RE: Question 2: Non-traditional education

I would have to agree with Margo that the state should stay out of the way - to the degree that they provide funding or covering for the instructional program, then they have a right and a responsibility to monitor and be responsible for outcomes. The state standards have been widely distributed and should be followed as far as breadth and depth - but the method of getting there needs to be a joint effort amongst the student, parents and educators involved
Re: "Also, might the state play a role by providing incentives?" vis a vis the API money, etc., this has been a debacle -I would suggest the state work on lessening restrictions on educational delivery and forget the incentives