A new secondary school in line to LGBT students, believes the first of its kind, is scheduled to launch in January 2010.
The idea of David Glick, who has been part of the virtual school environment as a consultant for some time, plus 25 years of experience in the field of education, is committed to offering students a safe place and states within Virtual Academy.
It will be an environment where students do not have to worry about harassment, Glick said. "The diversity, multicultural education … has been a great interest of mine, and what the school system or not do for disadvantaged students."
According to the 2007 National School Climate Survey published by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the researchers found that nearly nine out of ten LGBT students experienced harassment in their schools. More than half of students said they felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. Nearly 32 percent of students missed a class, and grade point average of students were harassed almost half a grade lower than their peers.
The line GLBT High School idea was originally launched in November and since then, a couple dozen students have already implemented across the country, hoping to spot one. Although there are no specific criteria on what kind of students who are looking for, the school will welcome applicants from all other spectra.
"You do not have to fall squarely within one category or another. We also recognize that some students may have poor academic records or performance. We see that as a natural part which led to many things," says Glick. "For the application, we have a question that asks if you have been suspended or expelled from school. One of the applications we have, a girl who says," I got sick of being mocked as butch, and someone hit me in the nose .
Glick believes that many students and educators have expressed enthusiasm for the idea, as it is provocative and positive, and ultimately provides an outlet for students to focus on academics.
"They have the online community to connect in a secure, monitor, support and academic environment where they can discuss things that are going to discuss another way out. We can have academic discussions about things that most schools of fugitives .
As to its curriculum, courses offered by the school will consist of courses with the ability to customize each student’s needs.
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