Virtual Alternative Education At Risk Due To Proposed Rule Change

The State Board of Education is considering changing a rule for alternative education directly affecting students. The possible rule change would require students to meet in-person for a certain number of hours, this would only affect Insight School of Oklahoma who helps alternative students across the state. 

Erika Penuel has one kid still in high school, but a possible change could disrupt his education.

"If he lost this program, I think he would lose his confidence," said Penuel.

Penuel says her son has excelled at Insight School of Oklahoma. It's an alternative education virtual charter school, the only one serving students here in Oklahoma.

"He gets the same six credits, but it's structured a little differently," said Penuel.

The virtual version of this alternative education allows students to learn in trimesters and take 3 to 5 classes daily. It also gives students who necessarily do not excel in traditional school a second chance.

"We have students that have anxiety, mental, or physical needs," said Jennifer Wilkinson, ISOK's Head of School.

Wilkinson says she has 1,100 students currently enrolled.

The possible rule change requires students to be physically present, in person, and on-site in the alternative education program.

Wilkinson says this change would leave her students finding a new path to education.

"We had 220 students graduate last year," said Wilkinson.

The State Department of Education's press secretary says the board is only in the rule-making process. That there are plans to listen to public comment.

"Why are you so dead set on parent choice, but not? You are going to take away an option that a parent could choose," said Penuel.

The public hearing will be next Wednesday at 1:30 at the State Department of Education.