Why We Attend Online Public SchOOlS

Transcription

1 Why We Attend Online Public Schools

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Falling Behind... 2 Advanced Learner... 4 Health Issues... 6 Special Needs... 8 Bullying Beyond the Classroom VIRGINIA PARTICIPANTS Survey relates to multiple facets of student activity outside the home Survey conducted May 2013 August 2013 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION 76% 3+ HOURS/WEEK PEER SOCIALIZATION 68% 3+ HOURS/WEEK II

3 Introduction The Virginia Chapter of PublicSchoolOptions.org is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, the Coalition advocates for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all students. In Virginia, the system for delivering on-line or virtual education is flawed. While virtual education is available in the Commonwealth, it requires that an on-line provider seek partnerships with individual counties to establish a virtual school. These partnerships often are only for one year at a time and have restrictions placed on them in terms of the number of students, types of students and grade levels that will be offered. The largest virtual school partnership in Virginia was with Carroll County. Unfortunately, Carroll County ended their virtual school partnership in the spring of This displaced over 400 students from 75 different localities and left them with limited virtual school options to attend in the fall. The following pages tell the stories of Virginia parents and students that have thrived utilizing virtual schools. Freedom from bullying, having an individualized, paced learning environment, moving for economic opportunity or for military families, ability to pursue specific extracurricular programs, ability to travel, and coping with medical needs are all reasons students utilize virtual schools. However, the common theme is that all of these students are able to learn and excel through their attendance at virtual schools. The Virginia Chapter of PublicSchoolOptions.org is committed to working to reform the broken system of delivering virtual school options in Virginia. You can learn more about the Coalition and our efforts at Sincerely, Cherie Nielsen Parent Leader, Virginia PublicSchoolOptions.org WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1

4 Falling Behind JENNIFER M., POWHATAN Katelyn, 9th grade Katelyn suffers from anxiety problems that get in the way of her schoolwork. The pressure gets worse when she misses a day and starts to fall behind, and she often had to work over the weekends when she missed school due to bouts of nerves. With the flexibility of the online curriculum Katelyn no longer falls behind. ROBIN N., MANASSAS Timothy, 6th grade At his former school, Timothy s teacher said they were going to hold him back because he didn t pay attention during class. I knew he was smart enough to do the work, so when I found out they were going to hold my son back a year, I enrolled him in an online school. The school and teacher support has been a blessing. They always treat my son with respect and kindness. 2

5 42% PLAY 2 OR MORE ORGANIZED SPORTS JACKIE C., VIRGILINA Sebastian, 4th grade, Christian, 3rd grade, and Gabriel, Kindergarten We are able to give Sebastian, Christian and Gabriel the individual attention and time they need to learn now that they are enrolled in the Virtual Academy. Each child has their own learning style. They are not forced to move on with the class whether they know the subject matter or not. They are given time to actually learn, understand and retain the material that is presented to them. The focus is on actually learning, not memorizing facts. We feel safe in knowing that our children are getting the best education that we can possibly provide for them. ALIYAH A., LEESBURG Syra, 4th grade, and Rehannah, 1st grade Our virtual school allows time for Syra and Rehannah to understand concepts with a lot less pressure from teachers and distractions from students than they were used to at our local brick and mortar. ALNEADER W., CARROLLTON Joshua, 3rd grade My son Joshua entered the local brick and mortar school in kindergarten. He was advanced for his age and never had any behavioral problems in preschool, but after entering public school he developed behavioral problems and got further and further behind. At the end of 1st grade my child knew little more than he did when he entered kindergarten. We started online school during his 2nd grade, and and now at the end of the 3rd grade he is able to read and understand books suitable for 5th graders. JENNIFER J., SMITHFIELD Christian, 6th grade, and Cathryn Morgan, 5th grade Both Christian and Cathryn Morgan are learning more than they did in years past at the Virtual Academy, and they are excited about the knowledge and information they are gaining. Christian watches Jeopardy with us and is thrilled when he can answer the questions - he is in the 6th grade. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3

6 Advanced Learner JAIME M., FORT BELVOIR Chane, 2nd grade When Chane was in a brick and mortar school, he would get bored during class because he was ahead of the other children in reading and math. He always finished well before the other children and was either given more of the same work or he had to sit and wait. Through the Virtual Academy he has been able to go to the next grade level in math and can work at his pace instead of waiting for others to understand something he already knows. CRISTINA E., WOODBRIDGE Gavin, 5th grade, and Gabriel, 1st grade So far, our experience with the Virtual Academy has been extremely rewarding. The curriculum itself is very extensive, and provides more of a challenge for Gavin and Gabriel. The fact that the curriculum is adaptable to their knowledge level is great, and also promotes a better learning process for them. 4

7 42% PARTICIPATE IN OTHER ORGANIZED ARTS ACTIVITIES RACHEL L., FAIRFAX Katherine, 3rd grade, and Carson, 2nd grade My children are profoundly gifted and, although preschool teachers tried very hard to keep them challenged and busy, it just didn t work. My older child Katherine has mild, high functioning autism and finds anything larger than a routine, adult supervised socialization experience very challenging. They ve been enrolled in an online school for three years and both children are happy, two years ahead in their work, and Katherine one has picked up social and behavior skills in a positive, anxiety-free way. DANA J., FAIRFAX Isa, 2nd grade We absolutely love our Virtual Academy and all that it has to offer Isa. My child can work a grade ahead in her advanced subjects. With the touch of a button, lessons are uploaded, attendance can be entered, tests are taken, and so much more. We love the school! CATHERINE S., NEW CASTLE Angus, 1st grade, and Elena, Kindergarten Angus was bored in preschool because he was already spelling many words while the other kids were still learning the alphabet. At his online school, he is free to work ahead. He currently reads about three hours per day. PATRICIA W., VIRGINIA BEACH Jack, 7th grade Since attending a virtual school, Jack s academic success has grown ten times over. With the new curriculum he has access to a greater degree of high-level thinking. This has enabled abilities Jack already possessed, yet was incapable of accessing in the brick and mortar school system. He also takes supplemental academic programs two to four grade levels above his own, providing him the opportunity to network with other K-12 students nationally and globally. Jack is now consistently performing two grade levels above his own. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 5

8 Health Issues TREVIS A., MANASSAS Aliyah, 5th grade Our online school allowed Aliyah the flexibility to complete schoolwork and remain on target academically, despite the fact that she has chronic migraines. When she attended a traditional brick and mortar school she often missed classes due to her illness, which also caused her to fall behind. Her new school allows Aliyah to work whenever she was feeling well, not just during traditionally prescribed school hours. STORMY A., HAMPTON Hailie, 3rd grade, and Hayden, Kindergarten My daughter Hailie was in the first grade at a brick and mortar school when we discovered she had a very rare disease. She started missing a lot of school due to doctor visits, and was falling behind in her classes. Soon, after her condition got worse she was homebound the rest of the year with only two hours of class a day at the local school. I knew I had to try something. We started her in 2nd grade at the Virtual Academy and she loves it. She is now back on the honor roll, and her reading has improved a grade level. 6

9 48% TAKE MUSIC LESSONS OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT JAMES B., NORTH CHESTERFIELD Hunter, 5th grade, and Sean, 2nd grade Hunter was unable to keep up in the brick and mortar environment due to complications from cerebral palsy. He was bright enough to understand the material, but physically was not able to write fast enough to take all the notes. With the Virginia Virtual Academy he was able to proceed at his own pace and got a much more thorough grasp of the material. ROSE M., GALAX Jeffrey, 8th grade Now that he is enrolled at virtual school, my son Jeffrey can take all three of his medications when he needs to without interrupting class time, and is able to take his time completing his work. He can even study on weekends, which he has done on numerous occasions. I m proud to say he has made honor roll eight times in the past two years. MARY B., NORTH CHESTERFIELD Hunter, 5th grade, and Sean, 2nd grade Due to a perinatal injury, Hunter has mild hypotonic cerebral palsy and an auditory processing disorder. Despite having a normal IQ, he was physically unable to take notes quickly enough to keep up with his classmates, or pay attention to what his teacher was saying. The virtual school has been no less than a Godsend for our family. He is now able to take the time he needs to grasp concepts, and has become a proficient typist as well which has increased the speed at which he can handle material. The tears and frustration with schoolwork have decreased dramatically. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 7

10 Special Needs LAURA C., VIRGINIA BEACH Leslie, 5th grade Leslie had a very hard time integrating in any classroom. She did very well academically, but has a number of social and behavioral delays which have impeded her ability to function well in a standard brick and mortar classroom. The Virtual Academy has allowed us to meet Leslie s advanced academic needs while still addressing her developmental delay. REGINA M., FRONT ROYAL Aaliyah, 2nd grade Aaliyah was in a traditional brick and mortar school for almost three years. I removed her halfway through Kindergarten because she couldn t function in the learning environment due to an autistic disorder which made it extremely hard for her. Aaliyah has been enrolled at the Virtual Academy for two years now. She is doing so great - beyond my wildest dreams. She can work at her own pace without the pressure that was put on her in school. 8

11 76% PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE MIMI F., TOANO Tristan, 6th grade The Virtual Academy has given us the flexibility to manage my son s special needs in ways the brick and mortar schools were unable to. Our son Tristan has Asperger s syndrome and extreme sensory sensitivities. Being in a room with other kids while trying to work and learn new concepts is nearly impossible for him. The virtual environment is the only way that my son will thrive and get the education he deserves. KIMBERLY B., GALAX Kendra, 3rd grade My daughter Kendra was diagnosed with ADHD, and has a very short attention span in school. The online curriculum allowed us the opportunity to teach her at her own schedule. We could do some work in the morning, take a break and then finish at night. She loved the class connect sessions because the teachers were engaging and had fun learning games to teach the students. The school has been a life saver. KIMBERLY M., HAMPTON Andrew, 1st grade My husband and I are public school teachers within our local school district, so we both knew the learning environment our son would be placed in. Andrew is autistic and not able to express himself well. He also is easily distracted and overwhelmed by his environment, so teaching Andrew at home seemed like the best option. It has been a terrific fit for us - his special education teacher is especially creative and encouraging in our weekly classes. Andrew has gained so much knowledge and made advancements in several skill sets during his first year in school. We are amazed. SHAMIM J., BLACKSBURG Faatimah, 6th grade My daughter Faatimah has become a much happier person soon after she enrolled the virtual school. Before, her self-confidence was lacking and she struggled with social issues. But having mastered her studies this past year - mostly on her own - her self-confidence has improved. Overall, not having to perform in the competitive environment of the public school system, she is now a much more relaxed, joyful person. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 9

12 Bullying MARY R., MANASSAS Cameron, 6th grade, and Cheyanne, 5th grade Our children were enrolled at a traditional brick and mortar school when we lived in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a disaster with bullying, inappropriate behavior from other children, etc. When we had to move to Virginia due to job relocation, we instinctively sought out a virtual education program. It allows us to give our children a quality public school education and at the same time, keep our children away from the influences that are not so good in the brick and mortar schools. THADDEUS W., BARBOURSVILLE Rebecca, 7th grade Rebecca was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and emotional disturbance. It did not take long for her fellow students at our local public school to figure out how to push Rebecca s buttons and make her upset. Allowing Rebecca to focus on her studies without the constant distractions from fellow students has been the biggest positive so far. 10

13 70% SAID BULLYING WAS A FACTOR IN SWITCHING SCHOOLS CYNTHIA K., WILLIAMSBURG Charles, 7th grade Our Virtual Academy is way more enriching than our former public school. Charles was bullied at his brick and mortar, and the school did little or nothing to help. The program he is in now is helping Charles to gain self-esteem by working with the computer more, and teaches him skills he will need for college. TERRA C., FREDERICKSBURG Savannah, 7th grade Savannah is a gifted child with a processing disorder. Now that she is at the Virtual Academy, she has the chance to learn at her own pace without the social distractions that affected her most of her elementary school years. Savannah had been bullied to the point that she did not want to do her school work because she said that if she showed she was smart, the bullying would get worse. Through learning online at home, she has become herself again and has regained confidence in herself and in her peers. ASHLEY B., TAPPAHANNOCK Torre, 8th grade, and Virginia, 7th grade Torre and Virginia are learning way more now that they attend an online school. At their traditional brick and mortar school, lots of bully students and teachers got in the way of their learning. They are much happier now. RENEE B., LEESBURG Nadia, 7th grade, and Alissa, 4th grade While attending their traditional public school, I noticed that Nadia and Alissa developed a negative attitude toward learning, as well as their fellow peers. Students seemed more interested in completing assignments than understanding the material. They were often distracted by countless interruptions from classmates, especially subjects that had little to nothing to do with education. However, with our Virtual Academy, my children thrive. They learn in a positive environment, get along with their classmates, and are challenged academically to achieve more than they had in traditional school. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 11

14 Beyond the Classroom CHERIE N., VALENTINES Joel, 5th grade, Noah, 5th grade, and Andie, 2nd grade After doing some research, I discovered I could enroll my children in an online public school. I was excited to know that they would learn everything (and beyond) what their peers were learning, but at home. To me, it was the best of both worlds. Our kids have lots of time to interact with other children through civic duties, church events, scouts, sports, and organized school events while still meeting the state s education requirements, which was a huge factor in our family s decision. JENNIFER C., RICHMOND Ian, Kindergarten Ian s interests are not the norm in the area in which we live, so he does not fit in with the local kids and gets bullied in most circumstances. With our virtual school we don t have that problem. We are also a midnight shift family. Without online education, my son would rarely get to see his father, and that would be a tragedy to both of them. This school is the perfect solution for us. 12

15 30% PARTICIPATE IN BOY SCOUTS OR GIRL SCOUTS ANDREA K., ASHBURN Sophia, 6th grade Sophia is a competitive figure skater. Due to ice and coaching time, she needed a more flexible schedule which would allow her to get a great education within a schedule that worked for her training. Since enrolling in her online school, Sophia completed 100% of all of her classes, received honor roll for all four grading periods and was nominated to Junior National Honor Society. She is very disciplined and the virtual school curriculum worked great for her and I (as her learning coach). CHRISTINA E., CHANTILLY Alisa, 6th grade, David, 4th grade, and Angel, 2nd grade With our online school we have the time and flexibility to enjoy learning as a family. Alisa, David and Angel are growing up learning alongside one another as opposed to only seeing each another before and after school. They ve had time to participate in more extracurricular activities and serve in our community since learning at home. NICOLE S., WOODBRIDGE Dillon, 2nd grade When we researched and discovered our virtual school, we were ecstatic. Dillon has excelled during the three years he has been enrolled. History is one of his favorite subjects, and there are plenty of opportunities for extra learning with all the museums and historic battlefields nearby. We love that we get a more hands on involvement with his learning so much so that we decided to enroll our other son for kindergarten next fall. This has been a great opportunity for his education. QADRIYAH H., RICHMOND Faheem, 8th grade We learned about ther virtual school option and compared it to our current program. It met our needs completely. Attending a virtual school has allowed our son to have a rewarding experience with volunteer work. At his former school he had volunteered regularly, which gave him an outlet to socialize with other students and staff. This is a refreshing aspect of his virtual school experience, since his work doesn t take him away from an activity he loves to do. WHY WE ATTEND ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 13

16 THE PROBLEM AND SOLUTION: The current system of delivering virtual education in the Commonwealth requires partnerships between online providers and individual counties. Often these partnerships are only for 1 year at a time and come with restrictions on grade levels, the number of students, and types of students that can participate. Tragically, these partnerships can end without notice and are subject to local changes in terms of county staff or school board composition, as was the case for Carroll County, which ended its virtual school in the spring of Instead, Virginia should consider establishing a statewide virtual school. This will allow students to have For the additional opportunity information to attend please a virtual contact: school unaffected by year to year contracts and closures. A family s primary concern should be on a student s PO Box 3230 education as opposed to political bureaucracies within local school systems Arlington, VA FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Cherie Nielsen, Virginia Parent Leader, Cherie@PublicSchoolOptions.org Chris Whyte, Virginia Chapter Coalition Manager, Chris@PublicSchoolOptions.org