❓ Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Compulsory School Age in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's compulsory school age begins when a child enters school (no later than age 6) and continues until the student turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first (22 Pa. Code § 11.13).

Why did I receive a call, text, or email saying my child was absent?

PA Virtual sends provisional attendance notifications when a student has not logged into Blackboard or an absence has not been reported.

Notifications are typically sent:

• Around 10:00 a.m.

• Again around 2:00 p.m., if an absence has not yet been reported.

Families should notify their Family Support Coordinator (FSC) or submit an Absence Excuse Form as soon as possible. These notifications are provisional and your student's attendance record may be updated after documentation is reviewed.

What is a provisional absence notification?

A provisional absence notification lets you know that your student's attendance has been temporarily recorded as unexcused or unlawful because an absence has not yet been verified. Families have three (3) school days to submit acceptable documentation using the Absence Excuse Form or by contacting their Family Support Coordinator. Once reviewed and approved, the student's official attendance record will be updated, when applicable.

What should I do if my child is sick or cannot attend school?

Please notify your Family Support Coordinator (FSC) or submit an Absence Excuse Form as soon as possible. If your child has a communicable illness (such as chickenpox or measles), please also notify the school nurse.

What if my child experiences technical issues?

If your student is unable to attend due to internet, Chromebook, Blackboard, or other technical issues, contact your Family Support Coordinator (FSC) and Tech Support as soon as possible. Verified technical issues will be reviewed, and attendance will be adjusted when appropriate.

What is the difference between a Synchronous and Asynchronous learner?

PA Virtual determines the instructional model that best supports each student's educational needs. Attendance expectations vary based on the student's assigned learning model.

Synchronous Learners

Students participating in the synchronous learning model are expected to:

• Log into Blackboard each school day.

• Attend all scheduled live virtual classes.

• Be on camera during live instruction, unless an approved exception is in place.

• Actively participate by responding to teacher prompts, engaging in class activities, and completing assigned work during class.

Asynchronous Learners

Students participating in the asynchronous learning model are expected to:

• Log into Blackboard each school day.

• Complete assigned coursework and instructional activities.

• Complete the required weekly benchmark (wellness check) with their teacher to verify participation and engagement.

• Stay on pace with coursework and maintain regular communication with their teacher.

The appropriate instructional model is determined by PA Virtual based on each student's educational needs.

What if my child will miss school due to an appointment, vacation, or educational trip?

Please notify your child's Family Support Coordinator (FSC) as soon as you know your student will be absent. If the absence qualifies as an Educational Trip, families must complete the Educational Trip Request Form according to PA Virtual policy. Educational Trip requests require written approval before the absence can be considered excused.

When is a medical note required?

School administrators may require medical documentation after a student accumulates multiple illness-related absences in accordance with PA Virtual attendance policy. Each situation is reviewed individually. Families are encouraged to communicate with their Family Support Coordinator regarding ongoing medical concerns.

How is daily attendance calculated for students attending live classes?

For students participating in synchronous instruction, four (4) unexcused class absences are equivalent to one (1) unexcused daily absence for compulsory attendance purposes.

What happens if my child has ongoing attendance concerns?

PA Virtual uses a Tiered Attendance Intervention Process to identify attendance concerns early, provide individualized support, and partner with families to improve attendance.

Depending on the student's needs, interventions may include:

• Attendance conferences

• Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP)

• Attendance coaching sessions

• Individualized attendance goals

• Referrals to school-based or community resources

• Home visit offers, when appropriate

• Ongoing attendance monitoring and support

What does NUE (Not Visually Engaged) mean?

NUE (Not Visually Engaged) is an attendance code used for students participating in synchronous (live) instruction. A student may receive an NUE code if they are logged into class but are not visually present or are not actively participating during instruction as required. This attendance code indicates that the student did not meet the participation expectations for that class period.

Learning Coaches-We thank you for your ongoing partnership!