CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio 780) -- It would be the first of its kind in Chicago: an on-line virtual school for kindergartners though 8th graders. In class only one day a week, and the rest of the time, in front of a computer.
WBBM Newradio 780's Steve Miller reports supporters of a Virtual Charter School are expected to talk more about their plans later Thursday.
The Chicago Teachers Union has some questions, says union spokeswoman Rosemaria Genova.
"We have very, very serious concerns about it. We are not in favor of this proposal. We don't believe this is a very educationally sound idea.
"I think that some red flags should be going up about the population that they will be serving, which includes academically challenged and expelled students. I think it's going to be difficult for them to succeed in an environment at home when they cannot succeed with teachers and teacher aides and other support mechanisms in place."
Newsradio 780 was not able to reach supporters of the Virtual Charter School Wednesday evening, but they have said students will get adequate instruction.
A spokesman for the Chicago Public Schools says the virtual school is expected to open this fall.
But Public Schools spokesman Mike Vaughn says the Illinois State Board of Education has not approved Chicago's Virtual Charter School yet, even though, Vaughn says, the state board is expected to.
Supporters say students in kindergarten through 8th grade would receive adequate instruction, attending class one day a week and getting help online four days a week, "with help from parents and instructors."
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