Two films promoting alternatives to traditional public schools will be shown at the Orlando Science Center next Tuesday as part of an event tied to National School Choice Week.The event, which will also include a panel discussion, is sponsored by the James Madison Institute, a Florida-based think tank that promotes libertarian ideals, thrift and school choice. Next week is National School Choice Week, an event sponsored and supported by a variety of charter school backers and other school choice advocates.The event at the Science Center, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, will include the screening two films.”Thrify: The Story of Willow Tufano,” is about the southwest Florida teen who parlayed Craigslist sales of unwanted items into the purchase of two homes. Tufano will also be one of the panelists during the discussion. Her studies at Florida Virtual School have allowed her to pursue her other interests.”The Ticket: Stories of School Choice and Quality Education,” is a documentary made for School Choice Week that takes a look at alternatives to traditional public schools in Los Angeles, Topeka, Kansas City, Chicago, Cleveland, Erie and Rochester.In addition to Willow, the panelists for the accompanying discussion will be Matt Ladner of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, the group founded by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to promote Florida-style school reforms nationwide, and Freddi Wood, a mother whose children attend a school that takes a “blended learning” approach, typically combining online and in-person instruction.Also in recognition of School Choice Week, Faith Lutheran School at 2727 S. Grove St. in Eustis will hold an Open House on Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The school serves students from ages 3 through eighth grade.http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/blogs/school-zone/os-school-choice-week-films-orlando-20140121,0,6265837.post
