Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1544743
12 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 1 AHP ADVOCACY If you have questions for the AHP Government Relations team, email gr@associatedhairprofessionals.com. AHP supports online education for certain hands-off topics like theory, ethics, and business courses. Hands-on education is nonnegotiable for skills like cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments, and more. Provided distance learning does not take the place of hands-on education in the topics that need to be in person, why shouldn't distance education be a permanent fixture in our institutions of cosmetology education? It provides flexibility for students pursuing cosmetology as a second career aer their 9–5 job or for those juggling school with family responsibilities. It saves money for schools, which in turn saves money for students. It allows students to study at their own pace, providing the chance to pause, rewind, and rewatch. Now that we have years of data to examine, we can see that the benefits of distance education, when implemented responsibly, far outweigh any drawbacks. What of the argument that online classes provide subpar learning, that they can be put on in the background and ignored? e argument isn't as sound as you may think. Many programs require students to be on camera during class, meaning the teacher can ensure students are paying attention. ere are limits on student-to-teacher ratios, making sure no student falls through the cracks. ere are also AI programs that make sure students' eyes stay trained on their screens during instruction. ere is also the matter of having to pass an exam to get licensed, meaning if you don't pay attention, you don't pass. e voices clamoring for a return to full- time, in-person classes are fading as evidence shows that, for some parts of a curriculum, online education can be just as effective as traditional education. KUDOS FOR CHANGE AHP is happy to see states locking in changes to statutes and regulations that permanently allow online education. We want you, our members, to have access to the type of education that works for you. Whether you're a new student in cosmetology school, a seasoned veteran keeping up with CE, or a school trying to provide the best possible education, AHP believes that online education has a critical role to play in your education story. Our government relations department will continue to fight to make sure you have options in your education while ensuring states maintain the high standards you and your clients expect. AHP is happy to see states locking in changes to statutes and regulations that permanently allow online education. GETTY IMAGES