National Association of Special Education Teachers distinguishes Agora with its highest level of recognition achievable by a charter school
HARRISBURG, PA (September 10, 2024) — Agora Cyber Charter School (Agora)—a Pennsylvania public school of choice focused on supporting lifelong learning for students in kindergarten through 12th grade—is one of only 24 charter schools in the U.S. recognized as a 2024 National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Exceptional Charter School in Special Education. Dedicated to promoting standards of excellence and innovation in special education research, practice and policy, NASET hosts its annual awards to shine the spotlight on select charter schools that demonstrate exceptional dedication and achievement in the field of special education. Agora successfully met rigorous program requirements—which included a set of criteria ranging from how well they provide a multicultural, least-restrictive learning environment to professional certifications and licensing—to be named as an Exceptional Charter School in Special Education, the highest level of recognition a charter school can achieve through NASET.
Currently, approximately 36% of students enrolled at Agora are identified as special education and are taught by certified and licensed special education professionals who ensure student success by focusing on individual education programs (IEPs) integrated with the unique teaching and support opportunities afforded by a cyber learning model.
“Given the nature of how we achieve educational excellence—that is, by leveraging the flexible cyber learning environment and ability to individualize teaching plans—Agora draws a high population of special education students,” said Erinn Slacktish, director of high school special education at Agora. “We take great pride in providing solutions for parents whose children were consistently left behind by traditional brick-and-mortar schools. At Agora we wrap our arms around these exceptional children, getting creative and innovative with all the tools at our disposal to support them on a continuum that helps them achieve their short-term goals, graduate, and even go beyond that. We’re honored to have our efforts recognized by an association with NASET’s integrity.”
Agora states there is no one blanket formula for supporting the success of their special education students, however they do point to several unique program attributes, capabilities, and schoolwide commitments that work together to set them apart in the field. These include their pioneering history in cyber charter education and nearly two decades of incorporating special education into their educational model; a well-rounded curriculum for special education students that provides social and emotional support for multiple disabilities as part of the learning experience; a culture that promotes continual troubleshooting for individual challenges; synchronous live instruction that includes life skills; ability to educate nonverbal students; collaboration between in-home providers and Agora teachers; and more.
“NASET’s mission to ensure all children and adolescents with special needs receive the best education possible is fully aligned with Agora,” said Jennifer Fisher-Clark, director of special education, K-8 at Agora. “These students deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to learn, dream, and succeed in life and it is our privilege to open those doors and support them as lifelong learners. This honor is proof positive that our teachers enjoy what they do and are given the tools and technology they and our students need to succeed. We are thrilled to be receiving NASET’s highest level of achievement for a charter school for the first time—and we will strive to make this a tradition from here on out!”
The set of criteria Agora met to be selected as a NASET Exceptional Charter School in Special Education included: being a state-approved charter school; licensure of professionals; educating a diverse population of students consisting of individuals with diagnosed disabilities and disorders (autism, developmental delays, learning disabilities, speech/language/visual/hearing impairments, etc.); serving students between 3 and 21 years of age; providing a least restrictive environment that provides appropriate educational placements; ensuring students receive required related services set forth in their IEPs (transportation, counselling, physical therapy, etc.); ensuring a well-rounded curriculum; being in existence for at least three years; being open for a minimum of 10 months out of the calendar year; and seeking to provide a multicultural environment. More information about the NASET Exceptional Charter School in Special Education awards criteria and a list of 2024 honorees is available at NASET.
About Agora
Established in 2005, Agora Cyber Charter School has delivered an uninterrupted online cyber education plan for over 18 years to Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Pennsylvania-certified teachers use advanced technology to deliver a stimulating curriculum to students who attend school from the safety and comfort of their homes, receiving real-time live instruction and preparing all students to achieve their highest potential. An extensive variety of online and in-person extracurricular activities guarantees an enriching assortment of social opportunities, providing the student with a well-rounded Agora experience.
