The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

A new year brings a new Legislature, a new state budget debate, and new opportunities for Wisconsin’s online learners.

As the president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families (WCVSF), I’ve had a front row seat for much of our two-decades-long journey advocating for online public charter schools in our state. The story of virtual education in Wisconsin began to unfold in 1993 when the legislature passed, and former Governor Tommy Thompson signed, our charter school law; making us one of the pioneering states in educational innovation. The transition unleashing the opportunities of online learning came later, driven by the need for educational flexibility and the rapid evolution of technology.

In Wisconsin, we define virtual charter schools under Wisconsin Statutes as institutions where instruction is delivered over the Internet, with students and educators geographically apart. This model was crucial for students who needed an alternative to traditional schooling due to various life circumstances – health issues, on-site bullying, or the simple need for a different pace of learning.

One of the earliest stars in this new educational galaxy was iForward, operating through the Grantsburg School District. Since its start, iForward has been providing a tuition-free, online education from kindergarten through 12th grade, bringing personalized learning to students across the state. Similarly, Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) has been a stalwart in offering comprehensive courses, including AP and special programs. eAchieve is a highly-regarded, district-run program out of Waukesha. The Rural Virtual Academy is a consortium that is run by several school districts in north central Wisconsin. Each year, there are new options available to Wisconsin kids.

However, this expansion wasn’t without its hurdles. Ensuring student engagement, fostering social skills in a digital environment, and providing equitable access to technology have been ongoing challenges. But these very issues have also been the catalyst for innovation in how we educate, assess, and support our students.

Over the last 20 years, the WCVSF has been instrumental in shaping the future of online education here. Our work has included:

Advocacy for Legislation: Our coalition has led the way in pushing for laws like Act 114 in 2012 under former Governor Scott Walker’s administration, which opened up enrollment in public schools, including virtual ones, to students outside their district without extra fees. This was a game-changer for access to online education.

Raising Awareness: We organized and led events like our rally at the State Capitol in January 2008 and many Capitol Days since, where we educated lawmakers about the benefits of virtual schools. These efforts have significantly broadened public and legislative support for online learning.

Policy Engagement: I’ve sat in numerous meetings with policymakers over the last decade, ensuring that virtual schools and our students were part of the conversation. We’ve worked hard to remove caps on enrollment, allowing more students to benefit from online education. And we’ve fought efforts to restrict choices in education. Each year, it seems, there are new threats, along with the aforementioned opportunities.

Operational Support: During the infancy of online schools, we guided many districts and chartering organizations through the intricacies of state regulations, especially around funding and accreditation, to ensure they can grow and thrive.
Acknowledging Support: In recognition of supportive policies, we’ve honored lawmakers and key educators and parents with awards for their contributions as champions of educational reform.

Our advocacy has led to a notable increase in virtual charter schools in Wisconsin, with more than 60 virtual schools and programs now recognized by the Department of Public Instruction.

This journey has been about more than technology; it’s been about a community-driven push for educational inclusivity and innovation. As we continue to navigate the complexities of education in the digital age, the WCVSF remains committed to ensuring that every student in Wisconsin has access to a learning environment that fits their unique needs and circumstances. We advocate for school choices for all kids, not just online learners. We trust parents, and we build bridges with allies across the state.

This year we’re pushing for equal opportunity and fair funding for our students. The current funding formula short changes online charter students, and even singles them out by restricting their access to extracurricular activities. In addition, the state standardized testing protocols are archaic, burdensome and unfair, and must be modernized.

We look forwardt to working with everyone, regardless of political party or which part of the state they call home. Our champions are anyone who’s willing to fight for fairness and increased educational opportunity for children in Wisconsin.

It’s a new year. Let’s get after it…together!

– Ty Babinski lives in West Salem and is president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, a Wisconsin based, all-volunteer, dues-free organization of parents, not affiliated with any particular school or national organization. The WCVSF has been independently advocating for online learners in Wisconsin for twenty years.