Pandemic’s lesson

School closures

Regarding “Editorial: Are school closures to blame for big decline in test results?” (Sept. 22): I would like to thank the Chronicle for its editorial. It’s an important look at how lockdowns, and the poor response by school districts, taught parents a valuable lesson: that we can never allow educators to dictate a pandemic response.

But I do want to assure the Chronicle and its readers that Texas’ virtual charter schools, which are free and open to the public, were prepared. My youngest is enrolled in Texas Online Preparatory School, and we watched carefully to see if there was any drop-off in performance. There wasn’t, and honestly, we weren’t surprised because my oldest child graduated from a virtual school in Texas and is now doing well in college.

Regardless of where your children attend, as parents we can never again allow K-12 educators and administrators to assume the role of scientists.

The result has been a disaster for countless children. My family is so fortunate our virtual school was an exception.

Lora Stegner, Texas chapter chair, National

Coalition for Public School Options