Guest Commentary: Michael Van Beek--Virtual Learning Works for Many Students

Micahel Van Beek is director of education policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich., and author of a new study titled “Virtual Learning in Michigan's Schools.” In a recent op-ed in the Detroit Free Press, Van Beek wrote explained how virtual education can work for students of all stripes. "The two most significant factors contributing to student achievement are related to socio-economic status and teacher quality," Van Beek wrote. "In large part, these are determined by factors outside of an individual student’s control. Fortunately, virtual learning, a phenomenon that’s rapidly expanding, can break down these age-old barriers. "But perhaps the greatest advantage of online learning is that it enables students to transcend the circumstantial limits they face based on where and to whom they were born," Van Beek continued. "Students in the most impoverished neighborhood can learn from the same teacher and material that’s available to students from the wealthiest community." Click here to read his entire column.