Billings Public Schools will be using APEX to supplement the primary virtual learning platform (MTDA) for grades 6-12. APEX is an asynchronous learning platform that has original and credit recovery course options. This learning platform will follow the approved school district calendar. As students complete learning modules in a course, they will need to request end of unit assessments be unlocked by the school district mentor from 7:30am-3:30pm on a scheduled school day.
The student/parent contract sets out the standards and expectations that will be in place for virtual learning. The virtual learning platform is a semester long commitment by the student and parents/guardians. The school district reserves the right to withdraw a student from virtual learning and return to the school building should attendance and/or behavior impede a student's academic progress.
While students have the ability to progress at their own pace the expectation is for students to successfully complete at least five (5) courses per semester. Each semester encompasses approximately 540 hours of classroom instruction and work in the school building. Virtual learning students and families should reasonably expect to work 540 hours each semester in the virtual classroom. Students will only be permitted to take up to nine (9) courses in a semester through virtual learning.
Virtual Learning Change - October 24, 2024
Dear Parents /Guardians,
As part of a regular review process of school district programs, staff and administration have conducted an audit of Billings Virtual Learning and specifically the APEX program. Through this audit, we have concluded that the Virtual Learning program must continuously evolve as some artificial intelligence (AI) programs are being developed and sold for the sole purpose of eroding the integrity of online learning platforms.
The audit has found numerous examples of end of unit tests which are 20 questions in length being completed in one minute. Another example is semester 1 of an English class that includes the reading of multiple novels which has been completed in less than 3 hours. These are just two specific examples; however, we have identified numerous other situations. The APEX program, through the analytic tool, shows the amount of time a student spends on course material in each unit (lesson overview, study time, reading time, quiz time, assessment time, etc.). The program further breaks down the time allowing staff to see what is idle time vs. work time of each student.
Due to district findings and to ensure that the APEX learning platform is providing maximum learning benefits for our students the following changes will be implemented:
All students utilizing the APEX will be required to log into Clever using their student account with Billings Public Schools and navigate to APEX. The requirement to log into Clever then APEX has been communicated to all virtual learning students from the mentor along with directions.
As of November 4th, students will be required to use a school district Chromebook for all online work through APEX. The district mentor will not open assignments for students unless the school district chromebook is being used beginning November 4th. Chromebooks can be picked up from the Technology department on the third floor at the Lincoln Center.
High school students will still be required to complete final exams at their home school or the Lincoln Center with Mr. Buckner, whichever is more convenient. Please remember that an 80% must be achieved in order to earn credit for the course. Students will be permitted to use handwritten notes only. The opportunity to retest immediately is at the discretion of the test proctor and will be based upon the prior test score and through the demonstration of course work (i.e. - handwritten notes and/or course work time as monitored through APEX). We believe the aforementioned steps will maintain the integrity of the online learning platform while ensuring student learning.
While the school district tries to avoid any large changes mid-semester, we must be fluid with our online learning platform due to how rapidly technology changes. The new requirements being set forth do not hinder a student from progressing at their own pace; rather, it simply changes the navigation path to APEX and the device being used when working in APEX. Should you have any questions feel free to contact me at any time.
Thank you for being part of your child’s educational journey.
DURING THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL VIRTUAL LEARNING APEX COURSE FINAL ASSESSMENTS AT THEIR HOME HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL. STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT THEIR HIGH SCHOOL TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO COMPLETE THE FINAL EXAM.
High school students must earn an 80% or better on final to earn credit for the course
**Please note - The virtual learning mentor will not be accessible on weekends, holidays, or evenings to open assessments**
Assessment Procedures
To ensure students opportunity for success is maximized, the following procedures are instituted for virtual learning:
Students must complete all APEX units study guides in course. Unit assessments will not be opened unless student can provide completed study guides to the test proctor.
If a student is unsuccessful in achieving an 80% on a unit test or final after a second attempt, the student and family must meet with the mentor to discuss an academic plan to be completed prior to a third and final assessment attempt being allowed.
If a student is found to have violated the academic integrity of a course by cheating will result in disciplinary action up to removal from virtual learning program. This includes but is not limited to the use of AI to complete course work and use of third party platforms that store APEX test questions and answers.
First offense - student will receive a zero on assignment/test with opportunity to make up the work. Parent and student meeting.
Second offense - student will receive a zero on assignment/test and will not be provided an opportunity to make up the work. Parent and student meeting.
Third offense - student will lose credit in class which cheating occurred and may be removed from the virtual learning program. Parent and student meeting.
(Offenses are cumulative)
At the end of each semester, a final grade will be issued. Students must complete all units, unit assessments and final exam at an 80% or higher to earn credit for a course. If course work is not completed an "F" will be issued as a final grade except in extenuating circumstances (i.e. medical) approved by the virtual learning mentor and administrator.