Education Update

Anyone who pays attention to this blog knows the choice we made for Vinny's education. If you somehow missed this, we chose on-line charter school.

 Because of that choice, Vinny was able to start school as a Kindergartener by name, but skip the K curriculum, instead starting at 1st grade. He flew through the program, completing 1st grade only a month after the second semester began. He has now started 2nd grade and is slated to complete the first semester by years end.

 But some people in Oregon don't like this. They are trying to reduce the number of kids allowed in these programs, cut funding and create a special task force just for watch dogging the on-line charter schools.

 The major force behind these bills is the OEA, a group who claims to be out for what is best for teachers and students. But if that is really the goal, why are they attacking a system that is helping students prosper and a place teachers love to work (I have spoken to multiple ORCA and OVRA teachers about this)?

 Why is it that the OEA and other "for kids" groups are against these others options in education? Is it because they have less control over on-line charter? Because they cannot box all kids into the same mold? Or is it because they see where they are failing and it is not because of a lack of funding, but instead a lack of effort on the part of the administrators in charge of budgeting?  (On-line students get less funding than brick and mortar ones, yet more often than not, do better in school)


 Now please keep in mind, I have nothing against teachers. Many of my friends and family are teachers. They work hard and do their best for their students. But if they are locked into a failing system, they can only do so much.

 I am also not saying on-line education is for everyone. Many need the experience of a B&M education, or would thrive either way so they go to school with their friends. But it is such a wonderful program for others. And as a parent, each of us should have the choice of how our children are educated.

 So I would ask all my friend in Oregon and around the country, if you get the chance to vote for or support a bill, please, give parents the choice for what is best for their child. Support school choice!