TY FOR TCAPS

I don’t yet know the percentage of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in our virtual programs.

I do know we’ve expanded our virtual program at Traverse City High School and launched a new middle school option at East Middle School – with built-in adult support and check-ins. That’s a positive step.

At the same time, our middle and high school opportunity gaps remain significant between students living in/near poverty and their peers. Gaps in things like 8th-grade math proficiency, graduation rates, and AP class enrollment.

So as virtual enrollment grows, it’s worth asking a deeper question:

Is this expanding opportunity for all students—or becoming a more common pathway for students already furthest from opportunity?

Virtual learning can absolutely be the right fit for some students. But it typically requires a high level of independence—and the students most often placed into these settings may need the most structure, connection, and in-person support.

This isn’t a criticism of virtual programs. It’s a call to stay focused on systems – and outcomes.

Because ultimately, this work is about ensuring every student has access to what they need to succeed – whether that’s in a classroom, online, or somewhere in between.

Expanding options matters.

So does making sure those options lead to success for all.

Read the Capital News Service story: https://bit.ly/47eQGkr