Here's an extract from an article published on Feb 28, 2008 in the Chippewa Herald.

"Virtual schools are online classrooms children attend from home. Students from kindergarten through high school can attend. Supporters hail the system as a difference-maker for kids who don't learn well in traditional schools.

A state appeals court in December ruled virtual schools violate state laws on teacher licensing, open enrollment and charter schools. If lawmakers don't pass a bill changing state law before they adjourn next month, a dozen virtual schools enrolling 3,500 children could begin closing by fall."

www.chippewa.com/articles/2008/02/28/ap-state-wi/d8v3djr00.txt

This is surely a sobering reminder of why our teaching parents need all the support we can give! In Madison, Wisconsin those participating in virtual programs could face having this option no longer. Unless a bill is passed to keep the schools open this state may loose this schooling choice. The bill will ensure the virtual schools remain open but there will be an enrollment cap and a rigorous audit to study the effectiveness of these programs.

Many have their doubts about the effectiveness of home based K-12 Virtual School programs. Some question a parent's ability to teach their child at home. Socialization is another issue non-home educators get stuck on. Of course taxpayer money probably comes into play also! No one likes to think someone else might be getting a better deal. One thing is for certain the families who rely on this type of education for their children need all the support they can get in implementing effective online programs.

I am a New Zealand trained teacher and a parent. I teach my children using an online curriculum at home. My eldest daughter does not fit into the public system in America and is best educated at home. With my teaching experience and what I have learned from being a parent I believe I am able to deliver the best program for her in our home. However it does occur to me that not all parents having to make this choice have the teaching experience I do.

To find your self in a place that is unfamiliar and not always looked at as the norm can be very unsettling as a parent. We want to do the best by our children and understand the world they live in today. Charter schools offering K12 curriculum have given many families a sense of normalcy in a society where home educating is still looked at as an "alternative". For those of us who are required to choose home educating to benefit our children this has been a huge sense of relief.

It is incredibly important that the role of the Charter School teacher be supportive and interactive to ensure successful learning outcomes for the student. Not all parents are choosing virtual education because they are seasoned teachers who want to teach their own! Many parent/teachers face challenging and complex learning problems with their students and will need the experience and guidance of a teaching professional to help their journey be more successful. Many of us go back to "playing school" when given the role of teacher. We all remember bossing our friends around when it was our turn to teach! Modern approaches to teaching are fairly different than they were 20 - 30 years ago. It is only fair to keep our parent-teachers informed about effective teaching practice and support them through their delivery of their Online Virtual Programs.

With all this in mind it is a good idea to always keep a very open communication with your child's school. When teaching in the home this relationship becomes even more important than ever. Both parent-teacher and student need to be very clear that help and support are only a phone call or an email away!

Margit Barreras
2Think2Learn.com