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If we have learned one thing from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t cut it. While many students struggled with the transition from in-person learning to emergency remote instruction, others have thrived using some of the new and innovative models implemented during the pandemic. As education continues to evolve and more families opt for alternative learning options, policymakers must ensure standards for funding, measuring and reporting of online schools, just as there are for traditional brick-and-mortar schools.

With the advances in technology and new insights, educators have the capability to deliver learning in the way that works best to meet the individual needs of all students. It’s clear some are not ready or interested in returning to the classroom, yet they need to be in the education system — whether in person, fully online or a combination. Digital learning, smaller class sizes and the integration of parents in their child’s education allows for increased personalization. However, online schools must have the ability to implement these personalized efforts so they can recruit qualified teachers and invest in state-of-the-art technology.

Moving forward, it is critical that state and federal legislators prioritize digital education and the role it can play in keeping and recapturing students in the education system. For these models to thrive, and thus for students to succeed, lawmakers must ensure that virtual schools are funded at the same level as traditional brick-and-mortar schools.

Read the full article about funding digital learning by Yovhane Metcalfe at The 74.