Send to: stateboardoffice@doe.nj.gov
(To see what follow this link https://www.nj.gov/education/sboe/meetings/testimony/index.shtml
DO NOT FORGET TO ADD YOUR NAME
We are a group of parents concerned about our children’s education. After more than a year of remote learning we discovered something – some of our children actually learn BETTER virtually. Education is not one size fits all and neither are our children. For a variety of reasons, our children have THRIVED during remote learning. Some of us have children who want to return to school in person after they are vaccinated. Others may not want to “return to normal” because “normal” wasn’t working for our kids.
Thirty-three US States have permanent, free, public or charter virtual school options. New Jersey has none. Many of these programs predated the pandemic, others have been added or have expanded within the last year. Pennsylvania, for example, has operated virtual academies successfully for a decade. Their virtual program does not detract from the in-person school experience, rather it provides a vital choice and reaches students that otherwise would be falling through the cracks. 33 States know what we New Jersey parents have recently discovered -- that virtual school is a valuable alternative for students who struggle during traditional in-person school.
Many of us have children with complex medical needs that make them high risk for serious complications from COVID-19. At the moment, children under 12 are not yet able to be vaccinated. Why not allow parents to keep their kids learning remotely until they are vaccinated and feel safe? Many of our children qualify for special education and have IEPs designed to ensure our children receive individualized education delivered in a way that best meets their needs. For many of us, remote learning best meets those needs. Students without IEPs who felt anxious or distracted during in-person school, students who were bullied, students who had frequent absences due to medical issues – all of them also benefited from virtual school. While we understand that learning in person is best for many students, we also know that learning virtually is what is best for other children. Families deserve to have a CHOICE in our children’s education and to do what is best for our kids.
Children and their education are not one size fits all and they should stop being lumped together with those who did not fare well. If you need more information, parents and students who have benefitted from virtual learning are happy to meet with you. We’ve also collected stories from hundreds of families across the state of New Jersey who want to have a choice to continue virtual education. When you see how it has helped our children, maybe you will understand why we are so passionate about maintaining it.
We need your support. Please protect our children and help us keep them safe. Please allow virtual programs to operate in New Jersey in time for the opening of school in September 2021. Virtual school choice works in 33 other states. Why not NJ?
Thank you.
INSERT YOUR NAME HERE
New Jersey Parents for Virtual Choice
njpfvc@gmail.com