Approved Providers

Bethel Online Academy

Website: boa.bethelsd.org
Email: wriley@bethelsd.org
Phone: 253.683.6830
Fax: 253.683-6849

School District: Bethel

Grades Served: 7-12

OSPI Approval

Removed from the Approved list because the program's OSPI approval was rescinded. Details: Bethel is no longer offering online courses through Bethel Online Academy (BOA), and the district withdrew BOA's accreditation. As a result OSPI has rescinded the approval for BOA.

Access

Student Enrollment Instructions:

Students apply through our online process or in person at our Bethel Online Academy store front. Based on seat availability and validation that they are a resident student, parent or guardian submits a complete registration packet. If the student has special eduction services, the I.E.P. team meets to ensure placement and services for the student. If the student is an out-of-district candidate, they are referred to their resident district to obtain the appropriate district release before continuing the enrollment process. Once the student’s application and registration materials have been completed and approved, the student is scheduled an orientation. The student’s orientation will provide the initial steps of creating the student’s individualized learning plan, educational targets and timelines, initial program start-ups, academic and technical supports, teacher and advisor contacts, course of study, and beginning access into our distance learning platform and services. A face-to-face orientation is available to provide personalization and hands-on access to our program. Student intakes occur approximately every six weeks. Personal connection and representation is available to students desiring blending services and program with neighborhood school and area programs.

Overview

The Bethel School District in 2003 created Bethel Online Academy (B.O.A.). Our distance-learning school is an accredited program that provides a choice alternative to traditional education. B.O.A. implements curriculum and delivery systems aligned to district and state standards that are validated by our district’s Curriculum and Review Team process. Our 7th – 12th grade distance learning program serves self-motivated students who are looking for individualized education options with flexibility to achieve high academic standards. Our students have the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma with necessary skills to be successful in multiple post-high school endeavors. Students’ individual needs are met through personalization. Students have choices to use distance learning as well as Monday – Friday walk-in labs where students can have face to- face contact with teachers to enhance their computer-based curriculum. Students can speak with their teachers and advisors by phone, email, electronic means, or in person. Each student receives a personal learning plan through their academic advisor. Running Start and Skill Center programs are available to integrate.

Our distance learning program offers core, elective, and Career and Technical Education courses. Bethel Online Academy is staffed by Bethel School District teachers that hold highly qualified certificates in all academic areas that they instruct. District bus transportation is available throughout our school district to support student access to our academic support labs. Our 24 hour, 7 day per week program has teclmical and academic support systems. Parents and students can petition for extended year support to assist deeper academic achievement and/or course recovery opportunities. Extra curricular activities are also available throughout the school year, including athletics for district students at their neighborhood school, as well as blending academic programs that students may desire to have such as music, drama, lR.O.T.C., and hands-on technical classes.

Course Offerings

Aventa Online Courses are the main provider for our student course offering for 7-12th grade.

Students

Our student population comes to us as an option for their traditional high school. Most of our students are AT RISK. Several of our students are considered 5th year seniors. The majority of our students are working to make up courses and catch up from struggling in the traditional high school program.

Instructional Model

This program is unique in that we have an open lab for students who are in need of extra help sessions. The students can meet with their teachers or work in our lab when they are in need of extra one on one help. Most of our program is run through the AVENTA curriculum. We do make contact with our students once a week synchronously via the phone, in person, or through the use of Elluminate Sessions. There are several options for students to be successful in our program and several options for help sessions.

Curriculum Alignments

The AVENTA curriculum was an approved program by Washington State and aligns with all state standards in each curriculum area.

Accreditation

We are currently working on our State Accreditation. Northwest Regional Accreditation Commission has accepted our plan for state accreditation and we are currently on a provisional plan working toward full accreditation.

Instructor Certification

All of our staff is considered highly qualified in the areas they teach and all are state certified and endorsed in the areas that they are currently teaching.

AP Audit

No AP courses offered

Courseware Platform

We use AVENTA Learning Platform,
Moodle,
SKYWARD (EA +) for parent teacher communication and grading.
MyBethel at mybethelsd.org as a source for links to classes other important information.

Student Performance and Demographics

Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:30

Course completion rate: N/A

Course pass rate: N/A

Student Satisfaction Survey

Data for school year: 2011-2012

Average Student Satisfaction:
3.8 (75 responses)

Sample Comments

(Very Satisfied)
Parent of a 8th grade student enrolled full-time. (January 16, 2012)

our daughter enjoys this online school. please do not cut the funding. we would like to stay through high school.

(Somewhat Unsatisfied)
8th grade student enrolled full-time. (January 3, 2012)

Some aspects of my classes were great, but I wish that a study guide could be provided for tests.

(Somewhat Satisfied)
10th grade student enrolled full-time. (January 3, 2012)

The teacher's need to work on replying faster to emails since that is the biggest way to contact. Also, we do online because we are busy or have a need of having to be home for medical or personal reasons and having to go in for tests and assignments is a HUGE problem because were doing ONLINE school because of our medical or personal reasons having to go in the BOA office for some of the course is pointless it shouldnt be called online school if we have to go in the office.

See all survey results and comments for Bethel Online Academy