The Virtual Alternative High School
Information
The Idaho Virtual Academy’s alternative high school program provides an accredited, rigorous curriculum for students. The high school courses meet or exceed state standards and prepare students to be successful college or career.
Online Learning Face-to-Face Learning
Schedule Flexibility More Less
Direct Teacher Supervision Less More
Immediate Help Less More
Distractions from Students Less More
Deadlines Same Same
Reading Same Same
Writing Same Same
Working at own pace More Less
Self-Motivation Required Much More Less
Learning Coach Support More Less
The School in Summary:
• The Learning Management System (LMS) is the platform where the high school courses are located and where parents and students can also locate due dates, read class announcements, find Class Connect) links, and check grades.
• K12 is the primary curriculum provider for all courses.
• IDVA is accredited through AdvancED and credits will transfer easily to other public schools. IDVA graduates receive a diploma and can participate in graduation ceremonies.
• Our program offers a full range of courses and electives. What IDVA offers and what is available on the K12 website may not be the same.
• Full-time students have three classes each quarter.
• Students should work at least two hours, per day, per course (five days a week).
• Not every subject has a textbook—many now have e-books. High school students do not receive as many materials as what they are used to in the IDVA k-8 model.
• Highly qualified subject-specific teachers lead each class. The Alternative High School teachers have approximately 200 students each quarter.
• Students have daily assignments in each class that are either computer scored or teacher scored. If a student does not stay on track they will quickly get behind.
• Each teacher follows the Alternative High School policies, but also develops his/her own rules and guidelines.
• Teachers are available for student questions and assistance during regular school hours. Teachers respond to student questions within 24 hours (school days only) and return graded work within three school days. Large projects and research papers will be returned as quickly as possible.
• Each class has a live Class Connect session via Blackboard Collaborate on a set day and time each week. These sessions range up to 60 minutes depending on the needs of the course and students. Live sessions are recorded and if a student cannot attend live, they need to watch the recording within 24 hours of the session.
• Class Connect sessions will cover Idaho Core standards and tasks relating to preparing students for mastery of these rigorous standards. The class sessions do not cover class work. Students are
required to do their LMS curriculum each day. Class sessions are recommended. If students need
individualized help, they can stay after class, make an appointment with their teacher or attend Live Help as scheduled
• High school classes are time-bound by quarter. First quarter courses are only available first quarter; second quarter courses are only available second quarter. When the quarter ends, students cannot go back to previous curriculum.
• IDVA does offer credit recovery and credit mastery options for students. These will be offered on an as needed basis. You can talk with your advisor or counselor about one or both of these for your student. • It is possible to graduate early if a student takes summer school. Summer school is not a free, publicly
funded program. Only currently enrolled students are eligible for summer school at IDVA. Please visit with your advisor or counselor for more information.
• Each student will have an assigned Home Room teacher along with the year-long course Finding Your Pathway as an elective course. This course will help guide students to further review their educational goals and aid in their planning. Each grade has a different curriculum that addresses topics related to that grade level.
• Vacations: We highly discourage families to take vacations during the school year when students will miss school. Families are encouraged to consult the school calendar and travel during scheduled breaks. (High school spring break is a set week.) If a student falls behind, it is very difficult to catch up! • All full-time high school students receive a computer, and a printer/scanner/fax. Some families qualify
for an internet subsidy based on their income. Families must fill out an internet reimbursement form each semester to receive the monetary compensation. This form will be in K-mail.
• IDVA full-time high school students each receive their own computer (2 HS Students = 2 computers). If a student declines the k12 computer, he/she will need to make sure that his/her personal computer is equipped with the correct hardware and software to run all k12 applications. We always recommend that a student accepts the k12 computer, even if it will only be used as a backup.
• Dual enrollment with the Alternative High School is not available due to the amount of time each class takes per day.
• It is possible for IDVA students to play sports at most local schools in the State of Idaho. IDVA can provide attendance verification and grade checks as needed. Some districts do require charter school students to pay to play certain sports. Please inquire at your local school district to see what their sports policy is for charter school students.
• IDVA does not offer a driver’s education program. We can provide a DMV attendance verification form for you to take with you when you register for driver’s ed at your local district or through a private driving program in your community. (Please note: IDVA students are not eligible to take the Online Driver’s Ed class through IDLA, but you may be able to sign up for it through your local district.)
Attendance and Accountability
• Students must attend face-to-face finals at the end of 2nd and 4th quarter. These pencil-and paper comprehensive exams are held on two specific days (in December and May/June) at multiple testing locations across the state. 1st and 3rd quarter finals are completed online and are scheduled by the teachers.
• Students receive progress reports weekly via email and report cards via kmail at the end of each
semester. Students and parents can also always check their current grades online any hour of any day. • Juniors must show proficiency on the 11th grade spring SBA to meet the state’s graduation
requirement. If students are not able to pass this test a rigorous alternative route to graduation is possible.
• IDVA tracks attendance via student time spent in classes and assignments/quizzes/tests submitted. Students who do not maintain sufficient progress may be deemed truant and withdrawn from school. • High school students are required to have 990-instructional hours during the 180-day school year. This
High School Placement and Grading
Student status (freshman, sophomore, etc.) is based on the number of credits earned from accredited schools and NOT age, or the number of years spent in high school already. Any change in grade levels are done in January at the end of first semester. Transfer credits will only be accepted from accredited schools.
For the Class of 2015 and beyond:
Freshman 0-11 credits earned Sophomore 12-23 credits earned Junior 24-35 credits earned Senior 36 credits +
Grading Scale:
Graduation Requirements
Students earn one semester credit for each class that they pass (60% and above) each semester. Students must pass the 11th grade SBAC exit exams to qualify for graduation or complete the rigorous alternative graduation route. Students must also take the SAT during the 11th grade and successfully complete a Senior Project.
Language Arts and Speech 9 credits
Math 6 credits (Algebra 1 and higher)
Science 6 credits US History 2 credits Government 2 credits Economics 1 credit Health 1 credit Humanities 2 credits
Senior Project 1 credit
Subtotal ~ core 30
Elective Credits 16 credits
Total 46 credits
*Please note: These are the minimum requirements for students to graduate from IDVA. Students planning to go on to college or post-secondary training will need increased credits in the areas of science and math.
Specific majors and out-of-state schools may require additional coursework as well. Consult the specific college course catalog or your school counselor for additional information.
The Role of the High School Learning Coach
• Monitor student progress in LMS daily
• Ensure constant student connectivity to internet
• Ensures that student has all materials for success (ie: lab materials)
• Help establish work and learning environment (routine, classroom set-up, etc.) for student • Communicate often with administration and teachers
• Check e-mail and kmail every day for updates
• Read the weekly high school newsletter (sent via kmail every other Friday) • Make sure student attends state testing and final exams
• Monitor internet and email use for appropriateness
Successful High School Student Characteristics
• Manage time independently • Learn independently and visually • Follow through on assignments • Ask for help quickly and articulately
• Attend live Class Connect sessions each week, or watch the recordings in a timely manner • Read and follow a syllabus and schedule time accordingly
• Stay focused on school work
