On Oct. 2 the Las Vegas Sun published two articles on Nevada's two new online public schools, followed a day later by an editorial that was largely skeptical of these public education options.
As a board member for the Nevada Virtual Academy, and father of a fourth grade student enrolled in the online public school, I would like to offer a different view.
First, we have to recognize that online education in the U.S. and across the world is booming. It is no longer an experiment, but a proven model.
The North American Council for Online Learning reports that 38 states have established e-learning initiatives for grades K-12 with 1 million students enrolled in online learning this year. More than 3 million post-secondary students are taking courses online - and the number is growing rapidly every year.
It makes sense, too. In a short time, the Internet and other technological advances have changed the world around us and the way we conduct our daily lives.
Twenty years ago, who could have imagined that the business world would flourish even as more employees work from home, or that individuals could shop, maintain their finances, and communicate with friends and relatives around the globe, all from a laptop computer in their living room ?
If people and industries are all benefiting from the efficiency of new technologies, why should kids and education be exempt?
Second , one of the major advantages of online public schools is that children receive individualized learning opportunities. In our school, each child receives a personalized learning program that is designed to meet his or her academic needs.
It allows learners - both fast and slow - to work at their own pace. The K12 curriculum that we use at the Nevada Virtual Academy was designed so children could obtain a program customized to match their unique abilities and help them achieve mastery. Additionally, students in our school will take state tests and meet all academic, attendance and accountability requirements.
Education should be about learning first and foremost. The reality is that there are kids who excel outside the traditional classroom, for a variety of reasons. We should not try to force every child to learn in the same manner, in a single structured site, using a one-size-fits-all approach, especially if we know they can thrive in an alternative setting.
Unfortunately, the Sun editorial seemed to judge online schools based solely on the false impression that kids would not be socialized. That may be what some assume, but it's not what we do at Nevada Virtual Academy.
Our school is focused on developing a strong school community. Our teachers organize outings, school activities, clubs and other events where students and parents participate together, establish strong relationships and build lasting friendships.
Not a single parent I know in our school or any other online school believes his child should be left unsocialized. Indeed, the flexibility of an online school allows many kids to be involved in even more extra-curricular and social activities than they would if they were restricted by the traditional school schedule.
In addition to the activities and outings provided by the school, my own daughter plays soccer three days a week, attends an Irish dance academy and travels weekly for piano lessons. She is certainly not "missing out" on any opportunities to fully develop her interpersonal and social skills. This is the case for many Nevada Virtual Academy students.
Online public schools are used by a diverse group of students - all kinds of kids, at every age, from all walks of life. Most students enrolled in online schools across the country were previously in public schools.
The most important principle to remember is that Nevada's new online public schools are an option for kids, not an obligation.
The parents, teachers and students at the Nevada Virtual Academy are very grateful to the State Board of Education for approving our new public school. Giving our kids this opportunity will enhance their education and give them a solid foundation from which they will accomplish great things. We are excited and look forward to demonstrating achievement, accountability and academic success for our kids.
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