax cuts but when it comes to cutting of or limiting young peoples educations, I do not agree. Please take what im saying in consideration. Thank you, Cassandra
# 254:
12:42 pm PDT, Apr 15,
Teresa Pinkstaff, Florida
I am a Florida public school teacher who firmly supports FLVS as a viable and necessary educational program that will assist in preparing our children to be 21st Century learners.
I am a Florida public school teacher who firmly supports FLVS as a viable and necessary educational program that will assist in preparing our children to be 21st Century learners.
# 253:
11:05 am PDT, Apr 14,
James Bakley, Florida
This is my first time taking any online class. After taking my math class online I want to take various classes online as well as in traditional school and without Florida Virtual School I no longer be able to. The ultimate goal of this was to graduate earlier or at least lighten my senior year work load. Although I know money is short right now here in collier country we have a super attendant that gets paid more than the vice president. Yet instead of making him give up some of the money and possibly making use of the building used for meetings (I think there's a few floors not being used for anything) cuts will have to come from the online community. This could be because the online community doesn't appear to have a solidified appearance like traditional school setting such as a building to admire, school pride and various other little things a school makes their own. Yet when it comes down to it, it's all about the learning and Florida Virtual School covers that very very well. You can run at your own pace which means anyone with a high intelligence doesn't have to be held back by the low standards and constant teaching to the FCAT like you get in traditional schools. In fact this year I found the FCAT so ridiculously easy I get the feeling as though you think that the children and adolescence in this state are at a much lower level then granted. Please just save the online schooling.
This is my first time taking any online class. After taking my math class online I want to take various classes online as well as in traditional school and without Florida Virtual School I no longer be able to. The ultimate goal of this was to graduate earlier or at least lighten my senior year work load. Although I know money is short right now here in collier country we have a super attendant that gets paid more than the vice president. Yet instead of making him give up some of the money and possibly making use of the building used for meetings (I think there's a few floors not being used for anything) cuts will have to come from the online community. This could be because the online community doesn't appear to have a solidified appearance like traditional school setting such as a building to admire, school pride and various other little things a school makes their own. Yet when it comes down to it, it's all about the learning and Florida Virtual School covers that very very well. You can run at your own pace which means anyone with a high intelligence doesn't have to be held back by the low standards and constant teaching to the FCAT like you get in traditional schools. In fact this year I found the FCAT so ridiculously easy I get the feeling as though you think that the children and adolescence in this state are at a much lower level then granted. Please just save the online schooling.
# 252:
10:36 am PDT, Apr 14,
Name not displayed, Florida
