Demonstrating Parent Support of Public Virtual Education
March 7, 2008
Capital Times
Dwight Clough: Virtual schools would help students, state
Letter to the editor — 3/07/2008
Dear Editor: Who could oppose better education for our kids at a cheaper price? Nobody, right?
Wrong. There's a well-funded special interest group that is trying its best to deny 3,500 kids a great public education at a 35 percent discount.
But AB 870 is Gov. Jim Doyle's opportunity to show Wisconsin citizens that he knows how to put politics aside and say yes to the children of Wisconsin. Allowing virtual schools to survive and flourish helps Wisconsin.
This is his opportunity to make taxpayers and parents happy. Let's see if he takes it.
Dwight Clough
Sun Prairie
http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/letters/276019
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Green Bay Press Gazette
Virtual schools' compromise upended
March 7, 2008
SOBIESKI — There is a disturbing move under way in Madison to severely limit "virtual schools," which are a viable and cost-effective educational option for Wisconsin children.
Recently, a legislative compromise was reached between virtual school advocates and WEAC, the Wisconsin teachers' union, that resolved a lawsuit filed by WEAC against the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). It was refreshing to see Sen. Dave Hansen and other state legislators cooperate to develop this proposed bill.
However, recent amendments proposed by Gov. Doyle and approved by Senate Democrats to appease WEAC have tilted the proposed legislation against the virtual schools.
Virtual schools allow students to learn at home through innovative, computer-guided curriculum under the supervision of their parents and remotely located licensed teachers. There is accountability through frequent online and teacher assessments. The inevitable down time associated with traditional schools is eliminated.
Our son, a WIVA student for the last three years, was dissatisfied with his progress in traditional classrooms as teachers tried to meet the needs of students with varying abilities. Through WIVA, he progresses more quickly and efficiently.
The governor and state legislators must not allow this proven and efficient method of educating Wisconsin children to die under pressure from WEAC.
Richard and Lorna Roth
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/GPG06/803070723/1269/GPGopinion
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Letter: Online schools are great, too
SOBIESKI — "Every kid deserves a great public school." You've seen the billboards. Gov. Doyle, along with the senators, including Dave Hansen, have a chance to make that statement true. While reconsidering their actions, putting partisanship aside, and passing the plan without the lockout, virtual public schools can remain a viable option for our children. The question is: Will they truly do what is best for our children, or will they be influenced by Wisconsin Education Association Council, a special interest group?
Having been a teacher for 10 years, I have witnessed that public education can be very successful. I have also witnessed firsthand so can virtual public education. With its advanced curriculum, daily assessing, and topnotch WEAC teachers, virtual schools should remain a viable option.
Will Gov. Doyle sign the bipartisan bill without the enrollment cap, which would lock out future students? And then will the senators, including Dave Hansen, vote for it? That depends. Do they really believe that every kid deserves a great public school?
Carlyn Haas, Wisconsin Virtual Academy parent
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/GPG06/803050563/1269/GPG06
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