Choosing to put a child in an alternative educational system in lieu of the traditional brick and mortar setting is a tough decision that many parents across the country face each day, but necessary as they grow tired of watching their children lapse behind their peers. 
 
The New York Times today ran a disheartening piece targeting online education, in attempt to undermine an educational option that works for thousands of students coast to coast and around the world. 
 
Tom Vander Ark, an advocate for school choice and digital learning, posted a response to the Times piece today on his "Getting Smart" blog in defense of school options and a parents' right to choose an education that works best for their child. 
 
In his blog, Vander Ark says the Times' real issue is with the "shift from print to digital, the shift from place to service, and the emergence of the private sector as an important partner in the delivery of public education."
 
Vander Ark goes on to say, "The rise of online and blended learning is the most interesting and important story of 2011 - one that deserves investigative reporting.  But instead the Times skipped the context and attacked a small segment - full time online learning - and attributed public policy problems to a private provider."
 
What is desperately missing from the Times' article are the stories of parents who have seen dramatic changes in their children, whether they be strictly academically or personally through increased confidence and/or dependability.   Myriad graduates from online charter schools go on to top universities and colleges across the country or into the vocation of their choosing.  Why weren't these parents and children asked for comment?  
 
As stated time and time again, there is no single education system that works for every child.  Parents and students should have the right to choose the education that works best for their needs, whether it is a traditional classroom or an online public charter school.  Hindering a child's potential for the sake of protecting the status quo is absolutely ridiculous and should not be tolerated. 
 
Families across the nation continue to join together in support of protecting their right to choose the education that works best for their child's needs.