A new online high school targeting LGBT students, believed to be the first of its kind, plans to launch in January 2010, reports the Pioneer Press.
While other online schools exist, as do bricks-and-mortar schools that serve gay students, the Minnesota program is the first to combine the two features, according to the International Association for K-12 Online Learning.
Named the GLBTQ Online High School, and based in Maplewood, MN, it is the brainchild of David Glick, the first online learning coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Education. (GLBTQ represents gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning.)
The school's mission is to provide a safe and welcoming educational community that provides a high quality, comprehensive college-preparatory online high school experience for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexual orientation or gender using the best technology and techniques of distance education.
Filed under: Minnesota
Ohh WOW !!!!! I sure WISH this concept was around during my HS Years 66/69 Things just might have been easier...
Of course NOT having the Internet Invented as yet made it kinda hard.... But I do think it is a wonderful idea.....
In fact it should be for real and open to the whole Nation
Woah, this sounds really cool! My high school is really liberal and accepting, and I know I am very lucky to have such a safe environment there, but this must be such a blessing for people in less fortunate situations. I'm so happy to see this happening, so people can be who they are without fear of bullying at school.
I am currently in the process of finishing my B.Ed and although I understand the hardship of being a gay student in HS or any school for that matter, I can't imagine loosing the talent and diversity gay students bring to the classroom. I don't know what the answer is, but I am not convinced being taken out of the everyday scenarios of HS is the answer, although looking back and having had the option it probably would have been my first choice as well...