Oasis provides support for complex needs
Staff writer
Oasis School operated by Marion County Special Education Cooperative serves students with complex educational and behavioral needs from across the county. The school focuses on helping them build skills, independence, and confidence while remaining connected to their home school districts.
“Our mission is to provide educational opportunities and behavioral supports,” said executive director Stacey Parks. “Within the cooperative, Oasis works with districts, families, and community partners to ensure students get the individualized support they need.”
Oasis serves students kindergarten through 12th grade from five districts. The program uses curriculum aligned with state standards, delivered through an online platform that allows teachers to adapt lessons to meet individual needs.
Instruction may include direct teaching, printed materials, or digital resources
Flexibility allows Oasis to balance academic growth with behavioral and life-skill development, Parks said.
Student behavior and safety are guided by state and federal regulations. The program emphasizes consistent, positive interventions designed to prevent crises.
“Safety is always a priority,” Parks said.
Like other schools, Oasis may involve outside responders in medical emergencies, when a student leaves campus, or when there is a potential risk of harm. Those decisions are guided by district and state policies and follow the same standards used by traditional school settings, she said.
Rural special education programs face challenges but, Parks noted that similar challenges affect schools statewide.
“Strong Individualized Education Program team planning, coordination with community mental health providers and positive working relationships with local law enforcement all support prevention,” she said.
Students served by Oasis are first and foremost children, Parks said.
“They’re kids who belong to families, schools and communities,” she said. “They need relationships, structure, safety, learning opportunities, and belonging just like any other student.”
Transitions back to home school buildings are planned collaboratively by families and district teams. Students remain enrolled until they are ready to successfully return to their home school or complete their education, earning the same credits and hours required by their district.