January 27, 2016
ALBANY, NY – State Senator Catharine Young (R, Olean), spoke with Commissioner MaryEllen Elia during Elia’s testimony, as an opportunity to get an update on the steps the State Education Department has now taken to enhance the availability of online and blended learning services for school districts across the state. This is something that Sen. Young has been pushing for the state, and got a law passed last year to promote online learning.
The full exchange between Senator Young and Commissioner Elia can be viewed below:
The Online Learning Advisory Council is co-chaired by Dr. David O’Rourke, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES superintendent. “Dr. O’Rourke has done a fantastic job in leading this effort, and has been able to incorporate some of the innovative best practices already being used to help area students,” said Senator Young.
“I represent 46 school districts, including a couple of small city school districts, but across the board my districts are rural and all districts across the state need to have access to more online learning opportunities because it’s very difficult to bring these opportunities otherwise, especially in poor rural areas. Every child can have their world opened up and new opportunities through [online learning],” Senator Young said.
The senator also notes that additional details about her work with the Online Learning Advisory Council, including a copy of its report, can be found Additional details about Senator Young’s work with the Online Learning Advisory Council, including a copy of its report, can be found by visiting: http://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/catharine-young/online-learning-advisory-council-issues-final-report.
