Tom Vander Ark: Idaho Students Do Come First With Luna's Plan

I have been a long-time advocate for innovation in education. While superintendent in Washington, we created one of the first virtual schools in the country and introduced laptop programs in our secondary schools. We did this to create quality options for students and families.
That was 15 years ago. We will have big achievement gaps. We know more than ever that great teachers make a world of difference but we struggle to staff our urban and rural schools. We face the worse fiscal crisis in generations.
With this backdrop, it was particularly disheartening to recently learn that SB 1113, was sent back to the Idaho Senate Education Committee. Some say this important education reform measure does not have a chance for a vote by the full legislature this year.
This bill is part of State Superintendent Tony Luna's "Students Come First" plan. It creates options for students, teachers and schools.
We need to invent ways to do more with less. Tom’s plan is a series of steps in the right direction.
Online education has proven to be a success across the country, and particularly in Idaho. Students are able to receive individualized attention and work at their own pace, giving them the opportunity to spend more time on troublesome subject areas.
Online education can be more cost effective than traditional brick and mortar programs and can help smaller, rural schools offer a comprehensive curriculum.
I have no skin in this fight. I just want Idaho, and America, to better prepare young people for the world they will inherit.
Click here to read the complete open letter I sent to the people of Idaho on why I believe SB 1113, and Luna's plan, deserve a chance.