Every Kid Deserves a Great School
Every Kid Deserves a Great School, right?
Not according to the state teachers’ union.
Does anyone know of any test score info that would speak to the effectiveness of virtual schools?
Posted by Charlie Hillman on January 08, 2008 at 1045 hrsDoes anyone know of any test score info that would speak to the effectiveness of virtual schools?
First, (in my opinion) I would caution on relying on one supposed benchmark to define the effectiveness of virtual schools.
Second. If virtual schools weren’t effective they wouldn’t be successful. If they weren’t successful the teachers union would have no reason to spend time and resources to file lawsuits to shut them down. (they’d fail on their own)
Or you can believe the teachers union and believe that they care more about kids than the kids OWN parents do.
What a shame. We look at the problems we have with funding schools, and public schools in general. We have an AMAZING potential to educate children. Perhaps more effectively, Perhaps more efficiently.
The internet made libraries damn near obsolete. The potential for huge cost savings.
Teachers unions are scared to death because they aren’t stupid. They see the REAL possibility of how successful virtual schools COULD be. And without big expensive brick and mortar schools. Solving the problems of aging overcrowded schools with technology!
They’ll have nothing of it.
I won’t pretend that I know everything about virtual schools or anything else. But as a businessman who see’s potential in things, I see HUGE potential for virtual schools. Huge potential for learning while posing the potential to solve a LOT of our current fiscal crisis with schools.
Who wouldn’t be in favor of exploring this further?
Sure there are other issues to consider. Kid need socialization, interation with other kids, etc etc. But with all the potential problem solving, who wouldn’t want to work with this?
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1118 hrsSure there are other issues to consider. Kid need socialization, interation with other kids, etc etc.
Not that again. Just because kids are learning at home does not mean they’re closeted in a dark room, shut away from the rest of humanity.
WIVA sponsors field trips, but aside from school functions there is church, youth activities like Scouts and sports, friends in the neighborhood.
Posted by Brian on January 08, 2008 at 1243 hrsthere is church, youth activities like Scouts and sports, friends in the neighborhood.
At the Museum of Wisconsin Art (located in West Bend), they list 5 classes specifically for Homeschoolers - one class is for 5-8 age group, the other 4 classes are for age 8-14.
Although not “targeted” at Homeschoolers, the Kettle Moraine YMCA offers Youth Weight Training program for ages 11-14 years during the day, as well as “Cardio & Strength Combo” for ages 10-13 years during the day. They also have a multitude of programs that are later in the day or early evening.
I have a friend whose wife for many years did an in-home cooking program (for mothers as well as their children) that reminds me of Home Economics programs.
We have several friends whose families have done home schooling, and they “network” with each other to do field trips & other activities.
My point is that where there is a will, there is a way for parents to meet all the cultural, physical, socialization, and educational needs that they feel are necessary. I’m not sure that opportunities cited above exist in every community (West Bend is 30,000+ population), but of the numerous homeschooled children I have observed, none have been lacking in socialization, interaction, etc. I have found their parents to very resourceful in creating a vibrant educational/social environment for their children.
Personally, I don’t have the fortitude to homeschool - I sat home with my sick eight-year old yesterday and we worked on her assignments, math practice, etc - I was glad she was well enough to go to school today.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1306 hrsWhat a joke… What does the State Teachers Union know about education anyways? We should start testing the teachers as well as the students.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1350 hrsNot that again. Just because kids are learning at home does not mean they’re closeted in a dark room, shut away from the rest of humanity.
WIVA sponsors field trips, but aside from school functions there is church, youth activities like Scouts and sports, friends in the neighborhood.
I totally agree… I wasn’t in any way trying to say schools were the only way (or even the best way) to get socialization.
I was merely pre-empting what I was certain would be a knee-jerk comeback from someone who had a vested interest in the current malfunctioning school system.
I have found their parents to very resourceful in creating a vibrant educational/social environment for their children.
Exactly what I would expect and parallel with my thought that a teachers union’s primary concern is not as in the best interest of kids as their parents.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1417 hrsAnd xxp, would you not also agree that people desiring to make educational choices will parallel all the other transformations that we have witnessed due to the “Information Age”? Our current educational system is a little too “old school” if you ask me - it is the assumption that only the current established systems have the capacity to educate children & have not caught on to the fact that today’s citizens have the capacity to gather information that used to be “closed” to outsiders & to use the power of the internet to connect with like-minded people.
When I refer to transformations, I think of how the communications industry evolved after the breakup of AT&T;- in my day, you had to rent their phones (you could not buy your own phones and attach them to their system), you were not allowed to add extensions by yourself, and they stifled the development of answering machines. It was sort of like AT&T;was the “expert” on all things related to communications & knew what was best for the consumer. Unfortunately, sometimes what was best for the consumer was driven by what was convenient or most profitable for AT&T;. I’m just trying to point out what happens when innovation is brought into the picture.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1606 hrsAnd xxp, would you not also agree that people desiring to make educational choices will parallel all the other transformations that we have witnessed due to the “Information Age”? Our current educational system is a little too “old school” if you ask me - it is the assumption that only the current established systems have the capacity to educate children & have not caught on to the fact that today’s citizens have the capacity to gather information that used to be “closed” to outsiders & to use the power of the internet to connect with like-minded people.
Of course I agree with that!
I’m a little confused? Did I come off in my post as being against virtual schools? I think its a fantastic idea.
I think it has the potential to solve many problems. Aging schools, overcrowding… Provide tax relief. I see huge potential.
I agree. Going to a brick and mortar school that needs millions in upkeep costs, and needs to be replaced at millions (see all these referendums)
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1702 hrsxxpilot, no I didn’t take your post as being against virtual schools - you seem to advocate the consideration of all options, which is a good thing - it certainly works in the business world, how else would we ever innovate. I did take the opportunity to comment on the issue of socialization & interaction because I think that is a very important element in a child’s life, and it is a sad state of affairs when there is the expectation that public education will provide the necessary “quality” interaction that someone’s child needs. It takes a little effort on my and my spouse’s part (gee, call me responsible!), but our child has friends at Sunday School, regular school (yes, public), and at the YMCA. We also socialize quite a bit with 3 families that were in the same pre-school program. Then there are neighbors & family.
I think the role of schools providing “interaction & socialization” is a tad over-rated. Maybe in the old days it was necessary for kids coming off the farm to go to school for that purpose.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 1750 hrsCharlie, I guess the answer to your question is, no, no one knows of any test score information that speaks to the effectiveness of virtual schools.
It is interesting that nowhere on that site do they address the question of compliance with state law. Their presentation of the lawsuit is nothing if not misleading.
Posted by on January 08, 2008 at 2202 hrsDPI has some information on their web site . the kids are above state average according to DPI.
Posted by on January 09, 2008 at 1201 hrs- Posted by on January 09, 2008 at 1206 hrs
Ol' Army
