Michigan has just earned the distinction as the second best online learning state in the nation by the Center for Digital Education.

The honor comes two years after Michigan became the first state in the nation to require online learning for high school graduation.

"Michigan has provided significant leadership for the rest of the nation in online learning and is routinely looked to as a pioneer," said Marina Leight, director of the Center for Digital Education. "The creation of the Michigan Virtual School, Michigan LearnPort, and the nation's first high school graduation requirement for online learning are all significant milestones that demonstrate Michigan's leadership position in this area."

Check out the listing of the 371 course sections -- from Algebra to World Literature -- students can take online through the Michigan Virtual School.

Intensified education is on the minds of nearly every Community Conversation participant as the Center for Michigan travels the state in the Michigan's Defining Moment Public Education campaign.

Kalamazoo economist Tim Bartik explained the economic rationale for such citizen hope in testimony before the Michigan Legislature this month.

"The bottom-line is that even modest improvements in school quality have large benefits for the state economy," said Bartik, a senior economist at the WE Upjohn Institute. "Of course, making even modest improvements is easier said than done."