Parents are rethinking education – and it’s a good thing

Education in California is undergoing a once-in-a-generation change as tens of thousands of parents make important decisions about how and where their children learn. From reviewing curricula to exploring school choices and non-traditional learning models, parents are looking to find a better or complementary learning environment for their children.

Over the past two years, California families have faced the academic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the domestic peak of what was actually going on in their classrooms. As a result, parents are more involved than ever in their children’s education, choosing new schools, revisiting options more often, and exploring new or non-traditional learning options.

California parents are not alone. A survey this month by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation found that 53.7 percent of parents nationwide have recently explored or are currently considering new education options for their children. Black parents (64.5 percent), Hispanic parents (64.6 percent), and parents aged 18-29 (63.3 percent) were the most likely to review new schools for their children, according to the survey.

Parents and their children are at a crossroads. We must provide families with more resources and access to choose the best school or education option.

We ourselves have experienced such a crossroads. One of our daughters has special needs, most notably reduced vocal abilities and mild cerebral palsy, which limits some physical activities. But she is incredibly bright and creative. Instead of addressing these issues and developing her strengths, she was placed in a class with a wide range of students with special needs, including larger older students with severe behavioral problems.

Her teachers cared deeply and went out of their way to help, but students with severe behavioral problems dominated their time and dictated the direction of the class. The situation not only limited (or eliminated) her learning opportunities, but also created a real physical danger. We had the advantage of being very involved and meeting with teachers and administration frequently, but the system was inflexible. We needed change.

Luckily, we found one at a charter school that provided us with the flexibility and creative options that helped our daughter thrive. She is now on her way to real learning, academic achievement, and an independent productive life instead of being trapped in a lifetime of dependence on the state. We must ensure that all families and students have this opportunity.

During National School Choice Week, January 22-28, families can learn about school choices and attend local events as they consider their K-12 options for the next school year. California schools and organizations are planning 2,179 educational opportunity celebrations this month as public charter schools, public virtual schools, private schools, and blended and homeschooling highlight their unique choices.

Despite its place as the technology and innovation base of the world, California still lags behind other states in support of choice and access to proven education options. By denying open enrollment to students to attend the school of their choice, our legislators are depriving all students in our state of equal educational opportunity.

In California, there is a need for school choice, and we must work together and do our best for all students and their families. I hope you will join me in celebrating National School Choice Week and speaking out in the 2023 Legislative Session to increase choice and access to innovative education options.

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