Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2009
Sen. Gary Stanislawski
Committee Approves Bill to Create Task
Force
on Internet-Based Instruction
The Senate Education Committee approved a measure
Monday to study the efficiency of Internet-based instruction in
Oklahoma. Senate Bill 604 would create a task force to review
such programs and make recommendations regarding necessary changes
to ensure accountability for those in public schools.
“Internet-based instruction is becoming more and more popular
for our middle and high school students. For many, because of
time constraints or problems at school, it’s simply easier
to get their school work done through this type of program,”
said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa. “Because of its growing popularity,
I want to ensure that these programs are providing just as good
an education as is available in the classroom, and that there
is accountability to make sure students are really doing the work
they’re supposed to be doing.”
The task force would consist of seven members including the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction and two district superintendents
from districts that provide students with Internet-based instruction.
The task force’s findings would have to be submitted by
November 10, 2009. The report could include findings and recommendations
for any statutory or regulatory changes necessary to improve the
accountability, finding, and effectiveness of Internet-based instruction.
The United Suburban Schools Association requested the bill, which
will now go before the full Senate for further consideration.
