Ann Arbor Public Schoolswww.a2virtual.org

INFORMATION NIGHTS

A2 Virtual+online classes

are they new?..........what’s new?

DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL 20 HR REQUIREMENT? - NO

The State of Michigan established an avenue to online learning for students in 1998 through Michigan Virtual University.

OCTOBER 2013

STATE OF MICHIGAN EXPANDED WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN

AS SECTION 21F

ONLINE CLASSES do not CHANGE

WHERE THE DECISION LIES FOR A STUDENT TO TAKE A CLASS

IS REVISED

Flexible, Accessible, rigorous

any time, any Place

THE MISSION OF A2 VIRTUAL+

IS TO PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-12 THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE

INNOVATIVE, FLEXIBLE,  NON-TRADITIONAL

CLASSES AS PART OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN ON THE PATH TO

GRADUATION.

MEETING STUDENTS NEEDS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS

Students in grades 5-12 can take up to two online classes each term. Seat-time waivers can be applied for students wishing to take more than two courses.

Choice lies with the family

Can the district deny?State of Michigan allows denial for:- Gained same credit previously- Course doesn’t generate academic credit- Inconsistent with graduation requirements- Pre-requisite wasn’t attained or student already has failed the course online - Course doesn’t have sufficient rigor

Who can take online courses?

Anyone and Everyone

in grades 5-12

Why take an online class?

- to accommodate a learning preference- solve a scheduling conflict- recover credit- if a student will be out of the building for an extended period of time

How do I know if online learning is right for my child?

SEE ONLINE READINESS RUBRIC AT A2VITUAL.ORG

Technology SkillsStrong to excellent computer skills. Can use a word processor, web browser, Moodle, email, and other technology applications, or is capable of learning quickly.

Work and Study Habits-Independent worker-Rarely needs reminders-Rarely needs assistance with schoolwork-Success with previous online or independent coursework-Good with time management

Technology Connectivity

-Student has consistent access to computer and internet with moderate to high speed

Interest/Motivation-Student has an interest in course material, motivated by using a computer. -Positive and realistic view of taking an online course

Reading/Writing Skills-Student should be reading at or above reading level. -Student should be able to communicate effectively in writing.

Elementary (5th) Acceleration

-Evidence of multiple years of differentiation-Student performs in top 10% of class/grade-NWEA score of advanced standing-MEAP scores in top 5% of students-current/prior teacher recommendation-other evidence presented by parents

WILL FOLLOW AAPS BOE AND DISTRICT POLICY

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

START WITH BUILDING PRINCIPAL

IMPORTANT DATES- ALL COURSES

DROP AND ADD TIME FRAMECOURSE “DISAPPEARS”

WITHDRAWALCOURSE GOES ON TRANSCRIPT, “W ” INSTEAD OF GRADE

AFTER THE WITHDRAW DATESTUDENT EARNS A GRADE, COURSE APPEARS ON TRANSCRIPT

Courses are not experimental. Once a student is in the course and it is past the withdraw date, student is enrolled for the semester. They earn the grade.

COURSES ARE NOT SHRINK WRAPPED!!

NOT DOING ANYTHING IN A COURSE IS NOT AN EXCUSE.

Repeating a course for improved grade

AAPS POLICY STATES THAT THE MOST RECENT CLASS TAKEN IS THE GRADE THAT IS USED IN THE GPA. (NOT THE BEST) BE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET A BETTER GRADE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY COURSE, WHETHER IN

SCHOOL OR ONLINE.

Proctoring vs. TestingPROCTORING: Each aaps student who takes an

online course must have two (2) Exams or written responses proctored. Usual practice is a unit test

and final.

TESTING: Testing can occur multiple times during a course; two tests must be proctored. students may be required to take the AAPS common assessment, required by aaps for all students in the course. If the course has a common assessment it must be

proctored in addition to the required two proctored exams.

plagiarism...copying...short-cuts...having someone else do your work...

UNETHICAL ACADEMIC BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN AN “E” FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT WHERE THIS IS

A PROBLEM.

Some of the different curriculums:Edgenuity: video based content, accommodates different learning styles - can be useful for recovery courses and those who find text-based curriculum difficult.AAPS Teacher/Mentor, same person.

AAPS: Text based content, student should be self-Motivated, independent learner. AAPS Teacher/Mentor, same person.

MVS: (Michigan Virtual School) Text based content, student should be self-Motivated, independent learner. AAPS Mentor, teacher can be any where in state.

SAMPLE LESSONS CAN BE FOUND UNDER RESOURCES ON A2VIRTUAL.ORG

Course review:

ALL ONLINE COURSES ARE REVIEWED BY A COMMITTEE USING A 52 POINT RUBRIC.

AAPS CONDUCTS AN ADDITIONAL REVIEW. CURRICULUM LEADERS AND TEACHERS ARE REVIEWING APPS CONTENT FOR ALIGNMENT WITH ANN ARBOR STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS.

Important to understand:Online courses are not easier; and sometimes they are more time consuming than many think.

Important to understand:Online courses are FLEXIBLE

Online courses are AVAILABLEOnline courses meet INDIVIDUAL

WANTS/NEEDS

DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT WITH AN IEP OR 504 PLAN?

MAKE SURE THAT THE BOX INDICATING THIS IS CHECKED ON REGISTRATION FORM.

TEACHERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A COPY OF THE IEP OR 504 SO THAT ALL ACCOMMODATIONS CAN BE MET.

ATHLETES AND THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE

MANY OF THE ONLINE CLASSES HAVE BEEN NCAA APPROVED. HOWEVER, PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE YOU REGISTER TO

ENSURE THAT THE COURSE YOU HAVE CHOSEN IS APPROVED.

MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS EACH YEAR

registrationa2virtual.org

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER IF YOU CAN

PRE-REGISTRATION WILL HELP YOU IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR A SPECIFIC HOURS FOR THE

SCHEDULE DURING THE DAY. IT WILL ALSO HELP WITH KEEPING CLASS LOADS IN SCHOOL EQUAL AND ARRANGING STAFFING FOR STUDENTS IN A

TIMELY FASHION. THANK YOU!

Summer: Registration

NOW THROUGH JUNE 23

WWW.A2VIRTUAL.ORG

COST ASSOCIATED

Online courses: only 2 proctored exams (Wed/Fri)

Blended courses: need to be available on four - five specific days and times. Can only miss one day to receive a grade in course. Days and times are posted on the A2Virtual website.

SUMMER COURSES ATTENDANCE:

FALL PRE-REGISTRATION

MAY 27-JUNE 11, PAPERWORK DUE JUNE 13

FALL REGISTRATIONAUGUST 18-SEPTEMBER 12

ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS:CINDY LEAMAN, PRINCIPALleamanc@aaps.k12.mi.us

ANTHONY LAUER, COORDINATORLauera@aaps.k12.mi.us

GENERAL EMAILS:a2virtual@a2schools.org

OFFICE PHONE: 734-997-1208

a2virtual.org

COMPLETELY FILL OUT PAPERWORKLOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE

FIND THE COURSE YOU ARE SEEKING

Located on our website

RETURN TO A2VIRTUAL+ OFFICE BY EMAIL, MAIL, OR DROP-OFF

WEBSITE: A2VIRTUAL.ORG