A study released Thursday by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry states that Missouri is, quote, “falling behind” when it comes to providing digital learning for K-12 students.
Missouri Chamber CEO Dan Mehan says although online learning options are available in the Show-Me state, most require tuition, while those that don’t are limited geographically.
“If we hope to keep pace with the changing landscape in education, we need to start by opening up virtual pathways to give our students more options for learning and success,”said Mehan.
The study contains several recommendations. They include supporting unaccredited and provisionally accredited school districts that want to offer online courses, offering fully-funded online courses to students in rural areas, and expanding broadband access to every home in Missouri.