The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network started its mission by providing disabled youth with the opportunity to exercise their leadership skills. While the network now engages all youth in leadership development and community service, engaging those with disabilities is still a priority. This is something that the PACCT PYLN also attempts to do, and it has inspired the Mission Project Committee to take on advocacy, and promotion of rights for the disabled.
Over the past few decades, there have been significant improvements for disability rights, in areas such as legislation and technology. In 1975, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) was passed, requiring schools to provide special education services, and Individualized Education Programs for eligible students with disabilities. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was signed into law in 1990, marking a pivotal point in disability legislation. Among its directives, it prohibited discrimination towards those with disabilities, and required transportation, commercial facilities, etc., to have disability access and accommodations. Both Acts have also been amended multiple times, typically to clarify past clauses, or adjust to modern developments. More recently, we've seen changes and innovations in technology for the disabled. There are multiple companies both within and outside the U.S. dedicated to producing Assistive Technology (AT) for those with disabilities, and even big tech companies, like Google, are trying to get involved with developing and implementing AT, especially with their own products. While this recent progress is notable, much still needs to be done. And it's not just in areas of legislation, or technology. It's by combating the discrimination, stigma, and disregard towards people with disabilities, that, unfortunately, is still very prevalent in today's society. Such discrimination may be prohibited in the aforementioned disability rights legislation, but that's not going to prevent it from lingering or forming. In addition to this, there was a proposed amendment to the ADA within the last year that may prove to be more harmful than not towards the original mandates (to be discussed in the future). The Mission Committee hopes that, by discussing the current issues surrounding disability rights, and exploring what can be done to fix said issues, they can promote positive change, and help make a difference for those with disabilities. Sources: -National Center for Learning Disabilities -U.S. Department of Justice -National Public Radio Below are statements from cyber school students, on why they feel that School Choice was important for them, and how it is essential for all students.
"School choice is important because being able to choose your school setting, instead of just being there because that’s where you live, is a life saver to the family. Some public schools are messed up. Or the family situation may be different, such as a disability or something that would make it hard to keep up with the “normal” school goers. School choice provides many options for a family, for them to pick the best school for their situation." - Zion C., PYLN Member "I fully believe that school choice is important because it can impact your grades. Before I came to Agora, I was a B/C average student, and now I am an A average student with Agora! My GPA went from a 2.45 to a 3.87. Had I not switched to Agora, I would not have the ability to go to the university that I will be attending in the fall. Allowing school choice can greatly improve a person's education, and make it so that they do as well as possible!" - Kira M., Agora Cyber Charter School Student "I think school choice is important because it allows students to make the most out of their education. For example, if you go to your local public school and are bullied, that’s not good for you or your education. So, switching to a cyber-school can remove the fear of being bullied and you can focus on your schoolwork." - Maleki F., PYLN Member "School choice is important to me, because I'm able to attend a school where I have the option of working at a comfortable pace, and in an environment where I'm able to concentrate. I'm able to move ahead, and excel, better than I was able to in a traditional school. All students should have the option of attending whatever school of their choosing, because we all learn at different paces, and sometimes issues arise in which we can't attend a traditional brick and mortar school. School choice allows students to have a voice in their education, and how they learn." - Madeline K., PYLN Member "School choice is an often-ignored yet tremendously important thing for a student. School choice has allowed me to be able to get an education and flourish academically despite my heart condition. School choice has given me the ability to learn in an environment and way that best suits me. Without school choice I could never have chosen cyber-school in a very needed time of my life, and would have been yet another student to fall through the cracks of the educational system. Because of this choice I have never had to sacrifice my education for a schedule or illness, instead I am able to balance both my life and great academic achievement. It is because of this choice that I was able to grow into who I am as a person, rather than having to fit what society, or have others influence who I am. I made the choice with my parents to enter into cyber-school many years ago, and I don’t have a single regret in it. Despite the stereotypes and false impressions of cyber-schools and their students, I have found they are very outgoing, accomplished, hard working, friendly, and more importantly kind people. This allowed me to learn alongside some great fellow students and future leaders of this world. I stand today a member of National Society of High Scholars, National Honors Society, Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network, all because of my choice of schooling many years ago. I, and many other students have been granted the ability to achieve our absolute best academically and personally through school choice, and I hope that other kids will have that same right to choose their own path." - Elizabeth S., PYLN Member "I have been homeschooled all of my life, never really been in a school. Cyber school is my life and I don’t know what I would do without it. My mom chose to home school me from the beginning and I joined Agora in 1st grade. I have been through a lot in my life, and cyber school has really helped me get through the ups and downs. I met my best friend of 9 years through this school. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Without this school, I would not have the friends and the amazing education I have today." - Kassie W., PYLN Member "School choice is something that can impact a student's grade immensely. In our non-traditional cyber-schools, we have more control over our school work, and the pace in which we complete it at. As I started homeschooling in the first grade, I do not think I would be at where I am today without it; it has made me be able to learn more things I find enjoyable, given me new experiences, and different social skills that students in brick and mortar schools get." - Teresa S., PYLN Member What exactly is School Choice?
School Choice is the ability for parents and students to choose alternative education options, that differ from traditional brick and mortar schools. Recently, many arguments have been made both for, and against school choice; but at the root of it all, it is designed to provide multiple different schooling options, to best fit the needs of every student. Some examples of alternative education include: Charter Schools - Charter schools are public schools that have a higher independence from their respective school district and board, compared to traditional schools. While they may have to adhere to certain government and state regulations, the schools are responsible for creating their own rules and agenda (hence the name, "charter"). They do receive funding from their state, but it is in accordance with overall student performance. The key difference between traditional schools, and charter schools, is that the latter exercise greater flexibility over their curriculum and management. Cyber Schools - Cyber schools are public schools that are based and held within a cyber-layout. While they function similarly to traditional schools, the curriculum, classes, staff-student communication, and other aspects primarily takes place through an online medium. Students enrolled in a cyber-school have the ability to attend classes and complete work in an environment of their choosing, so long as they have internet access. Magnet Schools - Magnet schools have specialized courses and curricula, in areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects, the arts, and world languages. While at first glance, they may seem similar to charter schools, they are a part of their respective school system and district, and adhere to any regulations. Why it's Important For all youth, school should be a positive, safe environment, where they are able to work and learn to their full potential. Unfortunately, some students don't experience this in traditional brick and mortar schools. Whether it's due to bullying, staff inattentiveness, or other underlying factors, some students can't succeed, or receive the support that they should. On another note, students may have other ongoing, personal problems, such as family issues, medical problems, and job schedules. Some alternative education options may not always work well for students. But they should at least be able to have those options available. By promoting school choice and listening to the students' needs and wants in terms of schooling, more youth will have the ability and potential to succeed. And success in education is one of the most important things a student can have. That's why the PACCT PYLN Service Project Committee is dedicated to advocating for school choice. As cyber school students ourselves, we understand how having access to alternative education options can truly be life changing. Sources: -Uncommon Schools -Magnet Schools of America |