Va.: Welcome to the 21st century education system

WASHINGTON – High school students in Virginia will soon be required to take an online class in order to get their diplomas.

Expanding virtual education has been a key part of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s education agenda. He says the online course requirement will better prepare students for the “job market of the 21st century.”

The new measure applies to students who start the ninth grade in the 2013 to 2014 academic year.

Virginia joins several other states, including Idaho and Florida, that have adopted online course graduation requirements. The state already offers online classes through a website called Virtual Virginia, which provides everything from advanced placement to foreign language instruction.

WTOP’s Windsor Johnston contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up