Shifts in American Education Landscape
There seems to be a significant transformation happening in American education right now. For some, this change is causing quite a stir, while others—particularly families frustrated with the current system—are feeling hopeful.
The reforms introduced during the Trump administration, along with ongoing debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), have certainly shaken things up. This is not just limited to traditional schools; the online education space is also evolving, with innovative approaches to home learning setting new expectations.
Recently, the Oklahoma Department of Education announced a partnership with American Virtual Academy, which offers a fully online K-12 curriculum and is in the process of receiving tuition support through Oklahoma’s Parents’ Selected Tax Credit Program. Notably, they seem to have already secured similar approvals in various other states.
Ryan Walters, the principal of OSDE, remarked that the perceived leftist indoctrination in schools poses a significant danger to students, emphasizing that parents should have more educational options for their kids. “We’re proud to be among the first states to take this step,” he stated.
Damien Creamer, the president of the academy, spoke recently about the environment that has made this alternative appealing to many families. He noted that the pandemic opened many parents’ eyes to what was unfolding in public schools.
He mentioned that when classrooms shifted to online learning, particularly at the behest of teacher unions, parents were suddenly able to see what their children were being exposed to—often left-leaning narratives. This realization has significantly fueled backlash against DEI initiatives and critical race theory in recent years.
Families have voiced concerns, saying things like, “This isn’t what we signed up for. We want our kids to think critically and learn to read.” Education should ideally align with family values, especially when shaping young minds.
As a result, many Americans are increasingly leaning towards homeschooling, which is reportedly the fastest-growing educational trend in the nation. Statistics show that the number of homeschooled K-12 students surged from 2.5 million in spring 2019 to around 3.1 million by 2021-2022.
Forbes estimates that last year, there were about 4 million homeschooled students across the U.S. With various states relaxing regulations, this number might climb even higher.
The main reasons parents opted for homeschooling include concerns about school environments, the desire for religious and moral guidance, dissatisfaction with academic instruction, and the need for a non-traditional educational approach that caters to special needs.
Factors contributing to the rise in homeschooling include school closures during the pandemic, sporadic teacher strikes, and increased politicization within classrooms.
The American Virtual Academy originated as Bridge School, which primarily catered to athletes and child actors, providing flexible remote learning. However, it’s clear that AVA is taking a more conservative stance.
Creamer emphasized that the AVA aims not just to provide a quality education based on a research-backed curriculum, but also to prepare students to be engaged citizens. “Let’s teach them to love our country and understand its foundational principles,” he expressed.
While various homeschooling options exist, Creamer mentioned that some families might gravitate towards virtual programs, even if they’re not well-organized.
When questioned about social engagement among students at AVA, Creamer confirmed that they encourage interaction among students every day, noting the need for moderation, especially in contrast to unregulated environments.
In addition to online engagement, AVA has plans for in-person events such as family gatherings and trips to significant civic and historical sites.
Creamer observed that many parents are choosing virtual schools to foster socialization—a vital factor for many families. “This is critical,” he noted, as children also need to be involved socially.
Creamer, associated with eLearning Company StrongMind, stated that digital learning is currently very adaptable, especially with the role of artificial intelligence. He described a system where student profiles help tailor educational experiences according to their strengths and weaknesses.
“This form of education is where we can truly start making significant improvements,” he concluded.
