1
CAVA
Parent/Student Handbook 2013-2014
California Virtual Academies 2360 Shasta Way, Suite A Simi Valley, California 93065 Tel: (805) 581-0202
Fax: (805) 581-0330
www.caliva.org
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Welcome to the California Virtual Academies ... 4
Our Mission Statement ... 5
Expected School-Wide Learning Results ... 5
The CAVA Faculty ... 6 Enrollment ... 7 Fees ... 7 2013 – 2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR ... 8 K‐8 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ... 10 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ... 13 GENERAL INFORMATION ... 16 Independent Study Master Agreement (ISMA) ... 16 Admission ... 16 Immunizations ... 16 Physical Examinations ... 17 The K12® Curriculum ... 17 The Online School (OLS) ... 18 Objectionable Materials ... 18 Confidentiality ... 18 The Learning Coach ... 18 Change of Contact Information ... 19 Classroom Assignments ... 19 Attendance ... 19 Non‐Compliance Policy ... 20 Code of Classroom Etiquette ... 22 Consequences ... 23 Discipline ... 24 Dress Code ... 25 CAVAParent ... 25 Network Etiquette ... 25 Internet Service Provider (ISP) Policy ... 26 Computer Policy ... 26 Computer/Software Restriction ... 26 CAVA Parent‐Student Computer Use Policy ... 27 Internet Safety Policy ... 28
Access to Inappropriate Material ... 28
Inappropriate Network Usage ... 28 Supervision and Monitoring ... 28 Harassment Reporting ... 29 Online classroom ... 29 Grievance Policy and Procedure ... 29 Materials and Computer Equipment ... 30 Special Education ... 30 Response to Intervention/ Student Study Team ... 30 Interventions ... 31 Study Island ... 31 Support Staff ... 31 Student Records ... 31 State Standardized Tests ... 32
3 Unable to Contact ... 32 Withdrawals... 33 Work Permits ... 33 CAVA Kindergarten ‐ 8th Grade Information ... 34 Course Level Placement ... 34 Progress in Curriculum ... 34 Course Level Promotion ... 34 Grade Level Promotion ... 36 Mid‐Year Enrollment ... 36 K‐ 5 Grading Scale ... 36 Academic Integrity (Dishonesty and Plagiarism) – K8 ... 38 Report Cards ... 40 Physical Education ... 40 Teacher Conferences ... 40 Outings ... 41 CAVA High School Information ... 42 Graduation Requirements ... 42 Online Learning Course... 43 Reclassifying ... 43 Grading Scale CAVA High School ... 43 High School Physical Education ... 44 Progress in Classes ... 44 Late Work ... 45 Academic Integrity (Dishonesty and Plagiarism) – High School ... 45 Change in Class Schedule ... 47 Withdrawing from a Course ... 47 Concurrent Enrollment ... 47 Policies and Requirements for concurrent enrollment: ... 48 Steps for High School Concurrent Enrollment ... 48 High School Counselors ... 49 Grade Appeal Policy ... 49 SIGNATURE OF RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: ... 52 CAVA Community Day Addendum ... 53
Policies and procedures listed in this handbook may be changed at the discretion of CAVA without prior notice. Any alterations to this document will be communicated to affected parties via e-mail. A copy of this handbook will be posted on the CAVA Parent website. This copy will be updated as needed.
4 Welcome to the California Virtual Academies
Welcome to the California Virtual Academies (or CAVA as we like to say!). This handbook is designed to help you begin and continue your relationship with the California Virtual Academies. Members of the CAVA faculty and administration developed this handbook with input from students and their families. Its purpose is to clarify expectations; something we believe is an important step at the beginning of any new relationship.
The California Virtual Academies are a unique form of public charter schools. Thus, for a good part of the time, we will work together remotely. One of the challenges of working together remotely is trust; and trust comes from the sharing of critical information, good and regular communications, the setting of clear expectations, and then living up to our mutual commitments. This handbook has been compiled in the spirit of that first step toward building new friends and a community of trust.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please contact the California Virtual Academies Offices in Simi Valley and we will direct your call to the appropriate member of our administrative team. Our school office contact information is as follows:
California Virtual Academies 2360 Shasta Way, Suite A Simi Valley, California 93065 www.caliva.org
Tel: (805) 581-0202 Fax: (805) 581-0330
5 The California Virtual Academies: An Overview
The California Virtual Academies is a network of public charter schools. As of August 2013, we have thirteen schools in the state of California and serve approximately 14,000 students in grades K-12. Each of our schools serves students in the county where the charter was authorized, as well as any county that is adjacent to it. Today we serve students in fifty- three of California's fifty-eight counties. We hope to one day serve every student in the state of California.
Each of our schools is a public charter school that is funded by state tax dollars and governed by California charter-school, independent study and applicable federal laws.
Each of our schools has a Board of Directors comprised of parents and community members who are passionate about providing additional educational options to the students of California. The Board of Directors for each of the California Virtual Academies has entered into a management contract with K12, Inc., a Virginia-based education curriculum and management company.
Our school office is located in Simi Valley, California and the majority of our administrative team works from these offices. Besides our school office, we do not have any other physical sites in the state. Members of the California Virtual Academies faculty work from their homes and live within driving distance of the students in their class – thus enabling them to build a local school community in their area.
Our Mission Statement
California Virtual Academies, a highly effective network of public charter schools, provides an individualized standards-based education for students in the state of California. Our team of hard-working, highly qualified staff works as partners with parents to provide an innovative and challenging education that focuses on traditional instructional models to promote mastery of the California State Standards. California Virtual Academies believes parents are integral in the acquisition of knowledge, and works to strengthen family values, promote character, and provide skill mastery through the use of technology and the K12 curriculum.
Expected School-Wide Learning Results
California Virtual Academies, using the technology of today to educate the leaders of tomorrow
Engaged Learners who:
Grow academically in the areas of mathematics, reading, language arts and writing
Integrate effective internet and multimedia resources to broaden their knowledge base and enhance their learning process
Develop lifelong learning skills Critical Thinkers who:
Are exposed to grade-level curriculum
6 Illustrate a variety of problem-solving strategies that strengthen college preparation and
workforce readiness Global Citizens who:
Appreciate the value of diversity
Demonstrate awareness of the importance of cultural sensitivity and historical contributions necessary for the 21st century
*Our original ESLR’s were developed through our staff’s collaborative effort. At a leadership retreat, we looked closely at the needs of our students and the requirements for both California and the California Virtual Academies. The original ESLR’s were designed under different leadership. We revised our original ESLR’s to provide a global perspective of our entire K-12 population and include our goals and expectations for our graduating 12th graders. Our staff, administration and stakeholders are aware of our revised ESLR’s and are in agreement of our goals for our graduating 12th graders.
The CAVA Faculty
We believe that a collaborative relationship between you and your assigned California Virtual
Academies Teacher is at the heart of a positive learning environment. Each of our teachers is provided with a laptop computer, a full set of the K12 curriculum materials and professional development on the subjects of technology and the K12 curriculum. Your teacher is a wealth of knowledge and thus should be your first point of contact for all questions that are academic or technical in nature. Your teacher has the following responsibilities:
Maintain regular office hours Help you use the Online School
Loan you the necessary K12® curriculum materials if yours are missing or delayed Help you to teach using the K12® Curriculum
Conduct regular conference calls with you to discuss your student’s academic progress Conduct regular meetings with you and your student
Collect and review work samples and provide constructive feedback on a regular basis Respond as soon as possible to all emails, Kmails and telephone calls
Provide at least 24 hours notice if a conference must be canceled or rescheduled Inform you of school updates/information from CAVA and/or K12
Host school outings or sponsor school clubs o Monthly – K8
o Semester Outing/Club Sponsor – HS Administer state standardized tests
Provide encouragement and support in all areas of student learning and achievement Meet students in an online classroom for individual or small group instruction
Administer various academic assessments as part of the ongoing evaluation of progress and mastery
Model specific practices that will support instruction
Provide interventions, recommendations, and individualized support for students who may be struggling
7 Enrollment
The California Virtual Academies are public schools of choice.
CAVA's student enrollment process seeks to ensure that all potential families understand the mission and unique nature of the California Virtual Academies. We strongly encourage our families to attend a parent information session in their area or online to learn more about our school before they decide to enroll. For a complete listing of upcoming parent information sessions in your area, please visit our website at www.caliva.org.
There is no discrimination in the admission of students to the school on the basis of race, creed, color, handicapping condition or gender. CAVA provides a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all of its students. All students, however, need to be able to meet the enrollment requirements.
CAVA will enroll students in grades K-12 for the 2013-2014 school year. Student enrollment forms for the California Virtual Academies are available online at www.caliva.org. Enrollment packages must be completed in full and submitted with all required documentation prior to enrollment acceptance.
Questions regarding the status of your enrollment should be directed to the CAVA offices.
Students who have received services under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) must provide this information at time of enrollment. A member of the Special Education department will contact you to ensure proper placement of your student in our program.
Concurrent enrollment in another public or private school is prohibited at the California Virtual
Academies and will cause the student to be withdrawn. This does not include college-level course work. Please refer to enrollment requirements.
Fees
CAVA does not charge fees for programs or services provided to our families. Enrollment with CAVA is tuition-free. However, as with many school programs, certain expenses do fall within the
responsibility of enrolled families. Ink for printers, the cost for transportation to and from CAVA sponsored events, and the cost for providing paper are a few examples of these costs. Although CAVA pays a reimbursement to provide a dial-up connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to each family based on the Internet reimbursement policy, any extra expense incurred (such as a family’s voluntary upgrade to high-speed access or unintended long-distance phone fees accidentally incurred by a family) is not the responsibility of CAVA.
8 2013 – 2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Day of School August 12, 2013
Labor Day September 2, 2013
End of Quarter 1 October 15, 2013
CAHSEE testing (11th and 12th graders) November 5 and 6, 2013
Veteran’s Day November 11, 2013 Thanksgiving Break November 27 – 29, 2013 Winter Break December 23 – January 8, 2014 End of Quarter 2 January 9, 2014 Teacher In Service Days (student non‐instructional days) January 9 – 15, 2014 School Resumes January 16, 2014 Martin Luther King’s Day January 20, 2014 Lincoln’s Birthday February 10, 2014 Washington’s Birthday February 17, 2014
4th and 7th Grade Writing Test March 4, 2014 4th and 7th Grade Writing Test Make‐Up March 5, 2014 CAHSEE Testing (10th‐ 12th Grade) March 18 – 19, 2014
End of Quarter 3 March 24, 2014
Spring Break March 31 – April 4, 2014
Local Holiday April 21, 2014
STAR Testing (Grades 2nd – 11th) April 14 – May 2, 2014 CAHSEE Testing (10th – 12th Grade Make‐Ups) May 13 ‐14, 2014
Memorial Day May 26, 2014
Last Day of School June 4, 2014
10 K-8 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Our school is a full-time, general education, independent study program; not a supplemental program or a part-time program.
CAVA is a mastery-based program. Letter grades are not given for students in Kindergarten- 5th
grade.
Students in grades 6-8 receive letter grades based on the grading scale in the parent- student handbook.
Student must be in good standing with previous school district and California Virtual Academies when re-enrolling.
Student may only be enrolled in CAVA and not concurrently enrolled in another school, public or private.
Parent/guardian and/or learning coach is responsible for ensuring that the child is attending school (actively engaged and completing CAVA assigned lessons) for 4-6 hours per day. Enrollment Requirements:
Student must reside within a county CAVA serves and provide proof of residency prior to enrollment.
If while attending CAVA, student moves, a new proof of residency must be submitted within 10 school days.
All required documentation must be received by our Simi Valley office (i.e. proof of age and residence), within 30 days of submitting application.
Students will be enrolled in their age appropriate grade level, unless previous school has officially approved a retention or promotion.
All information on the application must be true and correct. If misrepresentations are made or incorrect information is provided, the application will be deemed as not meeting the
requirements of the school and may result in the revocation or halting of enrollment.
Enrollment in CAVA is contingent on Student, Parent and Teacher signing an Independent Study Master Agreement Form (ISMA) prior to the commencement of instruction and services.
o Parent and student will not have access to online curriculum until the ISMA is signed and returned.
Failure to sign an ISMA within 3 days of enrollment approval and/or each subsequent semester will result in the immediate indication of non-enrollment in CAVA and the student’s account will be deactivated.
Placement Process:
Students enrolling will be placed in curriculum at grade level
The school has the authority to review previous academic records to determine appropriate placement.
Attendance:
Attendance/lessons logged daily in the online school by parent/guardian or learning coach. Students are expected to attend school Monday through Friday.
11 Students attend school 4 to 6 hours per day and may have homework in excess to the required 4
to 6 hours of schoolwork per day.
All students participate in Physical Education (200 min every 10 days).
Notify CAVA Teacher of any extended family travel except during normal school vacations and holidays 2 weeks prior to leaving on travel (failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of your student from the school).
During travel time student must be attending school and parent/guardian and/or learning coach must be available by phone and/or internet for communication
Progress:
Progress logged daily in online school by parent/guardian and/or learning coach.
Student will make continuous progress (actively engaged and completing assignments) in the curriculum.
Student will use the K12 curriculum exclusively.
During travel time student must be progressing (actively engaged and completing assignments) in the curriculum, and those lessons must be logged into the online school.
Learning Coach’s Responsibilities to Student:
Learning Coach continuously supervises student during regular school hours.
Learning coach, in partnership with the CAVA teacher, is responsible to ensure the child is participating appropriately in the instructional program. This can include but is not limited to:
o Completing assigned lessons o Completing assessments as needed
o Participating in Elluminate/ Blackboard sessions for supplemental instruction o Completing Scantron assessments to ensure interventions as needed are identified o Having student available and actively participating in Elluminate/ Blackboard and/ or in
person assessments and/or instructional assistance as needed to ensure student is provided appropriate access to curriculum
Parent, guardian and/ or learning coach understands that it is their responsibility to have student participate in interventions as deemed necessary by CAVA teacher.
Parent, guardian and/ or learning coach understands that CAVA records online class sessions (student’s full name does not show on recording)
Parent, guardian and/or learning coach is required to be able to read and understand the curriculum and instructional materials provided by CAVA.
Parent, guardian and/or learning coach will work in partnership with CAVA Teacher to identify and support student when academic issues arise.
Support student in attending state-mandated testing (i.e. STAR exam, 7th grade Writing Exam)
o State tests are given at grade level. Learning Coach’s Responsibilities to CAVA:
Parent, guardian and/ or learning coach must have a working phone number, email account, and Internet access, at the time of enrollment.
Email and phone messages are checked daily.
Above accounts (or equivalent) must be maintained throughout the student’s enrollment in CAVA.
12 Inform CAVA Teacher within 48 hours of any changes to contact information (i.e. address,
phone number, email address).
Respond to all calls and emails from CAVA teacher within 48 hours via phone or email. Submit work samples as requested by your CAVA teacher.
Treat teachers and CAVA staff with respect and professionalism. This includes but is not limited to:
o Not using rude language (including profanity, yelling or badgering) on phone, email, or in person
o Not threatening teachers and/or CAVA staff on phone, email, and/or in person Learning Coach’s Meeting Requirements:
Attend regularly scheduled face-to-face (in person) meetings with CAVA teacher and student at a mutually agreed upon location.
Attend regularly scheduled phone conferences with CAVA teacher
Attend scheduled web-based conferences and/or informational meetings with CAVA Teacher/ staff
Be available during regular school hours and CAVA working hours to meet with teachers and/or staff
“Failure to meet the requirements listed above may indicate that an independent study program is not the appropriate placement for your student and may result in your student’s withdrawal from CAVA. If a student is withdrawn for failing to meet the enrollment requirements, the student will not be able to re-enroll in the California Virtual Academies for the remainder of the current academic year and one academic year following.”
13 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Our school is a full-time, general education, independent study program; not a supplemental program or a part-time program.
Students must be in good standing with previous school district and California Virtual Academies when re-enrolling.
Student may only be enrolled in CAVA and not concurrently enrolled in another school, public or private (unless prior permission is given for a junior college).
Parent(s), Guardian(s) and/ or learning coach is responsible for ensuring that the child is
attending school (actively engaged and completing assignments and progress in curriculum) for at least 6 hours per day in the instructional program.
Enrollment Requirements:
Student must enroll in and maintain a minimum of 20 credits per semester in CAVA. Student must reside within a county CAVA serves and provide proof of residency.
If a student moves while attending CAVA, a new proof of residency must be submitted within 10 school days.
Student will be placed in the grade level corresponding to their credits earned. o 9th grade: 0-30 credits
o 10th grade: 31-90 credits o 11th grade: 91-129 credits o 12th grade: 130 credits or more
All required documentation must be received by our Simi Valley office (i.e. transcripts, proof of age and residence) within 30 days of submitting application.
All information on the application must be true and correct. If misrepresentations are made or incorrect information is provided, the application will be deemed as not meeting the
requirements of the school and may result in revocation or halting of enrollment.
Enrollment in CAVA is contingent upon the Student, Parent and Teacher signing an Independent Study Master Agreement Form (ISMA) prior to the commencement of instruction and services.
o Parent and student will not have access to online curriculum until the ISMA is signed and returned.
Failure to sign and return an ISMA within the first 3 days after enrollment approval for new students will result in the deactivation of the student’s account. The signed ISMA finalizes and completes the initial enrollment process. An ISMA must be signed within the first 3 school days of each semester a student is enrolled in CAVA.
Student may only be enrolled in CAVA and not concurrently enrolled in another high school except a pre- approved Junior college
CAVA does not give partial credit for students leaving prior to the end of a semester Placement Process:
CAVA must have transcripts from previous schools prior to determining placement. CAVA has the authority to review report cards and transcripts to determine appropriate
placement.
Students will be placed in the grade level corresponding to their credits earned. o 9th grade: 0-30 credits
14 o 11th grade: 91-129 credits
o 12th grade: 130 credits or more Attendance:
All students must complete the “Online Learning” course via the online school.
Attendance must be logged daily in the CAVA Online School by parent, guardian or learning coach.
Parent(s), guardian(s) or learning coach(es) must enter attendance daily. While student
participation in the Online courses is an integral part of the CAVA program, attendance credit is determined by the information entered by the supervising adult
Students are expected to attend school Monday through Friday.
Students attend 6 hours minimum per day and understand that there may be additional homework required.
Notify CAVA Teacher of any extended family travel except during normal school vacations and holidays 2 weeks prior to leaving on travel (failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of your student from the school).
During travel time student must be attending school and completing coursework. Parent, guardian and/or learning coach must be available by phone and/or Internet for communication. Progress:
Student will complete and/or submit all daily lessons in all courses.
Student will make continuous progress (actively engaged, completing assignments and submitting assignments) in each course.
Student will use the K12 curriculum exclusively and/or K12 contracted curriculum (i.e. PowerSpeak, etc.).
Student must submit coursework at the direction of the teacher.
During travel time student must be progressing (actively engaged and completing assignments) in the curriculum. Access to high speed Internet is required for students to complete coursework. Students must attend required Class Connect sessions and meetings as assigned by teacher. Learning Coach’s Responsibilities to Student:
A learning coach continuously supervises student during regular school hours.
Learning coach in partnership with the CAVA teachers are responsible to ensure the child is participating appropriately in the instructional program. This can include but is not limited to:
o Setting up a Parent Learning Management System (LMS) account and Student LMS account
o Completing assigned lessons o Completing assessments as needed
o Participating in daily Elluminate sessions for supplemental instruction
o Completing Scantron assessments to ensure interventions as needed are identified o Having student available for in person or web based assessments and/ or instructional
assistance as needed to ensure student is provided appropriate access to curriculum o Ensure student checks email daily
o Ensure student checks Kmail daily
Parent(s), guardian(s) and/ or learning coach(es) are responsible to ensure student participation in interventions as assigned by CAVA teacher(s).
15 Parent, guardian and/ or learning coach understands that CAVA records online class sessions
(student’s full name does not show on recording)
Parent(s), guardian(s) and/ or learning coach(es) are required to be able to read and understand the curriculum and instructional materials provided by CAVA.
Parent(s), guardian(s) and/ or learning coach(es) will work in partnership with CAVA Teacher(s) to identify and support student when academic issues arise.
Support student in attending state-mandated Testing (i.e. CST, CAHSEE) o State tests are given at grade/course level
Learning Coach’s Responsibilities to CAVA:
Parent(s), guardian(s) and/ or learning coach(es) must have a working phone number, email account, and Internet access, at the time of enrollment.
Email, Kmail and phone messages are checked daily.
Above accounts (or equivalent) must be maintained throughout the student’s enrollment in CAVA.
Inform CAVA Teacher within 48 hours of any changes to contact information (i.e. address, phone number, email address).
Respond to all calls, emails and Kmail from CAVA Teacher(s) within 48 hours via phone or email.
Treat teachers and CAVA staff with respect and professionalism. This includes but is not limited to:
o Abstaining from the use of rude language (including profanity, yelling or badgering) on phone, email, Kmail, coursework, Elluminate or in person
o Refraining from threatening teachers and/or CAVA staff on phone, email, Kmail, course work, Elluminate and/or in person
Learning Coach’s Meeting Requirements:
Attend scheduled meetings (on phone, via Elluminate or in person) with CAVA Staff and student.
Attend regularly scheduled phone conferences with CAVA Staff.
Participate in scheduled teacher/counselor-student conference calls and course-related activities, such as moderated online discussions, etc.
Prerequisite Requirements:
Many courses in the HS have prerequisites. The specific course prerequisites are included in the individual course descriptions.
“Failure to meet the requirements listed above may indicate that an independent study program is not the appropriate placement for your student and may result in your student’s withdrawal from CAVA. If a student is withdrawn for failing to meet the enrollment requirements, the student will not be able to re-enroll in the California Virtual Academies for the remainder of the current academic year and one academic year following.”
16 GENERAL INFORMATION
Independent Study Master Agreement (ISMA)
California independent study regulations require that any student enrolled in the California Virtual Academies have a signed Independent Study Master Agreement on file for each semester they are enrolled. The student, the parent/guardian, and the CAVA teacher must sign the Independent Study Master Agreement. Additionally, should a Learning Coach other than the parent/guardian be
responsible for instruction, he/she must also sign the ISMA. Please work with your teacher to ensure that your child's Independent Study Master Agreement is signed in a timely manner. Failure to provide a signed Independent Study Master Agreement prior to each semester will result in your child's
withdrawal from our program due to this state requirement. Admission
A student will be admitted to Kindergarten at the beginning of a school year, or at any later time in the same year if the child will have his or her fifth birthday on or before November 1st of the school year. State Law requires a child to be five years of age by November 1st to start Kindergarten. Students who have not reached the age of 5 by November 1st may enter school mid-year and start Kindergarten when they turn 5 years old provided that the Head of School determines that the admittance is in the best interest of the child, the parent/guardian is given information about the effect of this early admittance, there is available space in Kindergarten and the parent/guardian(s) understand that the child will not be promoted to 1st grade until the child has reached the age of 6 years, or completed a full year of
Kindergarten.
A student must be age six by November 1st (or have completed one year of Kindergarten) to start 1st grade.
It is understood that no student who qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education (“IDEA”) shall participate in independent study unless it is specifically authorized under his or her IEP.
Immunizations
California law requires that an immunization record be presented before a child can be enrolled in school. The School requires that written verification from a doctor or immunization clinic of the following immunizations:
Diphtheria Measles
Mumps, except for children who have reached the age of seven years Pertussis (whooping cough)
Poliomyelitis Rubella Tetanus
17 Hepatitis B
Varicella (chickenpox) (persons already admitted into California Public or private schools at the Kindergarten level or above before July 1, 2001, shall be exempt from the Varicella
immunization requirement for school entry).
TDAP (pertussis) (The TDAP must be administered after a student’s seventh birthday, but before entering 7th grade.)
The School’s verification of immunizations is through written medical records from your doctor or immunization clinic. Pupils who fail to complete the series of required immunizations within the specified time will be denied enrollment until the series has been completed. Exceptions are allowed under the following conditions:
The parent provides a signed doctor’s statement verifying that the child is to be exempted from immunizations for medical reasons. This statement must contain a statement identifying the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition.
A parent may request exemption of their child from immunization for personal beliefs. Any child leaving the United States for a short vacation to any country considered by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have increased risk of TB exposure (such as Mexico, the Philippines, India or Southeast Asia) MUST call the County Tuberculosis Clinic, for a TB Screening upon return.
Physical Examinations
All pupils are to have completed a health screening examination on or before the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into first grade or such pupils must have obtained a waiver pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 124085. This examination can be obtained from your family physician or possibly through the services provided by your County Health Department. Information and forms are
distributed to pupils enrolled in Kindergarten. Failure to obtain an examination for your child or a waiver will result in your child being denied enrollment. The School recommends that children undergo a yearly speech, hearing and eye examination.
The K12® Curriculum
Students enrolled in the California Virtual Academies use the K12® Curriculum, a curriculum program developed by K12, Inc. of McLean, Virginia. The California Virtual Academies has selected the K12 curriculum for both its superior quality and the fact that it both meets and exceeds the California State Standards. The K12® Curriculum covers six subject areas (Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Art, Music, and World Language), with more than 600 lessons per grade level. The curriculum includes both online lessons and offline materials such as math textbooks, manipulatives, workbooks etc. For more information about the K12® curriculum, please visit www.k12.com.
18 The Online School (OLS)
The OLS is the engine that drives the Internet-based CAVA school program. The OLS delivers student lessons and is where parents track their student's progress through the K12® curriculum and record daily attendance.
Access to the OLS requires a connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Parents of newly enrolling students will create a user name and password during the online enrollment process. In a case where a parent submits a paper-based enrollment application, they will receive their registration code via email from K12 after their child's enrollment has been approved. Returning parents/students will use their same user name and password from the prior school year.
Objectionable Materials
There may come a time when you find certain lessons in a particular unit of study, certain books or certain materials to be objectionable for various personal reasons. If you find objectionable material, please contact your assigned teacher. Your teacher will work with you to identify alternative lessons to meet the lesson objectives. You may also voice your concerns to K12 directly using the feedback button on the OLS.
Confidentiality
Every effort is used in maintaining the confidentiality of students attending the California Virtual Academies. Parents must give permission before a student's name or image can be displayed in a public manner. Before confidential student information is transferred over the Internet, it is encrypted and can only be decrypted by another party employed or assigned by CAVA. Student files are accessible only to employees of CAVA who have an interest in the education of its students. Learning Coaches and
students should be careful not to share their K12® Online School (OLS) username and password with any unauthorized individuals. In any case, where a parent or teacher believes the security of the OLS has been compromised, the parent should use the tools provided in the OLS to change their username and password. In addition, parents are advised to avoid using personal information in e-mails. For example, using a student’s first initial is preferred to using a student’s first name.
The Learning Coach
The California Virtual Academies does require that a responsible adult be at home during school hours to supervise the instruction of each student. As a Learning Coach, you can expect to spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per day on direct student instruction (depending on student’s grade level) with additional time for daily or weekly lesson preparation. A student’s successful progress requires daily Learning Coach commitment to the discipline and organization implicit to manage a first-class education. The following expectations were initialed on your student’s enrollment paperwork and agreed to when you enrolled your student in CAVA:
I understand that I am enrolling my student in a public school with attendance requirements that I am expected to meet.
19 I understand that public school enrollment includes participation in the required state-testing
program.
I accept the responsibility to supervise my student in using the K12 curriculum, and I understand that I am expected to become knowledgeable about it.
I expect to have the guidance and support of a professional teacher in implementing the K12 curriculum with my student.
I understand that adequate and continuing student progress is an expected part of the CAVA program in addition to the required attendance hours logged. Teachers will review progress and consider other factors, including parental input when making student advancement decisions. I understand that I am to participate in regular phone, online classroom and in-person (F2F)
conferences with my student’s teacher and that I will be asked to submit work samples periodically.
I understand that the teacher may conduct academic assessments in order to evaluate mastery and assist my student instructionally.
I understand that the teacher may provide research-based instructional interventions, as needed I understand that it is my responsibility to secure an Internet service provider and that I will be
reimbursed according to the school policy. Change of Contact Information
Please notify your teacher should your contact information change and provide a proof of residence for your new address to be submitted to the CAVA office. Your teacher will notify the CAVA
administrative office and we will update our records accordingly. Correct contact information ensures that curriculum materials and important school notices are mailed to the correct student address.
Parents are requested to update their account information in the Online School (OLS) should their email address change. Communication is often sent via email to the email address listed in the Online School (OLS) and thus we would like to keep this up to date.
Classroom Assignments
We make all attempts to honor parent requests for classroom assignments. If you have a special circumstance you would like to discuss, please contact the local administrator in your area. Attendance
Attendance is important for the success of a student. If a student does not attend school, then the student cannot succeed in school. Attendance in the California Virtual Academies is recorded in the Online School by completing lessons on the OLS/LMS and inputting the number of minutes spent working on each subject on the Attendance screen. It is expected that lessons will be completed and attendance will be logged at the end of each day. Attendance minutes entered without the submission of work will not be accepted. Occasionally, students may take multiple days to complete assignments. In such cases, the parent/learning coach will need to submit a record of assignments worked on for the day to allow verify the attendance entered.
20 Each day the parent/learning coach is expected to navigate to the attendance OLS screen and enter attendance. This is done by entering the amount of minutes spent working in individual courses throughout that school date. Entering zeros for each course is the same as indicating the student was absent for the day.
The following are examples of acceptable reasons for not logging attendance in the online school: student illness, hospitalization, bereavement, family emergency, natural disaster, etc. In such cases the absences would be considered excused. Some instances may require verification (such as a doctor’s note) be provided to your teacher or guidance counselor.
Excessive absences interfere with the academic achievement of your child. Students who are absent more than any 3 school days in the school year are considered truant. In these cases, the CAVA Administration may deem that enrollment in CAVA is not in the best interest of your child, and your child may be subject to withdrawal.
Non-Compliance Policy
California Virtual Academies is in partnership with families to educate the students enrolled in our program. The partnership cannot be effective if students and/or parent/guardians are not actively participating in our program and meeting our enrollment requirements.
Indications that a student is not actively participating in our program include: non-attendance (3 or more days), missing or refusing to schedule meetings, being unable to contact, and/or not meeting additional enrollment requirements.
For purposes of this policy, a student not completing the equivalent of 3 or more school days’ worth of work in an attendance period will be found to have “one missed assignment.” Students who have two attendance periods with “one missed assignment” will be found to have “missed two assignments” and thus will be evaluated as to whether it is in the best interest of the pupil to remain in independent study. Parents/guardians will be informed of this policy as part of the Student Agreement signed each semester. The evaluation shall take place during an Evaluation Conference, which shall be conducted by the Academic Administrator or designee. The Academic Administrator or designee shall provide written notification to the parent/guardian or adult student of the Evaluation Conference.
For purposes of this policy, a student missing two school appointments will be considered to have
“missed two assignments” and thus will be evaluated as to whether it is in the best interest of the pupil to remain in independent study. Parents/guardians will be informed of this policy as part of the Student Agreement signed each semester.
A school appointment may be defined as Power Conferences, classes, tutoring, any required testing appointments, special education meetings, etc.
In these instances California Virtual Academies will:
21 48 hours later, if no resolution, teacher will attempt to contact family again by phone and
email/Kmail, and a letter will be sent to the home address on file. The letter will request a resolution within 5 school days.
If issue is not resolved, Lead Teacher (K8)/Department Coordinator (HS) is notified and a 2nd letter
is sent notifying the family that an evaluation conference, as outline below, shall be held to determine whether or not independent study is in the best interest of the student.
Teachers are required to document each step of this process with detail and accuracy. This includes the date and time of attempted contact, the phone number and/or email used as well as the reason for contact.
Evaluation Conference:
Pupils who have missed two assignments, school appointments/classes or have missed 3 or more days of school in an attendance period shall be required to attend an Evaluation Conference to determine whether it is in the best interest of the pupil to remain in independent study. This conference shall be held as soon as possible, and the Pupil will receive written notice of the Conference. The Pupil may request one postponement, not to exceed five (5) school days, of the Conference for good cause.
At the Conference, the parent/guardian or adult student shall be informed of the reason for the Conference and the evidence supporting a finding that independent study is not in the pupil’s best interest. If the Pupil and/or representative do not attend the Conference, the Regional Program Coordinator or designee will review the relevant information and make a determination in the Pupil’s absence/missed assignments.
The Pupil and/or his/her representative shall be given the opportunity to present information and/or witnesses to the Regional Program Coordinator or designee either orally or in writing or both during the Conference. The Regional Program Coordinator or designee shall take any information presented by the parent/guardian/adult student into consideration when determining whether it is in the best interest of the pupil to remain in independent study. Additional factors to be considered include but are not limited to the following:
a) pupil’s grades at the time of the evaluation b) teacher observation/feedback
c) standardized testing data
d) pupil’s progress in independent study curriculum
The Regional Program Coordinator or Designee’s decision shall be provided in writing to the parent/guardian within three (3) days of the evaluation. The Regional Coordinator or designee may:
a) find independent study is in the Pupil’s best interest,
b) place the Pupil on attendance probation to be evaluated again at the next attendance period if the pupil continues to fail to engage in daily activities,
c) use other alternatives to improve attendance, or
22 If the Regional Program Coordinator or designee finds that it is not in the pupil’s best interest to remain in independent study, then the pupil shall be withdrawn from enrollment at the Charter School and the parent/guardian or adult student shall immediately enroll in a site based program through the local school district or other appropriate educational program.
Appeal:
The Regional Program Coordinator or designee’s decision shall be subject to an appeal to the Academic Administrator. The parent/guardian or adult student shall submit a written request to the Academic Administrator, outlining the reasons for the appeal.
Upon receipt of a request for an appeal hearing, the Academic Administrator shall schedule the appeal to be heard within thirty (30) school days of receipt of the request. The Academic Administrator shall send out written notice of the date, time and location of the meeting to the parent/guardian or adult student. This meeting may be held via teleconference.
The appeal hearing shall proceed as follows:
1. The Academic Administrator shall review the request for appeal document and any other documents submitted by the Pupil. The Academic Administrator shall also review all records considered by the Regional Program Coordinator or designee at the Evaluation Conference. 2. The Pupil or his/her representative may address to the Academic Administrator regarding the
appeal.
3. The Regional Program Coordinator or designee may address the Academic Administrator in response to the Pupil’s appeal.
The final decision by the Academic Administrator shall be made within ten (10) school days following the conclusion of the appeal. The Pupil shall be informed in writing of the Academic Administrator’s decision. The decision of the Academic Administrator is final.
Code of Classroom Etiquette
Freedom of speech and expression is valued not only throughout society but also, and particularly, in the academic setting. No more is this so than in the classroom.
In CAVA, a classroom is defined as many different locations. These may include but are limited to: Online classroom sessions
Class Connect
Any CAVA community area
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other in an environment that does not distract from the mutual
commitment to academic inquiry and reflection. To that end, the following code of classroom etiquette has been established.
23 1. When participating in class dialogue, no one monopolizes discussions to the exclusion of others,
either in terms of time or opinions expressed.
2. Conflicting opinions among members of a class are respected and responded to in a professional manner.
3. No side conversations or other distracting behaviors are engaged in during class discussions or presentations.
4. No offensive comments, language, or gestures are part of the classroom environment.
5. Posting anonymous messages is not permitted unless authorized by the course’s online teacher. Impersonating another person is also strictly prohibited.
6. Use only your own user name and password, and do not share these with anyone.
7. Do not post personal information, (personal information, MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, email address, etc.
8. Do not interfere with other users’ ability to access CAVA or disclose anyone’s password to others or allow them to use another user’s account. You are responsible for all activity that is associated with your username and password.
9. Do not download, transmit or post material that is intended for personal gain or profit, non-CAVA commercial activities, non-non-CAVA product advertising, or political lobbying on a non-CAVA owned instructional computing resource.
10. Do not use CAVA instructional computing resources to sell or purchase any illegal items or substances.
11. Do not upload or post any software on CAVA instructional computing resources that are not specifically required and approved for your assignments.
12. Do not post any MP3 files, compressed video, or other non-instructional files to any CAVA server.
13. Posting material that is obscene or defamatory or which is intended to annoy, harass or
intimidate another person. This includes distributing “spam” mail, chain e-mail, viruses, or other intentionally destructive content.
Adherence to this code of etiquette will enable students to receive the most from their academic endeavors and should be seen as a regular and voluntary compact among faculty and students. Any infraction of this code, however, that is deemed to be materially or substantially disruptive of the learning environment is cause for removal of a student from a class or for student disciplinary proceedings.
Consequences First warning Certified letter
If problem continues, administrator phone conference Possible withdrawal
Depending on the severity of each action, CAVA reserves the right to withdraw student upon first action
24 This document describes the policies and guidelines for the use of the CAVA and exists to ensure that all CAVA students are aware of and understand their responsibilities when accessing and using CAVA resources.
As a student enrolled in CAVA, you should be aware of the following guidelines and expectations. Any activity that is not listed here, which violates local, state, or federal laws, is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Guidelines.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the:
Removal of your access to CAVA instructional computing resources, which would result in your inability to complete learning activities.
Involvement with law enforcement agencies and possible legal action. Withdrawal from our program.
Discipline
This Pupil Suspension and Expulsion Policy has been established in order to promote learning and protect the safety and well-being of all students. When the policy is violated, it may be necessary to suspend or expel a student from regular classroom instruction.
Staff shall enforce disciplinary rules and procedures fairly and consistently amongst all students. This Policy and its Administrative Procedures will be printed and distributed as part of the Student Handbook and will clearly describe discipline expectations.
Discipline includes but is not limited to advising and counseling students, conferring with parents/guardians, detention during and after school hours, and the use of alternative educational environments, suspension and expulsion.
Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school and school-related activities unless otherwise agreed during the period of suspension or expulsion.
A student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the School has a basis of knowledge of a suspected disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (“IDEIA”) or who is qualified for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is subject to the same grounds for suspension and expulsion and is accorded the same due process procedures applicable to regular education students except when federal and state law mandates
additional or different procedures. The School will follow Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and all federal and state laws when imposing any form of discipline on a student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the School has a basis of knowledge of a suspected disability or who is otherwise qualified for such services or protections in according due process to such students.
25 Dress Code
It is important to require a standard of dress for when students are meeting in person. These instances include but are not limited to outings, testing, community day, etc. Clothing worn should promote the learning process and appropriate behavior. It is expected that students will wear clothing that is consistent with their health, safety and welfare.
The following standard of dress must be observed in these instances:
Shorts and skirts must be longer than the tips of fingers when arms are relaxed at sides No strapless or backless tops or dresses
No bare midriffs
No low cut tops revealing cleavage
Undergarments must not show (example: saggy pants, sheer clothing) No item of clothing may display foul or derogatory language or artwork
CAVAParent
Access to CAVAParent is password-protected and provided to all members of the CAVA community (students, parents and teachers). Your assigned teacher will provide a user name and password to you. In order to promote the highest level of privacy and security for our users, a moderator views and approves all messages before they appear on the board. Although school community sites are password-protected, posts should never include any personal identification information concerning parents or students. For example, using a student’s first initial is preferred to using the student’s full first name. CAVAParent is a site for parents, created to provide CAVA families with a wide variety of information. Specifically designed with CAVA parents in mind, the site provides families with outing and state testing information, a secure area for parents to complete required information for the state, training, materials, supportive online classroom sessions, tools, tips, and resources. The site has been designed to keep parents informed about the latest activities and upcoming events. Above all, CAVAParent provides assistance and support as parents teach the K12 curriculum.
Postings that are commercial in nature are not permitted on CAVAParent, online classroom or any other school community area.
Network Etiquette
As a CAVA student, you are expected to follow the rules of network etiquette or netiquette. The word "netiquette" refers to common-sense guidelines for conversing with others online. Please abide by these standards:
Avoid sarcasm, jargon, and slang Swear words are unacceptable Do not harass or threaten others
26 Never use derogatory comments, including those regarding race, age, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, ability, political persuasion, body type, physical or mental health
Focus your responses on the questions or issues being discussed, not on the individuals involved Be constructive with your criticism, not hurtful
Review your messages before sending them. Remove easily misinterpreted language and proofread for typos
Respect other people’s privacy
Don't broadcast online discussions, and never reveal other people's email addresses
Do not post personal information, (personal information, MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, email address, etc.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Policy
Participation in CAVA requires an Internet connection. This Internet connection is to be established and maintained by the family with the enrolled student(s). The nature of California Virtual Academies program requires that students and learning coaches log onto the Online School each day to receive curriculum, lesson plans, and other necessary resources and well as to log attendance and submit lessons. Because of the unique schooling environment of the California Virtual Academies, it is an enrollment requirement to establish and maintain an Internet account throughout the entire time of being enrolled with CAVA. Failure to provide or maintain an Internet connection will result in the withdrawal of your students.
The California Virtual Academies offer assistance to families to assist with this requirement. As
determined by the National School Lunch Program annual survey (NSLP), each family that is deemed to be socio-economically disadvantaged will be eligible to request reimbursement at the rate set by the school for Internet services. Requests for those families that may not have initially qualified but whom express the need for assistant will be processed as well. Reimbursement checks will be mailed once per semester to all families. Checks will be mailed after the 1st semester and again after the 2nd semester. Reimbursement for the summer months will be provided for those families continuing the following school year. This reimbursement will be included in the first semester reimbursement check.
Computer Policy
The California Virtual Academies will ensure that all enrolled students have access to a computer. The CAVA Administration will address additional technology requests on a case-by-case basis, which should be initiated through your assigned teacher.
Computer/Software Restriction
Due to contractual agreements with computer suppliers and software providers, CAVA-issued computers and subsequent software cannot be exported outside the United States.
27 CAVA Parent-Student Computer Use Policy
Permitted Use
CAVA shall permit the student and the responsible teaching adult to use the equipment and materials of CAVA solely for the education of the student while enrolled at CAVA and for no other purpose.
Students and the responsible teaching adult are only permitted to visit websites for the purpose of CAVA related educational research.
Prohibited Use
Users shall not use the equipment, software, online classrooms and other materials of CAVA to view, download, save, receive or send material related to or including any of the following:
Illegal activities
Offensive content of any kind, including pornographic material
Content that promotes discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or disability
Threatening or violent behavior Gambling or wagering
Commercial messages.
Religious, political or racial messages Messages that misrepresent yourself
Download of any software on the CAVA computer
Websites or chat rooms that are not for the purpose of CAVA related education Software programs may not be installed on the computer without written permission from the CAVA Technology Manager. The Technology Manager can be contacted through the CAVA office. Only software that is required by CAVA will be allowed on the CAVA computer. All other software will be prohibited. Software that was originally provided with the computer may be updated without
permission.
This would include programs but is not limited to: Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Reader Microsoft Windows Microsoft Office
Sun Microsystems JAVA
Any unacceptable usage of the property, software and/or violation as described above regarding CAVA equipment, software, online classrooms or Network/Internet Policy (found in the enrollment paperwork and signed before enrollment) may result in disciplinary action up to and including the immediate termination of enrollment in CAVA.
28 Internet Safety Policy
It is the policy of California Virtual Academies to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent
unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, Learning Coach, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the California Virtual Academies online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and
dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the California Virtual Academies staff and the Learning Coach to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Learning Coach, California Virtual Academies or designated representatives. CIPA definitions of terms:
TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE, The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or 3. Harmful to minors.
HARMFUL TO MINORS: The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
29 1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; 2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for
minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors. SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT: The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Harassment Reporting
If you are being harassed in your school course environment, it is important to report it immediately to your school administrator. Harassment comes in many forms including:
Spam (unsolicited e-mails not pertaining to the course) Threatening communications
Offensive communications or any other kind of communication that makes you feel uncomfortable
Online classroom
Our online classroom experience is designed to extend the boundaries of the physical classroom by connecting students and teachers, and create a learning partnership. The online classroom is a real-time virtual classroom environment designed for virtual education and collaboration. The online classroom technology enables all students of all ability levels to get an interactive learning experience.
CAVA offers a wide variety of student sessions, which support the K12 curriculum and are an excellent resource for students. Teachers conduct student sessions and offer office hours to answer questions from students and learning coaches.
Please refer to the Code of Classroom Etiquette for student behavior expectations in online classroom sessions
Grievance Policy and Procedure
The California Virtual Academies are committed to achieving and fostering both employee and student/family satisfaction. The following procedure was developed to ensure that employee, student, and family grievances are addressed fairly by the appropriate persons in a timely manner. The California Virtual Academies prohibit discrimination against students/families on the basis of ethnicity, sex,
ancestry, physical or mental disability, race, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or religion. The parent/guardian will address in writing any concern or grievance initially with the student’s
teacher and Department Coordinator (HS) or Regional Lead Teacher (K8). Such person will respond within ten (10) school days.
If the concern or grievance is not resolved, the parent/guardian may, within ten (10) school days, request a meeting with a Regional Program Coordinator (RPC) to discuss the concern or
grievance. The Regional Program Coordinator will investigate and respond with ten (10) school days.
30 If the concern or grievance is not resolved by the Regional Program Coordinator (RPC), the
parent/guardian may, within ten (10) school days, request a meeting with the Academic
Administrator to discuss the concern or grievance. The Academic Administrator will investigate and respond with ten (10) school days.
If the concern or grievance is not resolved by the Academic Administrator the parent/primary adult may, within ten (10) school days, request a meeting with the Head of Schools to discuss the concern or grievance. The Head of Schools will investigate and respond with ten (10) school days.
A written email and letter will be sent to the family that will address the concern and outcome. Materials and Computer Equipment
All instructional materials, including computer equipment and related hardware, are loaned to the student by the California Virtual Academies. Students are expected to return all materials using the free shipping labels provided by K12 should they withdraw from the program.
Families should handle CAVA property with care and should ensure an accurate inventory of these materials is maintained in the home. It is recommended that families save the boxes in which the materials arrived. School computers are only to be used for educational purposes, not for entertainment or other personal purposes. The California Virtual Academies shall not provide any funds or other thing of value to the pupil or his parent or guardian that a school district could not legally provide to a
similarly situated pupil of the school district, or to his or her parent or guardian. Special Education
The California Virtual Academies offers special education services within our full-inclusion model general education independent study model. These services are available for all students who have been identified as qualifying for special needs. In compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the California Education Code, California Virtual Academies works to both identify and serve eligible children. Any parent who suspects that their child may have a disability should discuss their concerns with their child’s regular education teacher and /or request a special education parent handbook. Any Special Education needs or concerns should be directed to the Director of Special Education.
Response to Intervention/ Student Study Team
The first step, in response to concerns expressed by either a teacher or a parent, is to start the response to intervention (RTI) process in order to improve your child's performance. The RTI process is a multi-tiered approach to providing services and interventions to students who struggle with learning at
increasing levels of intensity based on progress monitoring and data analysis. Implementation of the RTI process limits the amount of academic failure that any student experiences. This process starts with in-depth screening to identify specific areas of need for students. The Student Study Team (SST) is a resource available to all CAVA families and the second tier in the RTI process. The SST is designed to address parent concerns regarding their student’s academic or behavioral challenges. The SST meeting provides a forum for the parent, general education teacher, additional CAVA teachers and support staff to come together and develop additional ideas or strategies to help the student. All SST meetings are
