Villemade Virtual Academy

Students skills

Virtual learning can be rewarding and impactful when students are committed to the process. Students who are most successful at virtual learning demonstrate the following skills:

Time-management

They are capable of submitting assignments and completing course requirements without reminders.

Persistence

They are able to overcome obstacles and are willing to seek assistance when needed.

Communication skills

They have verbal or written communication skills that allow them to succeed in an environment where the instructor may not provide nonverbal cues to support the student’s understanding.

Parent expectations

Parent/guardian support is crucial to student success in virtual learning. Therefore, parents/guardians will be expected to:

– Ensure their student(s) has the necessary equipment and internet access to participate.

– Ensure their student(s) follows their assigned schedule each day.

– Encourage their student(s) to seek help when stuck or frustrated.

– Communicate academic concerns with instructors as needed.

– Ensure all tests and work intended to be completed independently is completed by their student without the aid of others.

– Stay informed of all course requirements and deadlines.

– Participate in a virtual learning training module from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

At-home technology

Students will need to have the necessary computer or technical skills to succeed in a virtual course. Students will use a learning device (iPad for K-8 and laptop for 9-12) and other necessary learning materials provided by the district.

The district will provide technical support via phone or email to students and families as needed.

Families without internet access can request a Wi-Fi hot spot to use for online learning.

The district WILL NOT provide printers, ink, paper copies, etc. for students who choose to participate in virtual instruction.

Attendance & course completion

Students are expected to engage daily in virtual courses in real-time and teachers will be recording daily attendance. Students must actively participate in their virtual courses with the goal of completing the courses.

Virtual students are expected to complete all course requirements in the time allotted for the course. Students will be considered in attendance for state aid purposes in accordance with the law.

At the high school level, a completed virtual course shall be counted as no less than 95% attendance for purposes of A+ eligibility.

Student expectations

Students will be expected to engage daily in virtual courses in real-time and participate in class discussions and regular communication with the teacher(s).

Students will be required to submit all work based on timelines outlined by the teacher(s) via email and/or the online learning platform used by the district.

The daily schedule

Teachers will set up a daily schedule with times for virtual courses.

Elementary and middle school students will receive a minimum of six hours of teaching and support per school day.

High school students will receive a minimum of 60 hours of instruction per half credit or 120 hours per one full credit per semester.

Teachers will provide daily support and feedback to students during the school week.

Grading & feedback

Teachers will provide daily support and feedback to students during the school week. Teachers will complete progress reports and report cards and students will receive grades and a Pattonville report card in alignment with the district report card schedule. Students will receive grades for behavior and effort. Students taking high school courses will receive credit for these courses. Students will be required to complete work and assignments in order to earn credit. Incomplete course work will result in not earning credit.

District/state tests*

Students are required to take district assessments specific to their grade levels as well as state assessments (Grades 3 through 8), MAP-A, high school end of course (EOC) exams and/or the ACCESS exam per state law. Students are required to complete district and state assessments on district campuses administered by the district staff. (*Based on current information.)

Students with disabilities

Students receiving accommodations for a disability under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may enroll in virtual courses. In this case, the student’s IEP or Section 504 team will determine whether any additional accommodations are necessary for the student.

Extracurriculars

In-person, after-school clubs, intramurals or outside activities at the elementary or middle school level are on hold until further notice. High school virtual students may participate in after-school activities and athletics, which are using health screenings, physical distancing strategies and frequent cleaning of facilities and equipment.