To the Editor:
National School Choice Week (Jan. 22-28) is a good time to pause and note the variety of educational options available for Oregon students.
The families of the fifth graders I work with as a teacher at Oregon Connections Academy, a virtual public charter school, have a courtside seat to their children’s education. I love working in partnership with them to support their students.
More parents began exploring school choice after they became further involved in their child’s education during the pandemic.
Many turned to full-time online schools like Oregon Connections Academy for one reason or another. Some students may be seeking a safe learning environment or desire the flexibility to learn at their own pace, while others look for the one-on-one attention that teachers like myself offer students without a classroom full of distractions.
With three boys of my own, I know first-hand that every student has different learning abilities and every educational experience is unique. My school may not be the best fit for every child, but it can be a good option for many students.
Kids deserve a welcoming environment where they can be comfortable and thrive in their academics. During School Choice week, let’s consider ways we can offer that for every child across our state.
Erin Weatherly,
Creswell
