We are thrilled to announce that CESA 10 has been awarded a CESA Foundation Innovation Grant for its forward-thinking project, "Expanding Access Through Hybrid Distance Learning: A Regional Asynchronous Course Pilot." Led by Jamie Kampf, Distance Learning Operations Manager, this initiative was selected for its creative approach to solving long-standing educational barriers in rural districts.
For over three decades, CESA 10 has provided synchronous live instruction to rural schools. However, rigid bell schedules and persistent teacher shortages have continued to limit student opportunities.
This award-winning project introduces a hybrid asynchronous framework that blends digital curriculum with the support of local teachers of record. By shifting away from a purely synchronous model, the program removes scheduling constraints and allows a single certified teacher to reach students across multiple districts simultaneously.
A key reason for the grant success is the project's focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The new platform will feature:
Assistive Technologies: Including closed captioning, text-to-speech, and adjustable font sizes.
AI-Driven Support: Providing real-time translation to remove linguistic and cognitive barriers.
Flexible Pacing: Allowing students to pause, rewind, and revisit digital modules.
This ensures that a student's zip code or socioeconomic status no longer dictates their ability to participate in advanced coursework or college-preparatory electives.
The $5,000 grant will be used to fund curriculum costs and provide stipends for teachers to adapt their courses for this hybrid implementation. The pilot is scheduled to launch in September 2026, beginning with a Spanish course and one additional high-need subject.
Congratulations to the entire team on this achievement as we continue to innovate for our students!