Oregon Education Board Tackles Virtual Schools

State Board of Education Seeks to Clarify Who Decides When a Child Can Attend an E-school

Fewer than one percent of Oregon students are enrolled in online public schools. But for nearly five years, the funding, quality, and financial management of those virtual schools have been dominating discussions in state Capitol hearing rooms and school district board rooms.

Last week, the Oregon board of education took a small step toward resolving one of the thorniest questions of the virtual school movement: Who decides whether a child can attend an online-only school?

In Oregon, where education dollars follow the students, the issue pits parent choice...