November 18, 2008                                                                           

LANSING – Two years after Michigan gained national attention as the first state in the nation to require online learning as a requirement for high school graduation, the state now is being recognized as second in the nation for its online learning policy and practice.

“In a world that demands knowledge workers, we are giving our students and our state a competitive advantage when it comes to preparing for the 21st century economy,” said Governor Jennifer Granholm. “This national ranking reinforces Michigan’s vision for innovation and our commitment to use leading-edge delivery methods to ensure our students are ready for higher education and today’s workplace.”

The Center for Digital Education (CDE) evaluated the overall landscape of online learning and compiled state rankings to reflect the vision, policies, programs and strategies that states have deployed around online learning in an effort to transform their academic environment to meet student needs.

“Michigan has provided significant leadership for the rest of the nation in online learning and is routinely looked to as a pioneer,” said Marina Leight, director of the Center for Digital Education. “The creation of the Michigan Virtual School, Michigan LearnPort and the nation’s first high school graduation requirement for online learning are all significant milestones that demonstrate Michigan’s leadership position in this area.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said Michigan schools need to use a variety of teaching methods to reach every student.

“Online learning can provide a powerful alternative for students who have a need for greater flexibility with their education due to individual learning styles, employment commitments and comfort with traditional school environments,” Flanagan said. “There is a significant potential to expand the use of online learning as a practical strategy to help students stay in school and graduate.”

Michigan’s ranking reflects the growth of Michigan Virtual School® (MVS®), which provides online courses to more than 500 schools throughout the state. Since its inception in 2000, MVS has recorded more than 45,000 online course enrollments in subjects ranging from Algebra to Mandarin Chinese and AP Physics. Accredited in 2005, MVS is one of the largest virtual schools in the nation.

“This national ranking helps to underscore the importance of the work we have been doing for the last 10 years,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Michigan Virtual University. “I am extremely proud of our accomplishments as a state.”

In 2006, Michigan became the first state in the nation to require students to successfully complete an online course or learning experience as part of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. This action was part of a comprehensive effort to revamp Michigan’s high school graduation requirements beginning with the graduating class of 2011.

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute for K-12 and higher education technology. The CDE conducted its first review of state policies and programs to determine the status of online learning across the U.S. This review and state ranking was produced in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers and the North American Council for Online Learning. The first ever national rankings are as follows:

1. Florida
2. Michigan
3. Idaho
4. Arkansas
5. Louisiana
6. New Mexico
7. West Virginia
8. North Carolina
9. Minnesota
10. Hawaii
11. Ohio
12. Virginia
13. Illinois
14. Colorado
15. Oklahoma
16. South Dakota
17. South Carolina
18. Missouri
19. Kentucky
20. Iowa
21. Massachusetts
22. Kansas
23. Alabama
24. Maryland
25. Nevada
26. Georgia
27. Alaska
28. Washington
29. Wyoming
30. Oregon
31. North Dakota
32. Mississippi
33. Utah
34. Pennsylvania
35. Indiana
36. New Hampshire
37. Wisconsin
38. Arizona
39. Montana
40. Texas
41. Vermont
42. Rhode Island
43. New Jersey
44. Delaware
45. Tennessee
46. Nebraska
47. New York
48. Connecticut
49. California
50. Maine

To access a copy of the CDE report visit: http://www.centerdigitaled.com/index.php. For more information about MVU and its online programs for the K-12 community visit http://www.mivu.org.