The Habersham County School Board has adopted a revised version of its virtual option plan that will allow students to remain enrolled in their current school, even if they opt for online learning.
Administrators say 11% of the school system’s 7,000 students signed up for the virtual option. Some parents criticized it as “punitive” because, under the old plan, their children would have been required to withdraw from their current school and enroll in what was to have been a newly-created school called Habersham Technology Academy. In addition, online students would not have been allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or sports. With its vote Monday night, the board scrapped that plan and greenlighted an adjusted plan that will keep students in their schools with educators they’re familiar with. The adjusted plan also allows eligible students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Director of Virtual Learning and Secondary Schools Pam Dalton says the adjusted plan was possible because of the number of students who chose online learning. Superintendent Cooper previously said it was lower than expected. “We strongly recommend that parents who have children with health issues consider the virtual option for at least the first semester,” urges Cooper.
“Rigorous” but “flexible”
Misty Turpin, a former principal in Habersham County and an expert in instructional technology and software, is coordinating the virtual learning program. “We have full confidence in Ms. Turpin’s ability to provide great service to our parents and students in this role,” Dalton says.
The new virtual learning program will be different from the “Learning from Home” plan that was implemented in the spring. The new virtual program will be more rigorous, with more accountability and daily attendance expectations, according to school officials. Grading also will be handled differently.
“Primarily, our school system will use the Pearson Connexus learning platform. The curriculum and learning activities will be provided through Pearson Connexus, but managed by Habersham County teachers,” explains Dalton. “We are pleased to announce that, in almost all situations, Habersham County teachers will be serving Habersham County students.” In some instances, Georgia Virtual School may be used when staffing or teacher certification is an issue based on student requests.
Pearson Connexus is not a new program in Habersham County. Dalton says it’s been used “for several years” in our system. “We have had exemplary service from Pearson.” She touts Pearson’s “high level of customer service, teacher training, and ongoing support” as reasons the school system chose them as an online vendor. “Their curriculum is rigorous while remaining flexible so that it can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students.”
No switching mid-semester
Due to the change in its virtual option plan, the Habersham County School System is giving parents and students an extra week to decide whether to enroll. Those who are interested should contact their child’s school by August 14. Those who commit will be enrolled for at least one semester. Students may not switch from online to in-person learning mid-semester.
“Parents choosing virtual learning for their children will be expected to sign a one-semester agreement form,” says Dalton. “No exceptions will be made to the one-semester commitment.”
Classes and extracurricular activities
School officials stress that the courses and services offered online will not always be identical to those offered in a face-to-face setting. “Parents of students with special needs will work closely with special education staff and administrators to determine how best to meet the needs of each child,” Dalton says, adding that special circumstances will be addressed on a “case-by-case basis.”
Elementary and middle school students will be enrolled in four core classes: English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. High school students will be offered four classes each semester, which will include a limited number of electives, based on specific requirements for graduation.
Students enrolled in the virtual learning program who are in good standing and meet eligibility requirements may be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Parents should speak with the principal of their child’s school in order to discuss specifics about eligibility for extracurricular participation.
Although virtual class time will vary based on grade level and the needs of each individual student, an average amount of time required in the virtual environment is 60-90 minutes per day for English Language Arts, 45-60 minutes per day for math, 45-60 minutes per day for social studies, and 45-60 minutes per day for science. Scheduling is flexible for Connexus, but teachers may require students to be online at a certain time each day/week for live learning sessions.
Requirements and enrollment
Each student in the virtual learning program needs consistent, reliable Internet access, and a laptop, desktop, tablet, or Chromebook device. Chromebooks can be provided by the schools and will be distributed at a later date by the student’s home school. Parents will receive additional information about Chromebook distribution as the first day of school draws near. Dalton says smartphones are not recommended.
More information about the virtual learning program and the agreement form will be sent to parents in the coming days.
“We know that parents want as much information as possible,” says Dalton. “We ask that you please be patient with us as we continue to prepare to ensure success for all of our virtual students.”
For specific questions regarding the virtual learning program, parents may contact Misty Turpin at 706-778-2020.
RELATED
BREAKING NOW: Habersham Board of Education delays school reopening
