Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Michigan Virtual High School On-Line Course Policies

Transcription

1 Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Michigan Virtual High School On-Line Course Policies Introduction The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools has contracted with the Michigan Virtual High School and will offer three types of online courses (AP courses, Flex 90, and traditional). Online classes range from the most simple, self-paced tutorial format to very highly interactive, instructor led, content rigorous experiences. The benefits of online learning include expanding the curriculum offerings beyond what many individual schools and school districts may be able to provide; offering additional opportunities to students and educators to learn new subjects and receive on time training and staff development; and focus on the individual learner in a new and unique way through enhanced communication and delivery tools, as well as the anytime, anywhere method of deliver. Online learning also presents some potential pitfalls for those who venture into it: this modality requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation, the ability to keep up with ongoing, sometimes very demanding expectations without the constraints of a fixed time and place setting, and the isolation that may occur from this form of individual learning experience. The following guidelines outline the expectations, practices and procedures that are in place in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and is used by high school administrators, counselors, teachers, and other administrators when considering online learning experiences for students. Admissions Policies: Enrollment: Students who are registered with the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools may choose to enroll in an online course with prior approval. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) guidelines allow up to two courses per semester during the regular school day. For specific guidelines, go to the MDE web site at The academic calendar of the teacher/online instructor and students who enroll in the class should be established prior to enrollment. The school counselor must be involved in the coordination of the scheduling process to ensure that proper documentation is established for credit acceptance and to verify that the student does not exceed the guidelines established by the state for purposes of pupil accounting. Revised: May,

2 If a student wishes to take an online course in addition to a full schedule of classes, it will be at the discretion and approval of the district. Students will enroll in online courses under one or more of the following conditions only: Dual enrollment (Students may participate in a manner consistent with current dual enrollment policies, once they have exhausted local school offerings. Credit needed for timely graduation (credit recovery or makeup) Unavoidable scheduling conflicts Any academic course not offered in the local school Pre-approval of elective courses to complete graduation requirements Specialized student interest(s) To be successful in an online class, a student must be a self-starter, with a strong sense of direction and the ability to set goals and follow through with them. A successful online student can work independently, stay on task and maintain a regular schedule of logging on and keeping up with the readings, course assignments, homework and other expectations. The content of online courses is generally as rigorous (or as difficult) as those found in a face-to-face classroom course. In some cases, online courses require regular interaction with the instructor and frequently the other students in a course. The student can expect to log on daily for updates, messages and communication among participants. An online course is different, not necessarily easier or harder, and the added factor of selfmotivation and discipline may cause additional challenges. Currently, MVHS offers a roster of 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are particularly difficult and rigorous and 10 Flex 90 courses which provide a fast, flexible way to recover lost credit. MVHS offers three types of classes: Advance Placement Classes these courses offer students college-level instruction to high achieving students. AP classes include: - AP Calculus - AP Chemistry - AP English and Composition - AP Statistics - AP U.S. History - AP Psychology - AP Physics - AP Microeconomics - AP Macroeconomics Revised: May,

3 - AP U.S. Government - AP Human Geography Traditional Courses these elective classes allows the school to broaden its curriculum and meet the needs of special student populations. These classes include: - Environmental Science - Oceanography - Introduction to Microsoft Office - IT Basics for Business - Developing Pages for the Web - French I & II - German I & II Flex 90 Courses. These core and elective credits give students an opportunity to recover credit from a failed class. Enrollment in Flex 90 classes will be solely the discretion of the school. As additional courses are added to the range of possibilities for students in Michigan, these factors must be taken into consideration and carefully assessed to determine the potential for student success, retention, and continued interest in online learning for future career and educational advancement. Add/ Drop: Procedures for fees and payment are established through the students high school before students enroll in a course, and are based on current dual enrollment guidelines. Students may apply for enrollment in an online course before the enrollment period has ended. If students wish to withdraw from a course before or after the drop/add period, the student will be responsible for reimbursement to the district. If a student drops the course after the drop/add period, a grade of E will be placed on the student s transcript and will be counted in the cumulative GPA calculation. Appropriate Behavior and Use of Technology: All students participating in online courses are expected to conduct their communications in a professional, respectful manner as outlined in the student code of conduct in effect at <Your School Name>. The use of proper Internet etiquette is expected at all times. Inappropriate language or behavior will result in disciplinary action and possible termination from the online provider of a course and at the discretion of < Your School Name>. Procedures outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy will apply to all online courses. Revised: May,

4 Academic Policies: Recognition Of Credit: If a class is approved by any of the six accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education (North Central, New England, Middle States, Southern, Northwest and Western Associations), the MDE, an Intermediate School District or the Michigan legislature, they will be accepted by the WLCSD. Accrediting information can be obtained from the Web site of the International Council of School Accreditation Commissions ( Credit and Grading: Grading will be delivered to Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in either a percentage basis, a letter grade, as a pass/fail or credit/no credit designation. The high school that the student is enrolled will determine the amount of credit and the equivalent grade using the district grading scale in either letter or GPA format once the number of hours required to complete the online course is verified and matched with that of the regular high school curriculum. NCAA Credit: Courses taught via the Internet, distance learning, independent study, individualized instruction, correspondence or similar means may be used to satisfy NCAA core-course requirements if all of the following conditions are satisfied: a) The course meets all requirements for a core course as defined in the NCAA Core-Course Review, which is available at b) The instructor and the student have access to one another during the duration of the course for purposes of teaching, evaluating and providing assistance to the student; c) Evaluation of the student s work is conducted by the appropriate academic authorities in accordance with the high school s established academic policies; and d) The course is acceptable for any student and is placed on the high-school transcript. Revised: May,

5 Transfer Credit: Academic Integrity: NOTE: If courses meet the above criteria, the prohibition against remedial and compensatory courses does not apply to courses taken by students with disabilities. Guidelines for the acceptance of transfer of credits are the same as in any other course/transcript transfer situation. The high school will have the responsibility and authority to make a designation on a student s transcript in accordance with current policies regarding other transfer credits (e.g. correspondence, home school and dual enrollment courses.) Students sign and return a student code of ethics form to deter possible cheating and to inform students and parents of the consequences. This may be modified to incorporate a student s participation in an online course, with clearly defined sanctions for abuse of the privilege. All school policies on cheating or fraud will be applicable as outlined in the student code of conduct. Some online courses will require that exams and tests be given in the high school setting and proctored by the onsite teacher mentor. Also, it is the expectation of the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools that a student will conduct him/herself in compliance with all student rules and regulations even if the student is taking the online class in another setting. This may be consistent with other student behavior guidelines, rules or policies that govern the behavior of students in education-related settings (such as athletic events, field trips, etc.). If inappropriate behavior is reported while a student is participating in an online course, the school may take appropriate disciplinary action as is deemed necessary to correct and discontinue such behavior. Technology Access: For students taking courses as part of their regular class schedule, students may have access to a computer during normal school hours at the discretion of the high school. Students may be required to do some of the online coursework at the high school location, in addition to independent work outside of the regular school day/week. Students working outside the school setting must be made aware of the need to access equipment that meets the minimum requirements as specified in the virtual/online course description. Proctoring of Students: The role of the student s proctor will be determined by the school, and be made based on the situation of the student involved, and in keeping with the current Michigan Department of Education guidelines for determining pupil instructional time for virtual classes Revised: May,

6 Pupil Accounting: Title VI/ Title IX: Depending on the circumstances of the student enrollment situation, an online course may be taken within the current structure of the school day, or at times outside of the regular school schedule. If a school wishes to claim the student as a full time equivalent pupil for purposes of receiving state school aid, then the student must be enrolled by and in attendance on the appropriate count day (September or February) or during the 10- to 30- day period of class time designated for the course on the student s class schedule. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title II, Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to: Craig Aleo, Director of Labor Relations. ADA Compliance: Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate adjustments should contact the course provider and online instructor before enrolling in an online course to ensure needs are met in a timely manner. Tuition: To receive district-funding support for virtual/online courses, classes must be taken during the regular academic school year. If 50% or more of the virtual/online class (term) falls within the district s regular academic year, district funding will be provided. If a student wishes to take an online course during the summer, the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools may require the student to pay the full cost of tuition or other expenses. Revised: May,