Leveraging Virtual Education to Support More Students and Improve Engagement.
Addressing the Unique Needs of a School District to Provide Students Varied Options
Cochran Director of Future Learning
Selah Online
Selah School District 119
Selah, Washington
As the Director of Future Learning for the Selah School District, Jeff Cochran’s goal is to provide a choice for families who seek a different mode of instruction for their children.
As the Director of Future Learning for the Selah School District 119 in Selah, Washington, Jeff Cochran’s goal is to provide a choice to families who seek a different mode of instruction for their children.
So when he was looking for a way to help streamline the delivery of their Selah Online program, he knew it had to be an institution that shared the district’s vision for online education. With this in mind, he had a few basic criteria with which he set out to make his decision.
He knew that they must have a single system that integrated multiple platforms, and was created by a provider that was a partner who understood and valued online education, while recognizing its challenges. Collaboration and responsive support were also essential to provide parents and students with a program focusing on the specific needs of the district.
Their previous providers offered courses online, but it was still up to the district to provide the qualified teachers to staff those classes. This was a major factor in the decision to partner with Greenways Academy.
Not only could Greenways Academy offer more choice and variety of courses than the others, but they could also provide a wealth of experience running virtual classrooms coupled with qualified instructors to run those courses, reducing some of the traditional roadblocks a district may face when trying to administer an online option.
“I think the innovative feature that really brought us to Greenways was the ability to have access to the multiple providers that Greenways packages together, which provides a better, more rounded package of online services.
“- Jeff Cochran
Jeff
Positive Parent and Student Feedback That Shows the Impact a
Well-Designed Educational Experience Can Have
Parents and students have praised the program for its flexibility and adaptability. One family with two children in the program especially appreciated the ability to tailor learning to individual needs while benefiting from supportive online teachers, prompting them to enroll their other children who were previously in traditional classroom settings.
The impact of Greenways Academy’s virtual school is highlighted by remarkable student achievements. Cochran recounts the story of a high school student who, after struggling with traditional classroom dynamics and falling behind academically, found success through Greenways Academy. Transitioning to online learning allowed the student to overcome distractions, learn at her own pace, and ultimately exit an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), putting her back on track to graduate.
Measuring Success and Key Takeaways from a District Leading the Way in Virtual Education
Selah School District 119 evaluates the program using metrics such as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) counts, weekly progress tracking, and student outcomes. Since the partnership began, the district has seen a notable improvement in student engagement and reduced lag in coursework completion.
The district’s collaboration with Greenways Academy exemplifies the transformative potential of well-executed virtual education. By addressing individual student needs, providing diverse options, and fostering a collaborative relationship, this partnership highlights a model for success that other districts can emulate.
They think it works better for their lifestyle and their students. And that’s really what we’re trying to be all about in Selah, is trying to find the best fit, the best learning environment, for every student.
- Jeff Cochran
“ “ “ “
The difference is the humans behind it and the humans that really know education and have been in education and are here for kids. I think that’s the Greenways Academy difference.
- Jeff Cochran
