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Back = **Where Have We Been in 2010? A national review on legislative action affecting online education (Cascade G)** =

//Lisa Gillis, iNACOL Advocacy and Issues Committee Chair//

//Come listen and learn with the iNACOL Advocacy and Issues committee as they present an overview of key legislative actions affecting online education throughout the United States during the 2010 legislative session. Don't be caught off guard! Policy trends, issues and recent legislation will be highlighted and discussed as well as advice will be offered on how to spot future risks and opportunities resulting in effective advocacy for online education.// media type="file" key="Where Have We Been in 2010 A Nationa.mp3"

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 * __ Breakout Session 5—Where Have We Been in 2010—A National Review on Legislative Action Affecting Online Education __**

-We meet on a monthly basis—first Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM Eastern -Formed sub-committees on Continuity of Learning and Military Diplomas in the past year. -We serve as go-to people when you need support for legislative hearings, policy issues. -Provided guidance to US DOE (online/blended learning, ESEA Reauthorization,) FCC (Broadband plan/E-Rate)—iNACOL website has links to publications. -Provided direction and content on Race to Top Applications -Discuss areas of concerns on state levels as well, such as providing testimony, writing letters of support. (Georgia and Washington were two examples of where action was taken.) -Perform an assessment of the states and attempt to target resources to assist in the advancement of online learning. This occurs on a yearly basis. -State legislative bodies have changed as a result of the 2010 elections. iNACOL can provide information to new legislators in regards to online learning. -In your check-in packets is a valuable handout (K12 Online Learning: A Smart Solution More NOW than Ever) -Have your students, parents, etc. help with advocacy. They can be some of your best program representatives. -A question was asked if Florida was going to require an online course as a graduation requirement. It has not happened yet. -Discussion occurred in regards to Military Diplomas. Currently, Colorado has a policy that states military families who maintain Colorado residency can enroll in a Colorado school, which includes online schools. However, a full-time online high school diploma is classified as a Tier II Diploma, similar to a home school or GED diploma (alternative diploma.) Some branches will not accept Tier II, or require a waiver process. Work has been done to address the issue. At the state level, communicate with recruiters and active military, educating them about online learning. -Learn and Earn Online—a North Carolina program—is very successful in college credits offerings. A key area is near Ft. Bragg. -Minnesota has slated online learning for an audit in the next year. What role could iNACOL Issues/Advocacy committee play in this? We can provide support and documentation, especially when legislation begins to be crafted. -Is there cross-pollination with other national organizations? It seems like there is a lack of representation of online learning at other organizations. It is an issue, but as online/blended learning grows, more of this collaboration will likely occur. Category awareness is still a critical element that needs to occur. Propose presentations at these other organizational meetings/conferences. -If you need help, email Lisa Gillis, Issues/Advocacy Chairperson. Lisa’s email is available on the iNACOL website. -Another question was asked about where to find information if you don’t have a lobbyist? Some good resources would be the iNACOL Issues and Advocacy, check for legislative briefings from other educational organizations/associations, briefings from state education departments, check state legislative committee calendars/bill calendars, etc. Also look at the Ed Reformer and Liberate Learn Websites. 1) Use the resource __K-12 Online Learning: A Smart Solution Now More than Ever.__ 2) Use the resource __When Failure is Not An Option__, which is on competency-based pathways 3) Reference __Keeping Pace 2010__ 4) Look at the Advocacy link at the iNACOL Website for additional resources 5) Be an ambassador for online learning opportunities 6) Look for opportunities with changes in legislative bodies federally/in your state
 * Committee Activities **
 * Ideas Shared from Group Discussion **
 * Things You Can Do: **