At Simpson Middle School in Leesburg, VA, many students, including my own family, have experienced the challenges that come with mandatory use of Lexia, a digital reading program. While Lexia offers benefits in helping students strengthen their reading skills, the mandatory nature of this program takes away precious time that students need for their homework and other educational pursuits.

Students, especially those in middle school, are at a critical juncture in their academic journey. They are developing independent study habits and engaging in a variety of subjects that demand their full attention and time. The current requirement for all students to dedicate a significant portion of their study time to Lexia means that they often struggle to find time to complete their assignments, explore other areas of interest, or even just decompress from the pressures of schoolwork.

Educational programs should be flexible to cater to the diverse needs of students. Making Lexia optional at Simpson Middle School would allow students who benefit from it to continue using it, while freeing up time for others who need to focus more on their core homework and other educational activities.

Moreover, numerous studies highlight the importance of a balanced educational approach. As of 2022, the American Psychological Association found that excessive mandatory assignments can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout in students. Allowing students the choice to use Lexia according to their personal study needs can foster a more personalized learning environment and improve students' overall academic performance and well-being.

We urge the school administrators and the board of education to consider making Lexia optional. This change would be a step towards respecting the individual learning paths of all students at Simpson Middle School. Your support in signing this petition will demonstrate to the school authorities that the community values flexible and student-centered education policies. Please sign this petition to encourage a balanced and thoughtful approach to educational programs at Simpson Middle School.