West Bend Online Learning Academy Program Handbook 2013-2014
West Bend Jt. School District Table of Contents Overview Page 3 List of Available Courses Page 4 What Is Online Education Page 5 Local Resident Advantages Page 5 Local Education Guide Page 5 Student Commitment Page 5 Enrollment Procedures Page 6 Individualized Program Planning Page 7 Assessments Page 7 On-Site Courses Page 8 Transfer Credits Page 8 WIAA Athletics Page 8 Academic Excellence Scholarship Page 8 Co-Curricular Activities Page 9 Grading Page 9 High School Graduation Requirements Page 9-10 Online Attendance vs. High School Attendance Requirements Page 10 Acceptable Computer Use Page 10 StudentEdge Page 11 Keys to Success Page 11 INNOVATE. LEARN. DREAM
Welcome to West Bend Online Learning Academy Program! OVERVIEW The West Bend School District is dedicated to offering our students and families various pathways and earning opportunities to achieve our district mission of Preparing All Students for College Readiness AND Career Success. This program allows for students to choose their time and place of learning, determine the pace at which they want to approach their subjects, and provides them the necessary tools to be successful in their skill development. The West Bend Online Learning Academy program enables the West Bend School District to provide online learning options for our students, including: Relevant courses that allow you to choose your time, place, and pace of learning. High quality, interactive courses aligned to state and national standards Middle school and high school level curriculum Over 70 different course options AP courses not already offered at the West Bend High Schools Semester courses for credit deficient students, and others unable to successfully participate in a traditional setting A local online option to support the needs of home schooled students A solution for schedule conflicts, home-based learners, homebound, adjudication, truancy, expulsions, teen parents, and other special circumstances Modified rates of learning to accommodate the student -traditional, accelerated or extended The experience of online learning in preparation for future training in post-secondary Educational and work environments The West Bend Online Learning Academy program is in partnership with Wisconsin Virtual School and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. All courses are aligned to national and state standards. Course goals and objectives are available on our website link under Our Schools. Students currently enrolled at the West Bend Middle and High Schools full-time can enrich their course selection with courses not currently offered at the West Bend Middle and High Schools. Courses cannot supplant courses offered on-site. Students in a full-time home-based learning environment have access to all available coursework. Part-time students may take up to 2 courses per semester (1/2 credit for each semester course) while full-time students may take 3-6 courses per semester. All courses are 1or 2 semester courses. All courses are taught by Wisconsin certified teachers. 3
2013-14 West Bend Online Learning Academy Program Course List High School Courses English I S1 & S2 English II S1 & S2 English III S1 & S2 English IV S1 & S2 Creative Writing A & B Grammar & Composition A & B Biology S1 & S2 Chemistry S1 & S2 Earth Space Science S1 & S2 NEW Marine Science S1 & S2 NEW Physics S1 & S2 Physical Science S1 & S2 Algebra I S1 & S2 Algebra II S1 & S2 Calculus A & B Consumer Math A & B Geometry S1 & S2 Integrated Math A & B Pre-Algebra A & B Pre-Calculus S1 & S2 NEW American Civics/Gov t S1 & S2 NEW American History S1 & S2 Economics** Geography A & B Psychology** World History S1 & S2 Chinese (Mandarin) 1, 2 French 1, 2, 3, & 4 German 1, 2, 3, & 4 Japanese 1, 2 Latin 1, 2, 3 NEW Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4 World Language Survey** Art Appreciation** Career Planning** Family/Consumer Science** Health & Personal Wellness** Life Skills** Music Appreciation: The Enjoyment of Listening** Nutrition** Personal Finance** Physical Education A & B (WBSD) (see Note below regarding.5 credit) Computer Fundamentals A & B Computer Programming I S 1 & S2 NEW Digital Photography** Game Design** Web Design I S1 & S2 NEW Web Design II S1 & S2 NEW Advanced Placement Courses AP Art History S1 & S2 AP Biology A & B AP Calculus AB- A & B AP Calculus CD- A & B NEW AP Chemistry A & B PENDING AP Computer Science A & B AP English Language S1 & S2 AP English Literature A & B AP Environmental Science S1 & S2 AP European History A & B AP French Language A & B AP Macroeconomics** AP Microeconomics** AP Physics B- A & B AP Psychology** AP Spanish Language A & B AP Statistics A & B AP US Government & Politics** AP US History A & B AP World History A & B Credit Recovery Courses (12 weeks) Algebra 1 A & B Algebra 2 A & B Geometry A & B English 1-4 A & B Biology A & B Physical Science A & B American Government ** American History A & B Geography A & B World History A & B Physical Educations** Middle School Courses Art 6**, 7**, 8** MS French 1, 2 MS German 1, 2 MS Spanish 1, 2 Health 6**, 7**, 8** MS Language Arts I, II, III MS Mathematics I. II, III Music 6**, 7**, 8** MS Fitness 6 NEW MS Comprehensive PE 6/7 NEW MS Comprehensive PE 7/8 NEW MS Comprehensive Science I, II, III MS Civics S1 & S2 NEW MS World History S1 & S2 MS US History S1 & S2 World Language Survey** **One Semester Courses NCAA Approved NOTE: After full-time online students have successfully completed two.5 courses in virtual PE offered through the high school, we will pay for the third.5 credit through WBOLA. 4
What is Online Education? Online learning is an instructional delivery method that is not dependent upon the student and teacher being in the same location. Sometimes called an asynchronous environment it is offered via the Internet. The courses offer a flexible pace, schedule, and location. Students work at their own pace with instruction and support from Wisconsin DPI certified staff that may not be WBSD teachers. With trained and certified teachers, students get one-on-one attention and communications on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Students get upfront attention from their online instructor and receive support from an assigned Local Education Guide (LEG) from the West Bend School District. Local Resident Advantages Residents of the West Bend School District and students, living in close proximity, who open enroll to the West Bend School District have some advantages attending the West Bend Online Learning Academy vs. other online programs. Living in the area of your online school allows for access to participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, school events, and networking with a peer group. Additionally, students have the support of our technology department, school counseling staff, math lab, administration, and pupil services. Students have the option to take elective courses on site at the high school. Local Education Guide and On-line Instructor A Local Education Guide (LEG) will serve as the local facilitator for the student who takes an on-line course. This facilitator will act as a support system for the online educated student and as a liaison between the student and on-line course instructor when problems arise. The student will also have an on-line instructor who is responsible for monitoring student academic achievement. Students will be able to communicate with the on-line instructor regarding course content by phone or through e-mail. Students can schedule real-time appointments with their online instructor. Student Commitment Students must commit to completing any online course taken within the agreed time period. To be considered as a full time West Bend Online Learning Academy program enrollee, a student must commit to successfully complete at least one grade level per calendar year (5.5 credits) or to meet the best needs of the student as determined by the online learning team and the student s family. The LEG, in cooperation with the student, online teacher and parents, will determine if the student will be successful in the online course environment within the first 14 days of the course being started. This placement will be determined by the West Bend School District. If a student drops or decides not to continue the online course within the 14-day limit noted above, courses can be dropped and parent deposit is returned. Students who drop, fail to complete, discontinue, or fail online school courses may jeopardize their continued enrollment in online education opportunities and parent deposit will not be returned. In the event of unsuccessful online course completion, the district will develop an exit plan designed to result in the successful completion of the academic year. Payment must be completed prior to enrollment with one of these two options: Check made out to WBSD Payment plan can be arranged through the High School Bookkeeper Linda Liesener, 335-5539 Regular course per ½ credit $325.oo/Recovery course per ½ credit $200.00 Appropriate forms to be completed to verify qualification for following: Per federal guidelines, if family qualifies for reduced lunch, course charge is reduced 50%. A Student s initial enrollment will be 1-2 courses Free 0% 5
Enrollment Procedures Students must complete an application for online programming. Students who are new to the district must also complete student registration materials. Students from school districts outside of West Bend must have approved open enrollment agreements. Once the application for online programming has been approved, students and parents will meet with school personnel to develop an individualized program plan. High School Enrollment options include: Resident of the West Bend School District student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Resident of the West Bend School District student participates part time in Online Learning Option. Student takes most classes at West Bend High Schools. Online option classes are those not offered at West Bend High Schools. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Resident of the West Bend School District- Home Schooled families must register with the School District of West Bend. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Not a Resident of the West Bend School District - Full Time Open Enrollment families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Not a Resident of the West Bend School District - Part Time Open Enrollment families must apply for part time open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students may take two classes at a time online. Student takes all other classes in their resident district. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Middle School Enrollment Options (grades 6 8): Resident of the West Bend School District student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Resident of the West Bend School District student participates part time in Online Learning Option. Student takes most classes at West Bend Middle Schools. Online option classes are those not offered at West Bend Middle Schools. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Resident of the West Bend School District- Home Schooled families must register with the School District of West Bend. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. Not a Resident of the West Bend School District Full-Time Open Enrollment families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities. The district has the right to limit number of students participating in the Online Learning Option as determined by budgetary parameters. 6
Special Circumstances Students with special education considerations should direct questions to the Director of Pupil Services, Sharon Kailas @ 262.335.5409. Individualized Program Planning In order to provide high quality, standards-based proven curriculum, courses will be provided from a list of approved on-line school providers. Providers include, but are not limited to PEAK. The instructional intent is to provide online opportunities for students in grades 6-12. West Bend Online Learning Academy program courses are aligned to national and state standards. Course goals and objectives will be available upon request. Students currently enrolled at West Bend High Schools full-time can enrich their course selection with courses not currently offered at the High Schools. However, online courses cannot supplant courses offered on-site. Students in a full-time home-based learning environment have access to all available coursework. All courses are 1or 2 semester courses. Students will work with a counselor to develop a yearlong plan that meets the board-established criteria for a full-time student and leads to the completion of graduation requirements. If a home-based learner is participating on a part-time basis, parents must file an application for home-based learning with the Department of Public Instruction. Students may opt to take one course at a time or several courses over a longer period of time. It is typical for on-line education students to complete 2-3 courses at a time. Students can expect to spend just as many hours completing an online course as they would complete a course in a traditional setting. Students should plan to spend 6-7 hours per day on-line to complete 5.5 credits a year. Assessments Course assessment work is typically completed in the same environment used for course work. It may occasionally be necessary for students to be proctored during a testing period (i.e. AP tests will be proctored at a West Bend School District site on a set date). Online students are required to take the WKCE. All students in grades 6, 7, 8 and 10 fall into grades tested by the state of Wisconsin using the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam. Online students will be tested at either a West Bend Middle School or West Bend High School during the state testing window. The testing window typically occurs in November. In addition, the West Bend School District provides access for testing college and career readiness. The district offers the Explore (middle school), Plan, and ACT Assessments to measure college and career readiness. West Bend Online Learning Academy program students are encouraged to participate in these assessments. Please contact the school counselor or LEG for testing dates. 7
On-Site Courses Online students who choose to take face-to face courses at either a West Bend Middle School or High School will be responsible for their own transportation for any course requiring transportation other than the regularly scheduled resident district transportation. Students are eligible to take any face-to-face course(s) open to their grade level. All prerequisite procedures apply. They are responsible for all course requirements, attendance policies, and school rules or procedures. Transfer Credits Students wishing to transfer credits into the West Bend Online Learning Academy program from home-based learning, another school district, or another online program should contact the West Bend Middle or High School Counseling Department. Home-based credits will be reviewed by the Curriculum and Instruction Department. To begin the process, students must provide documentation, which includes a copy of the DPI application for home-based education. Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Students must be enrolled in the district as a full time student to be eligible for WIAA athletic participation. Students will be required to check with the athletic director to be sure they are eligible for WIAA participation. Academic Excellence Scholarship The State of Wisconsin offers high school seniors academic excellence scholarships to encourage top students to continue their education in the State of Wisconsin. The number of scholarships each school is awarded is based on student enrollment in grades 9-12. The West Bend School District awards three scholarships each year per school for a total of 6 scholarships. The Academic Excellence Higher Education Scholarship shall be awarded to the top three senior students at both West Bend East and West Bend West who have the highest grade point average (GPA) in all subjects (excluding Physical Education courses) for seven semesters by March 1 of each year, based on a 4.00 grade point scale. The following criteria for eligibility must be met to qualify for the scholarship: The student has achieved senior status. A student is classified as a senior if he/she has earned a minimum of 22 credits and is in his/her fourth year of high school. The student has attended West Bend High East or West for a minimum of three semesters (their junior year and first semester-two terms of their senior year). Only courses offered through the West Bend High Schools and the Youth Options Program will be considered. Exceptions are limited to transfer students. If seven or more students have the same grade point average, the high school faculty will select the six scholarship recipients and alternate(s) in accordance with established criteria. 8
Co-Curricular School Activities Students enrolled in the West Bend Online Learning Academy program may participate in all cocurricular and extra-curricular opportunities. We are proud to offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Our programs are seen as an extension of the classroom. Our desire is that activities can be an enriching and healthful experience in which physical, mental, and social growth shall be stimulated through interscholastic competition. We encourage each student to participate in extra and co-curricular activities. Some examples include Forensics, Drama, Interact, Debate, FBLA, Math League, Model United Nations. Additional information is available on the West Bend School District webpage. Grading All online grades will be based on a 4.0 pt. scale and monitored by the local education guide (LEG). Grades will be used to calculate GPA and class rank. The following system will be used for calculation of middle and high school Grade Point Averages for grades 6-12: A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0 F = 0.0 The percentage necessary for each grade is: A = 90-100%, B= 80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F= 59% and below High School Graduation Requirements Students who attend West Bend Online Learning Academy program may opt to receive a diploma from the West Bend High Schools. The District awards diplomas to recognize students who have met certain academic requirements of the District. In order to graduate from West Bend High Schools and receive a diploma, a student must satisfy the requirements set out in this policy. The policy requirements are grounded in the District's curriculum and state law requirements applicable to granting a diploma. The West Bend High Schools educational program is designed to be completed in four years or eight semesters. Early graduation may be granted in accordance with District procedures. Graduates from the West Bend High Schools shall complete a minimum of 22 credits to meet the graduation requirement. Included in the requirement is the successful completion of a minimum of 8.5 credits of elective coursework. Included in the minimum (22 credits) course graduation requirements, shall be the successful completion of 13.5 required credits, distributed as follows for 2013-2014 graduating classes: English 4 Credits 9 th Grade: English 9 required 10 th Grade: English 10 or American Literature required 11 th /12 th Grades: one semester of speech, one semester of literature, and two semesters of electives required (no speech for class of 2016) Social Studies 3 Credits Global Studies, American History, Government and Law, and Economics are required. Science 2 Credits No more than one each in the areas of physical science, earth science and life science. Mathematics Applied/Fine Arts 2 Credits.5 Credit Business Education, Family & Consumer Science, Technical Education, or Music or Art. Health Physical Education.5 Credit Middle School health may count towards ¼ of this requirement 1.5 Credits 9 th Grade: Fitness for Life 9 required 10-12 Grades: two semesters of electives required Graduation requirements shall be modified by the high school principal upon recommendations of the individual education program (IEP) team for students with exceptional educational needs, student success team (SST) and/or online education review team for regular education students. Youth options courses cannot be substituted for the 18 required core graduation credits. 9
Online Attendance Requirements Students in the Online Academy must meet the High School attendance requirements. Attendance in online programming is performance-based and measured not only by logging into the course(s) but by successful submission of completed coursework, participation in course activities, such as threaded discussions, and communication with the online instructor. The minimum attendance requirement is to successfully submit coursework to pace for each online course. Any student not meeting that expectation will be contacted by his/her LEG for corrective action. Not meeting the minimum High School attendance requirement for any course (or combination of courses if enrolled in more than one course) as outlined above is considered Habitual Truancy and is therefore in violation of Wisconsin s Compulsory Attendance Statutes 118.15 (1) (a) that require a child attend school regularly until graduation from high school, or until the end of the semester in which he/she turns 18 years of age, or until he/she is excused from attendance by the school board. The student and parent/guardian may be subject to legal sanctions. Acceptable Computer Use Students are responsible for their behaviors and are expected to comply with the Technology Acceptable Use Code of Conduct. Every parent and student will be asked to sign the Laptop Agreement form during the enrollment process. 10
StudentEdge West Bend Online Learning Academy program is pleased to announce a new partnership with StudentEdge. Students will also have access to StudentEdge, a FREE online resource center that simplifies college and career planning by putting everything you need in one location. Students have access to test preparation, college searches, scholarship search, financial aid tools, a career assessment, and a resume builder. Even middle school students can get a head start on the planning with the online practice tests and career assessment. StudentEdge is a one-stop online resource to help students and their families plan for the future. Whether you're going to college, trade or technical school, directly into the workforce, or the military, StudentEdge will help prepare students for success. Student Edge has everything needed to: Prepare for standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT Find the best college match Maximize college affordability while minimizing debt Determine a future career path Build a resume for a summer job or internship Students may contact their Local Education Guide (LEG) for details on how to access StudentEdge. Keys To Success In Online Courses Students who are able to demonstrate the following discipline may be more successful at online coursework: Schedule time each day to work on the course Read all information, view all resources, and be responsible for understanding the information. Communicate regularly with the online teacher and local education guide. Work closely with a school counselor and LEG to plan appropriate course selection and to communicate needs. Notify the LEG when planning to be out of town for any period exceeding 2 school days. INNOVATE. LEARN. DREAM 11