Janet Barresi, Oklahoma State Superintendent and “CER at 20” panelist, is pushing for legislation that will bring new accountability standards to virtual charter schools.

A strong supporter of virtual charter schools, Barresi said it’s critical for Oklahoma’s virtual schools be held to the same standards as all charter schools in the system.

Currently, there are two virtual charter schools that serve 5,269 students out of 25 total charters in Oklahoma, according to the Tulsa World.

In Oklahoma, universities that meet certain criteria, school districts, and federally recognized Indian tribes can authorize charter schools, with virtual schools under the auspices of a State Commission.

Legislation would likely address financial transparency, determining how schools identify low-income students and ensuring fiscal responsibility on the part of the Legislature.

“Virtual charters point to some innovative possibilities in public education as the result of improved communications, but such changes come with challenges,” Barresi said in a statement.

“Accountability, transparency, and rigor remain crucial cornerstones to a high-quality education — cornerstones that would be protected through this type of legislation.”