REFORM: Beware many online pitfalls

I am disturbed that the Idaho Legislature recently passed the education reform bill SB1184 which diverts money from teachers' pay in order to buy laptops and require online courses. As a pediatrician I frequently counsel parents and students about the need to limit "screen time" that can consume hours each day as kids log-on to the Internet, play video games or watch TV. Consequently, vital communication and social skills are often not well developed. Of course, our students need to be computer competent but to suggest that online courses replace real time, live instruction and classroom discussion is negligent and doomed to fail.

I am sure there are many parents and concerned citizens who agree with me. I urge them to participate in a referendum process to repeal this school reform bill. Idahoans for Responsible Education Reform is being led by Boise parents Mike Lanza and Maria Greeley. For more information please contact Idahoans for Responsible Education Reform, P.O. Box 163, Boise, ID 83701. Mike Lanza, (208) 433-8652 or mlanza@cableone.net.

MAJ STORMOGIPSON, MD

Coeur d'Alene