BAKERSFIELD,CA- For some students in Kern County, back to school means trading sounds of bells for sounds of a keyboard.
"It's a choice that they're making because it's a different route. For safety reasons, for bullying for socialization issues some times we have medically fragile children that come to our program," said Katrina Abston with California Virtual Academies."
California Virtual Academies is a virtual charter school that serves Kern County, where 80 percent of the learning is online.
"It's been great for my kids because I have one disabled daughter that went through part of the program and it helped because I can slow it down for her and for my three younger ones who are more advanced I've been able to let them go at their own pace," said Tara Whitmore.
Under current law, if a student moves out of the county, they must enroll in a new online school.
But Bakersfield Assemblywoman Shannon Grove has introduced AB 2007, a bill that would allow students who move to a different county, to finish up the academic year at their current school.
The bill was passed by the State Senate Appropriations Committee Monday.
"Well it allows them to have continuity in their education system. So that is somebody left say in January they'll be able to finish until September in the actual school in which they're participating in now without interrupting their curriculum or their teacher their school process," said Grove.
But critics question the bill saying it may hinder the school's ability to provide instructional services for the students.
Online charter schools are primarily funded by average daily attendance.
Currently, a virtual school is prohibited from receiving ADA funding for students who do not live in the same county where the school is administered.
And critics say it's harder for students to meet face-to-face with teachers if they are living miles away.
The bill needs approval from the entire senate before it can be presented to Governor Jerry Brown
"It's a choice that they're making because it's a different route. For safety reasons, for bullying for socialization issues some times we have medically fragile children that come to our program," said Katrina Abston with California Virtual Academies."
California Virtual Academies is a virtual charter school that serves Kern County, where 80 percent of the learning is online.
"It's been great for my kids because I have one disabled daughter that went through part of the program and it helped because I can slow it down for her and for my three younger ones who are more advanced I've been able to let them go at their own pace," said Tara Whitmore.
Under current law, if a student moves out of the county, they must enroll in a new online school.
But Bakersfield Assemblywoman Shannon Grove has introduced AB 2007, a bill that would allow students who move to a different county, to finish up the academic year at their current school.
The bill was passed by the State Senate Appropriations Committee Monday.
"Well it allows them to have continuity in their education system. So that is somebody left say in January they'll be able to finish until September in the actual school in which they're participating in now without interrupting their curriculum or their teacher their school process," said Grove.
But critics question the bill saying it may hinder the school's ability to provide instructional services for the students.
Online charter schools are primarily funded by average daily attendance.
Currently, a virtual school is prohibited from receiving ADA funding for students who do not live in the same county where the school is administered.
And critics say it's harder for students to meet face-to-face with teachers if they are living miles away.
The bill needs approval from the entire senate before it can be presented to Governor Jerry Brown