The Wichita Public School is the most diverse in the state, home to 47,000 public school students who speak more than 100 languages. Our education offerings should adequately reflect this diverse student body and a quickly evolving technology landscape.
I encourage families to consider online learning as an equitable education experience, which enhances students’ learning experiences, creativity and overall lives. After all, nearly 50% of Kansas school parents would prefer at least one day per week of home-based schooling.
I believe virtual schools are the way of the future, allowing our students to individualize their educational experiences and our state to keep students enrolled in public schools.
When the 2020 pandemic hit, educators were forced to quickly pivot into a digital world. That same year, my Wichita school district launched “ Education Imagine Academy ,” an innovative, virtual and tuition-free K-12 public school where I now teach secondary math.
It’s a smooth switch to virtual school; we offer in-person tutoring sessions and socialization opportunities. Online learning opens the door for family flexibility to travel or participate in year-round sports, all while maintaining real-time access to progress monitoring.