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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2002

News Release

Teachers Call for Higher Standards in Online Learning

Dallas - The National Education Association today called for higher standards and more accountability for distance learning programs at its 140th annual meeting in Dallas.

Almost 9,000 delegates approved a new policy for the organization, to also be used as a tool for policymakers, which outlines criteria for quality distance learning programs.

?The NEA works to provide a high quality education for all children, this new distance learning policy reflects that goal,? said NEA President Bob Chase.

The new policy maintains that distance education can enhance and enrich learning for students, but does not replace the vital face-to-face interaction with teachers and the social benefit of interaction with peers. Decisions about the appropriate use of online learning programs should be made in consultation with teachers and take into account the subject area, age of student and technical capabilities of the learning institution, the policy states.

Another tenet of the new policy addresses the importance of providing a high quality teacher in every classroom. It urges all online classes to be taught by certified educators with expertise or degrees in their field as well as training in successful online teaching methods.

?Whether it?s a virtual classroom or made of brick and mortar, the single most important factor to a child?s achievement is the quality of his or her teacher,? Chase said.

The National Education Association's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly is June 30 - July 5, 2002 this year in Dallas, Texas. Delegates will set the Association's overall policy for the coming year, as well as debate and consider a host of issues affecting public education in America.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.