Policy

iNACOL Launches Free K-12 Policy Webinar

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 05/07/15

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) will host a webinar May 13 focused on policy changes, such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), in K-12 education.

The webinar will also address current Department of Education programs aiming to support personalized learning and state policies about innovation zones and course access.

Presenters will include:

• Richard Culatta, director of the Office of Educational Technology at ED;
• Buddy Harris, ‎senior policy analyst for the Ohio Department of Education; and
• Maria Worthen, iNACOL's vice president for federal and state policy.

"Maria Worthen will highlight iNACOL's federal and state policy advocacy activities, providing a federal update on ESEA, focusing on key elements within the Senate reauthorization bill that will help to advance new learning models," according to a news release. "She will also explore how states are advancing flexibility for schools and districts to implement personalized, competency-based learning through course access and innovation zones. From a federal perspective, Richard Culatta will present on specific U.S. Department of Education initiatives, including FutureReady and ConnectED. From a state perspective, Buddy Harris will provide insight on Ohio's competency education district pilot bill."

"From Capitol Hill to state capitals across the country, education leaders are working to transform the policy landscape around personalized learning for every student," said Susan Patrick, president and CEO of iNACOL, in a prepared statement. "New learning models harness the power to close achievement gaps and extend access to high-quality learning opportunities, preparing more students for college and career and reducing inequities in our education system. The presenters of this webinar will highlight the significant federal and state policy shifts that are taking place to transform to a student-centered, competency-based education system."

The free hour-long webinar will take place Wednesay, May 13 at 2 pm ET. For more information, or to register for the event, visit docs.google.com.