The state Department of Education is hoping to provide more educational options for students by setting up 11 new charter
schools as well as college-prepatory and career training through the Course Choice program.
Applications for charter schools, including six Type 2 startup charter schools, will be taken into consideration by the Board
of Elementary and Secondary Education at its meeting today, Dec. 5.
“This year there was a record number of
Type 2 charter school applications, said Barry Landry, Education
Department spokesman.
“By seeing the increase in the number of applications this will
also result in an increase in the number of options for parents
when choosing the best education for their children.”
Charter schools are publicly funded and governed by a board of directors comprised of local leaders and educators. If approved,
the new charter schools will serve students in Bogalusa and in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Madison and Orleans
parishes.
Alongside the charter applications, 45
Course Choice providers will be presented to BESE with the potential of
allowing Louisiana
students to enroll in the courses to obtain college credits and
gain experience through internships and apprenticeships in
a variety of disciplines.
“The Course Choice in particular offers opportunities to our students throughout the state,” said Holly Boffy 7th District
BESE member. “What is most important is how to provide the best education possible for students.”
Of the 45 recommended course providers, 20 offer virtual courses, 13 offer face-to-face courses, and 12 offer hybrid courses
that combine virtual and face-to-face instruction, the Education Department says.
At the beginning of the 2013-2014
school year, students will have the option to choose from 13 providers
of career and technical
education and 13 providers of Advanced Placement courses. Every
two-year and four-year public higher education institution
in the state will also offer dual-enrollment courses for
selection. “My main hope is that students will have opportunities
specific to their needs and interests that lead them to success
you wouldn’t ordinarily get,” Boffy said. “The Course Choice
in particular offers courses to students that are more rigorous
and ground-breaking in terms of what is available. It’s those
changes that will help further student’s education and prepare
them in their careers.”
Course Choice applicants underwent three review processes that ensured providers and the material taught were up to par with
the standards set by BESE.
Students and their parents will be able to choose from the various courses in January, and enrollment for the 2013-2014 school
year will begin in March.
Online: www.louisianaschools.net.