June 27,2012
Beginning this fall, the Cascade School District will offer an alternative to brick-and-mortar classes to area students through a statewide, public program called Columbia Virtual Academy (CVA). “We were looking for an experienced partner that could help us get started,” said Cascade Superintendent, Steve McKenna. “We want an opportunity to better serve all students in our community.”
The program is personalized so that each CVA student has a customized Written Student Learning Plan, enabling the student to learn at his or her own pace and outside of a traditional classroom. With the guidance of a Washington State Certified teacher, a parent or guardian can be highly involved in designing an educational program for his or her student’s unique learning style and needs.
“CVA provides educational opportunities and services to students who need alternatives and choices,” said McKenna. “Building a working relationship for the future is a new opportunity for us.”
CVA offers thousands of quality curriculum choices, guidance from Highly Qualified Teachers, and the flexibility to accommodate diverse family circumstances to meet state educational standards. In addition, CVA is developing its Highly Capable and Special Services programs, including ESL and transitional bilingual offerings to better meet the needs of students this coming school year.
“CVA is glad to welcome the Cascade School District to its many partners committed to keeping virtual learning fully public,” said CVA Superintendent Dr. Mark Selle. “Steve McKenna and his staff have a deep commitment to offering quality alternatives to their community and will be an excellent partner.”
CVA was founded in 2003 when the School Board in rural Valley, Washington, established a program to meet the learning needs of families who, for various reasons, chose not to have their students attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school. In 2006, CVA began the partnership model, opening this unique approach to other districts. CVA enrolled 3,751 students through 14 partner school districts for the 2011-12 school year.
“A partnership with CVA allows us to continue expanding the service we can offer to the students in our district,” noted McKenna. “It provides choices and flexibility that benefits all concerned.”