Virtual School Strand Edith K. Pickens Stewart Thorson May, 2012

New Century High School Strands Computer Science Strand Engineering Strand Biomedical Science Strand Virtual School Strand

New Century High Virtual School Strand Purpose: The Virtual School Strand will meet the learning needs of students who desire a non-traditional learning approach. This strand will provide flexibility for students as the individual learning plan is developed. Students Served: This strand will be by application for students who are interested in an instructional approach that focuses on online delivery.

Virtual Strand Application Requirements Students must make application to New Century Technology High School and must meet entrance requirements. Students will complete the Advanced Diploma. Students must have one teacher and one counselor recommendation. Consideration is given based on grades and standardized test scores and entrance exams. Students and parents are interviewed by the principal.

Virtual Strand Requirements Students will participate in one or more classes on the New Century campus each semester. Students will be required to take tests, quizzes, and complete labs on campus. These meetings will typically take place in the afternoon and early evening. Students will participate in technology courses/projects on the New Century campus. This may take place during the school day or in the evening.

Virtual Strand Requirements Students will be required to report to the Virtual Strand program twice per week in the evening. Attendance requirements will be strictly enforced. Parents will be required to have a quarterly conference with the Virtual School coordinator to evaluate student progress. Students must make adequate progress for promotion to be continued in the Virtual School Strand. Students must participate in all ALSDE and HCS mandated testing.

Online Instructional Resources Core classes will be taken through ACCESS or comparable online courses that meet the ALSDE course of study standards. Additional classes may be developed and implemented by New Century certified staff. For example, staff will use Moodle for online course development. Odysseyware program would provide an additional online option. This list will be updated as online instruction evolves.

Virtual Strand Personnel Needs Virtual Strand Site Coordinator (Certified Teacher): Will have an adjusted work schedule to accommodate evening school hours. Subject area teachers will work four hours per day in the evening. There will be one subject staffed per evening. Technology teachers will work four hours per week. Administrative support will be provided four hours per day, Monday – Thursday.

Proposed Budget for 2012 – 13 based on 75 students Site Coordinator (Part Time): $37,000 Teacher Contracts: $14,400 Stipends for 3 days of Training: $600 Stipends for Course Development ($750 per course): $3000 Temporary Administrative Staff: $18,720 Student laptops $56,250 Total: $129,970 Note: Students will be charged a yearly technology usage fee of $250. Students may apply for needs based scholarships.

Virtual Strand Outcomes This strand will provide students and parents alternatives to traditional scheduling, while maintaining a rigorous curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to participate in school events such as prom, dances, music classes and labs. These students will be a part of the New Century ADM and this approach will bring new families into our district.