Indiana state board suggests tougher rules for virtual charters

After fewer than 10 years of virtual charter school operations in the state, the Indiana State Board of Education voted this week to recommend sweeping changes that would impose stricter regulations on and stronger oversight for such schools, including two of the largest and worst-performing schools in the state, Chalkbeat reports.The recommended rules, which still need to be approved by lawmakers, would halt public school districts from overseeing virtual schools and eliminate the current fee structure that the board says creates a disincentive to  intervene when schools are struggling. The plan would also limit the growth of new schools and those that are underperforming. The board also recommends setting minimum student-to-teacher ratios for virtual charters and virtual education programs in public schools and requiring students to undergo mandatory orientation before enrolling to ensure better attendance and engagement with virtual schools.