Sometimes, challenges offer golden opportunities to be innovative. Educating our children during these tough times offers one such opportunity. I read a recent The Californian article from Jennifer Kabbany ("Online schooling offers new options," Oct. 9) that discusses the growing field of distance learning, where students take classes on their computers at home. She mentions that "Kids nowadays are raised on computers, electronics and the Internet," so parents should look into online learning if it helps their children.
I could not agree more. As the father of seven children, I am always looking for ways to provide them with more enriching educational opportunities as they head into the workforce. As a state Assemblyman, I am working hard to stretch our existing education tax dollars to the fullest while providing a top-notch experience for our students. That is why I have introduced Assembly Bill 851 to require our state's public college systems to advance the cause of distance learning.
AB 851 will direct the California State University and our community colleges to report to the Legislature on the performance of distance learning courses, and the feasibility of developing accelerated degrees consisting of such courses. The legislation also asks the University of California, which enjoys considerable autonomy from the Legislature, to do the same.
Ms. Kabbany mentioned that the California Department of Education has taken an important step to publicize K-12 distance learning by offering an "Online Education Index." Indeed, it is a good resource for parents considering whether such an approach works for their child, which is why the state should do more to explore this promising field at the college level. After all, online education can help people earn their high school diploma or college degree even if work or family commitments prevent them from attending a physical school.
My bill also requires the state to identify the steps needed to establish the Western Governors University in California. WGU is a nonprofit online university founded and supported by 19 U.S. governors in 1997. It allows nontraditional students to meet their educational goals online and improve their career prospects at an affordable price while allowing them to work full-time.
WGU now graduates over 2,200 students each year in over 50 degree programs. Institutions such as WGU hold great promise at offering more students a high quality education at a lower cost since additional classrooms and facilities do not have to be built. Online learning is not for everyone or for every field of study, but it could be an option for those comfortable using technology. AB 851 has overwhelming bipartisan support and I am hopeful the Legislature can pass it when it reconvenes next year. It is time for the state to embrace this innovative learning tool and reject the false premise that the only solution to our education problems is spending more money on the status quo. After all, the quality of education is not determined by how much is spent, but by how and where it is spent.
To stay competitive with other states and nations that are embracing the latest technology in their schools, California needs to do the same. We want our kids reaching for the stars, and we want our schools to help them get there. Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, represents the 64th Assembly District in the California Legislature.