School choice matters for California’s children

The week of January 26-February 1, was National School Choice Week, a celebration with more than 3,000 schools participating to shine a spotlight on effective education options for all children.

Why is this important? Today’s students encounter unique educational challenges. In the face of classroom distractions, bullying, social pressure, family and work responsibilities high school dropout rates, though slowly improving, continue to be at crisis levels.

There’s also a growing dissatisfaction with the “one size fits all” style of education and curriculum. An increasing number of California families are realizing that not all children learn and thrive in the same environment. In response, parents are seeking educational settings that suit their child’s individual needs, exercising choice in their children’s education.

As the Senior Head of Schools for California Virtual Academies (CAVA), a tuition-free online public school for students in grades K-12, I’m proud to help children thrive with online learning. The CAVA program combines active parent involvement with highly qualified, state-certified teachers and a challenging, enriching research-based curriculum that is designed to meet or exceed state standards.

CAVA is on the forefront of finding innovative and effective ways for students to learn using digital learning platforms in combination with hands-on materials. Students work with California-credentialed teachers and log in daily to their “Individualized Learning Programs,” custom curriculum with planning and progress tools, and interactive lessons featuring animation and videos that make learning come alive.

Online school allows accelerated students to grasp a concept and move on, and gives a student that might need to delve deeper into a concept time to do so and still keep up. It can free students from classroom distractions and help them feel safe in communities with violence. The model involves parents in every step of learning and offers students a chance to discover their own learning style. A remarkable number of students tell us they actually enjoy learning now that they are at California Virtual Academies.

Online education is not the right option for every student, but it is the path to success for many. It’s important than all families know about their options. Whether in a traditional public school, private school or charter, students deserve an education that removes barriers to success.

During this year’s National School Choice Week, hundreds of families across California and the nation celebrated having choices in their education services. Learn about your options in education today!