To Surf or Learn, THAT is the virtual question.

My son doesn't go to the traditional "brick & mortar" school, otherwise known as a school house or what have you. He gets to go to school in his pajamas, eat home cooked lunches, take as long (or short) as he needs, and as long as the work is done at the end of the day, and he understands, it's all good.

We go through the virtual school system, and it's a regular public school. The same library fees you pay your regular school gets applied to tech support, and the monies the district gets for your child goes to the virtual school system to pay for the teachers, supplies, etc. Of course as parent "teaching coach", it's a labor of love. We get nothing, except the progress we see in our children.

It doesn't matter why we decided to get out of the regular school, it only matters that they weren't educating him, and now he's above his level in reading, science and social studies, and right about at grade level in writing, and now only slightly behind in math.

We first started with Wisconsin Virtual Academy or WIVA, which started in Ozaukee County, WI, but went to McFarland. Since we were already registered with Ozaukee, we stayed, and our application stayed there while the curriculum went to Wisconsin Virtual Learning or WVL. I really like the programs.

The virtual learning is growing so fast, that there is now another option here in Wisconsin, called Wisconsin Virtual School. I'm sure there are others, and it's just the beginning. There is much more out there, as listed here. And it's approved by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

What is neat is that you get the regular k12 program that is offered to the regular schools. Yet the curriculum, including the computer for your child gets sent to your doorstep. With regular school with a group of 25 kids, 1 lesson = 1 day. Your child doesn't learn, they fall behind, especially in those subjects where other lessons are built upon the old ones. With the virtual k12 program, you can spend extra time on each topic, and if you need 2 days for the math concept, this one, but turn around and do 2 reading lessons and get ahead there.

If your child has a different type of learning style, and struggles to learn with the regular program, but is capable of achieving, the Calvert program using the Verticy system is very good, because it uses a language based system, and encourages reading. There are also enrichment programs also, such as DOMA/DORA which is Diagnostic Online Math/Reading Assessment. It interacts with your child, and in this technological days, it's actually fun, and your child learns. My son went from 1st grade to mid 3rd grade level math in just this one year. He also went from a mid 3rd grade reading level to a mid 5th grade reading level. Writing still needs work, but that's greatly improved as well, and is actually writing more, and learning technology.

Virtual learning is not for those who are severely handicapped, as much of what needs to be done is something that the child has to be able to understand as well as do on their own. The plus side is that there is a teacher at the other end that you're assigned to, so if you get stuck, you call or email your teacher. That teacher will also offer enrichment classes online, in a virtual classroom with multiple kids. Homeroom time is also available to drop in for extra help. On the down side, it IS a commitment from the parents, so there is something to have to give up, whether it's spare/free time, or extra hours, etc...

While a student who has minor obstacles that greatly hinders a child in regular school, can be overcome in virtual school as they do offer a special teacher to come in to assess and do an Individualized Education Plans IEP with you. As for P.E., library and what not, you're on the honor system, but what's nice is that a walk through the park can count as your P.E. session, or your child's favorite sport can be included via going through the Y.

You DO need DSL or higher speed on your computer, and so if you're low income, you can still apply for a grant to help pay for that, and often, since you don't get subsidized for the school lunches, you DO get help paying for your online services instead, to make it worth the cost.

Virtual schools did have higher retention rates in over all returning students, vs. kids dropping out of school. The graduation rate is there, solid. In a recent audit and LaCrosse Newspaper, it states that the reading test scores are higher in virtual schools than in regular schools. Parents and guardians are generally satisfied, also. In this PDF file provided by the U.S. Dept. of Education, evidenced that since kids have fun going to school online, they learn better, faster, retain information, and are motivated to stay in school. Of course the quality of a college education is that you should try to go to a regular university vs. online. But, most of it is up to how motivated each person is.

This last school year, Mike, or you may know him as Euro, has been the primary teacher for my son Chad. They both did great. I was only needed about 4 times to start the school day, and then just a handful of times for discipline issues. My son is smart, and give you a good run for your money. It was almost as if teaching is more difficult than learning. Here is the proof:

If you're worried about socialization, not to worry. Your child goes to school to learn, not talk animatedly during a science experiment, right? So, there are various field trips that happen with the kids in the area, and there are parent groups to join. You can always hook up with a near by virtual school family to take that trip to the park with. There's faith orientated groups, horse/animal lessons, swimming lessons or other sport, or volunteering. Many opportunities to ensure that your child gets to be near other children and people. And at times, your child may become more mature than their peers, because of the various learning that happens.

All of you parents, grandparents, friends, or interested people that have questions about this, feel free to ask me any questions. I don't mind helping in any way possible. It's a great program.

Your recipes for the day:
Chicken Soup w/ White Wine:
Boneless skinless chicken, lightly seasoned with garlic salt, pepper & paprika. Brown.
Add large chopped onion, large chopped bell pepper, 4 garlic cloves crushed/minced, (optional stalk of celery) and about 3.5 cups of fresh diced tomatoes (may use a large can of diced or stewed tomatoes, but fresh is healthier).
Add a cup of low sodium chicken broth and a cup of dry white wine.
Simmer about an hour. Serve in large bowls with a nice hearty bread, like 12 grain.

Round-steak soup/stew:
About 4 or maybe 5 pieces of round-steak (I'm having a difficult time finding the whole round, so I just use the cut up rounds).
Lightly season with garlic salt & seasoned pepper. Dredge in flour. Brown well with a little oil in a heavy kettle.
Slice 2-3 celery stalks & large onion. Brown a little bit with the meat. Add about 1.5 - 2 cups freshly diced tomatoes (or 1 regular can of diced or stewed tomatoes).
Add 1/4 cup red wine. Add dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper color, a tsp sugar, & a bay leaf. Simmer about an hour or so. Serve with Mashed potatoes.

Zesty Mashed Potatoes:
About 6 or so potatoes, peeled and cut. 1 medium onion, cut julienne style. 2 garlic cloves. Boil til fork tender. Drain. Return to pot, mash. Add a dash of milk, margarine, sour cream & pepper to taste. Good alone or with other foods.