By Paul Smathers, OHPFEF Board Member

When we decided to enroll our daughter in an E-school many people questioned that decision. We heard many of the expected negative comments and few positive comments. Let me address some of those negative comments.

What about socialization? Aren’t you afraid your daughter will feel isolated?

No one mentioned the negative socialization resulting from the actions of the bullies. Our daughter attended a small school from kindergarten through third grade. When I retired, we decided to move back to Ohio from North Dakota. She suddenly was stuck in a class of not 5 students but 30. She had no friends and was subjected to daily bullying. In just a few short weeks we saw a child who loved school turn into one who didn’t want to go to school. She developed daily headaches and digestive complaints. Had we continued to force her to attend the traditional school she likely would have been a dropout.

Luckily, my wife had returned to college to obtain her B.S. that year. Because Tamara was using the computer for her education she could do her work anywhere. She went with her mother to Ohio University and would set at her computer in the student lounge doing her lessons while her mom was in class. Professors and students noticed her. They interacted with her, and she made several friends among the students. Professors welcomed questions from her. If she had a problem with an assignment, she could ask a professor for help and most willingly gave her that help.

While studying at the college she met the theater professor, and he convinced her to audition for the college’s next production. That first experience developed into a love for the theater. After that first production she was in every play produced until her sophomore year in college. That also led to participation in our local community theater. She acted in numerous productions over the years, and she joined the improve comedy troupe. This led to her college major choice: theater.

Will she really receive a quality education? This one is easy. During her last year in the traditional school, her state test scores were below average in every area. She was placed in special education with extra time for tests and a reader. After starting attending the E-school, she refused to use those accommodations for state testing. She not only improved but received superior grades in all tests. She went from failing to being named a presidential scholar in just one semester.

Fast forward and our daughter graduated with honors from the Ohio State University.

Would I make the same decision if I had to do so again? You can bet I would.