From: “Rebecca”

To: learn-usa.com

Subject: I'm a K12 User, and I Read Your Article in newswithviews.com

Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 08:32:13 -0400

Dear Lynn:

I was very pleased and flattered that you wrote back to me. Just to let you know, information about virtual school/public school “partnership” is all over the K12 website. Parents who fail to understand this or to read the material (they have to go through the website homepage every time they log on for the lessons) are deceiving themselves. There really is no excuse for that degree of ignorance.

Note: In visiting and going completely through the K12® website, nothing was found about the virtual school/public school partnership. The only reference found was that the virtual academy is “tuition free”.

The “magic” I found in some of the stories didn't seem to be “new-ageish.” In fact, most of the material is classic stories, like fairy tales and books that have been around for a generation or so, like “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.” There are a number of folktales from other countries that contain magic. I honestly don't feel that K12 is pushing witchcraft on kids; I think they're trying to go along with the crowd and make the literature selections appealing to children. My older son went to a very exclusive gifted school up until this year, and there were MANY stories containing magic required at all grade levels. I find the K12 selections to be much nicer than the ones at the gifted school, but still not appropriate for our Christian family. I am in the process of switching our language arts program to Rod and Staff.

Note: Fairy tales aren't necessarily and introduction to New Age thought and practice. The “magic” found in most gifted programs, however, is.

I think I understand what you are saying about Bennett wrapping himself in a virtuous mantle. This is something I would like to pursue further. However, until I actually see un-Christian bias in the lessons (I have not seen any at all) I'll stay with at least some of the K12 subjects, always keeping in mind your remarks. Thank you so much for keeping us aware.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

╪