THIS LETTER APPEARED IN THE DENVER POST OVER THE WEEKEND: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_4848294

PLEASE WRITE THE DENVER POST AND SET THIS GUY STRAIGHT!!! 

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Online school report

Re: "Online schools flunk audit," Dec. 12 news story.

Having read The Post's article and having gone online to Hope Co-Op, I see a disconnect. Gov. Bill Owens has preached his version of public school accountability during his tenure, and then he and his legislature allowed so-called cyberschools to spend our tax dollars without meaningful accountability.

For shame. Contrast the rich education that 5-year-olds have had at Kendallvue Elementary in Jefferson County under Mrs. Froge, for example, and a computer, parents' books and a mentor training children. That's like contrasting whipping cream and skim milk. Children suffer.

Children learn differently. A few can go to a computer or book and learn algebra, with a little guidance, and go on to college algebra. Others need a teacher who patiently demonstrates and explains in class, plus peer coaching and maybe some homework. Still others need that class plus tutoring by the teacher. How does cyberschooling accommodate those differences? Aren't we interested in children learning?

A point I see politicians making is that cyberschools are just as successful as public schools, that anyone can teach, blah, blah, blah. We don't know what the children are learning, but we'll fund it anyway. Cyberschools need only money and have everything a child needs.

For shame, Governor Owens. You have let some children down.

Robert Gunnett, Morrison

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