Special Education: How Virtual Learning with ISOK is Changing Lives

Special education students often encounter unique obstacles in traditional classroom settings, including increased distractions, social pressures and rigid educational structures. However, with the rise of online learning, these students are thriving from a more personalized and flexible learning experience. Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK) is a prime example of this shift, offering a customized educational approach designed to meet the individual needs of each student.
A Shift Toward a Better Way
Terry Jones, a special education teacher at ISOK, has been teaching special education for more than 10 years. Before becoming a teacher, he spent over 22 years as a coach, serving as a mentor for students. In traditional brick-and-mortar schools, he noticed many students — especially those in special education — were struggling to stay engaged amid the noise and stress of daily school life.
“I believed there had to be a better way,” Terry explained. “That led me to ISOK, a fully accredited virtual public school with a modern approach to education. Virtual learning at ISOK isn’t about sitting behind a screen in isolation. Our classes are structured and engaging, with students participating from the comfort of their homes.”
The Virtual Learning Advantage
At ISOK, the focus is on meeting students where they are and helping them grow at their own pace. The school customizes lessons to each student’s unique needs, allowing them to slow down when they require extra time or speed up when they’re ready for a challenge. This approach helps ensure that every student gets the support and resources necessary to succeed.
One of Terry’s favorite methods of education ISOK uses is co-teaching. In this approach, two educators collaborate to provide more personalized attention to students. By splitting students into smaller groups, teachers offer focused instruction, making it easier for students to receive the support they need. It also creates a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
A Community That Cares
ISOK’s commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom. The school’s supportive community plays a vital role in creating a stable and caring environment for students. Terry recalls one particularly impactful moment when a student’s family lost their home in a fire. “Our staff and teachers quickly provided the technology and materials they needed, restoring a sense of stability,” he shares. “This sense of community and care reflects ISOK’s culture, where the well-being of students is prioritized alongside their academic success.”
At its core, special education is about meeting students where they are and giving them the tools to succeed in ways that work best for them. ISOK embodies this philosophy every day, offering a dynamic, inclusive educational experience that helps students with diverse needs thrive. By embracing virtual learning, personalized instruction and a community-focused approach, ISOK is helping students break through barriers and reach their full potential.