WIA adds innovative blend of project-based learning, and field experiences to online K-8 offerings

With one academic year under its belt, the Wenatchee School DIstrict’s Wenatchee Internet Academy has discovered new innovative ways to keep students engaged during remote learning. The school will continue to offer K-12 students the opportunity to learn in the online environment through the 21-22 school year but is adding some new learning opportunities by expanding learning beyond the confines of the online classroom for K-8 students.  

WIA is part of the district’s ALE (Alternative Learning Experience) program and presents students with a flexible and robust, interactive learning experience with a certificated WSD teacher.  K-8 curriculum is STEM-focused, project learning-based, and aligned with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. WIA will now blend online learning with field experiences, ‘road school’ and AVID for grades K-8. 

Field Experiences
Students will participate in a quarterly culminating field experience related to their Science unit.  Field experiences will be presented in-person and live-streamed so each student has opportunity and access to the learning.

Road School
Led by Washington State STEM Teacher of the Year finalist and NCESD Regional Teacher of the Year, Tina Nicpan-Brown, throughout the year, Nicpan-Brown and other WIA teachers will travel to different locations around our community, our state, our region, and our country to expose students and families to real-world connections & careers.  Road school adventures will be accessible to each student via Zoom instruction and will relate to a STEM-focused curriculum.

AVID (Advancement, Via Individual Determination)
All WIA classes will focus on WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading) using  AVID-organized folders & binders.  AVID is a nationally recognized program that promotes critical thinking and setting high expectations for each student through rigor and engagement.  AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap.

“We are proud to offer an alternative to the traditional classroom model for families that need the flexibility of ALE,” explained WIA Principal Jennifer Devereaux.  “Our new, STEM-focused learning model for K-8 students is a blend of live morning virtual instruction and opportunities for in-person career and project-based activities a few afternoons a week. I am proud of the program we developed and look forward to continuing to build our program.”

These new additions of field experiences, road school and AVID only apply to WIA’s K-8 classes. High school students attending WIA will continue to learn and earn credit via the Apex Virtual Learning platform with access to their coursework 24/7. 

WSD stood up the online school in July of 2020 as a choice for families concerned about sending their children back to school for in-person instruction this fall and for those students who prefer an online learning environment. The success of the program has led to the continuation of this K-12 alternative learning program and the reimagining of remote instruction and learning for students and staff through the 2021-22 school year.

Registration is now open for current WSD students and students from outside of the district through August 16, 2021. Registration forms can be found on the WIA website, wenatcheeschools.org/WIA, or by calling the WIA office at (509) 888.5222