Guest Commentary: Don't Politicize Virtual Education

Renier Diaz de la Portilla is a member of the Miami-Dade School Board and wrote an opinion piece on the game-changing impact virtual education can have for the May 15 Miami Herald.
"Expanding the use of virtual education in our school district would allow us to focus more on remediation strategies for students who have fallen behind in bricks and mortar classrooms, while those who are more academically advanced can participate in virtual classes," he writes. "In a time of increased budget cuts to education, many schools across the state are reducing or eliminating elective courses. Online education offers students the opportunity to take a wide range of elective courses and Advanced Placement classes, which may be lacking or simply unavailable altogether in their schools."
"Sadly, some critics, including teachers' unions, have been reluctant to embrace all forms of educational reform, including charter schools, merit pay, school choice and virtual education, Diaz de la Portilla continues.
Click here to read the complete opinion piece and find out why Diaz de la Portilla believes that it is "unfortunate that when it comes to the modernization of our educational program offerings, some choose to politicize the issue."