DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL 2008-2009

Distance Learning Courses * Are Rigorous and Challenging Time Consuming Stimulating and Rewarding * Require Good Organizational Skills Responsible Study Skills and Habits Self–Discipline and Motivation *Weighted with +1 point for GPA Needs Internet Access at Home

Distance Learning Approval Distance Learning Application and Contract Administration/ Facilitator Approval Above average performance as indicated by: Application Recommendations Transcript Standardized test scores Attendance Student must follow procedures and meet deadlines for course registration and completion

Distance Learning Sources Virginia Department of Education www.virtualvirginia.org Virginia’s Community Colleges www.vccs.edu

Students Skilled Teachers Local Mentors Pursue academic courses not offered at their regular school Interact in a global community Minimal scheduling conflicts Skilled Teachers Certified in subject area Trained for the online teaching environment Local Mentors Proctor tests Answer student questions and monitor progress Facilitate communication with Virtual Virginia staff

Courses Utilize Textbooks Text lessons Audio clips Video segments Summer Reading Assignments Textbooks Text lessons Audio clips Video segments Online discussions

AP and DE courses receive a weight of 1 point added to the GPA value Grades Virtual Virginia provides a numeric average Highland determines the letter grade based on current grading scale: A= 94 – 100 B= 87 – 93 C= 78 – 86 D=70-77 AP and DE courses receive a weight of 1 point added to the GPA value

. High School Online Courses World Language Courses Electives Advanced Placement Courses World Language Courses Electives Full Year/ 1 Credit Semester/ .5 credit SAT Prep (Fee of $ 150) High School Online Courses

Getting Started Submit school distance learning application Become an Early College Scholar Check prerequisites Check for summer assignments Counselor will submit enrollment online Begin classes first week of school

College Board’s AP Courses Very challenging and demanding Excellent choice for selective schools College-level courses taught in high school College Board’s Advanced Placement Program AP Exam taken in May * fee of $84 – Paid by Highland * Scores of 4 & 5 may earn college credit, depending on the college

To qualify for the Early College Scholars program, a student must: Have a "B" average (3.0 GPA) or better; Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma; & Take and complete college-level course work i.e., Advanced Placement or dual enrollment) to earn at least 15 transferable college credits before graduation. l

Early College Scholars Agreement . Early College Scholars Participating students sign an Early College Scholars Agreement including Parent’s signature Principal’s signature Counselor’s signature Students who meet the terms of the agreement are recognized as Early College Scholars and receive a certificate of recognition from the Governor.

* Early College Scholars Department of Education pays tuition and exam fees for ESC World Language Courses have no fees

Fees Non-Early College Scholars have a fee of ~ $255 per course. SAT Prep Course costs $150. Foreign Language Courses have no fee.

World Language Courses Latin I - IV AP Latin Literature Spanish IV AP Spanish Language Chinese I - III

Virtual Virginia Student Handbook Virtual Virginia Parental Permission Form Academic Integrity & Honor Statement Acceptable Use Policy for Technology Resources Virtual Virginia Student Participation Agreement Student Code of Conduct  Philosophy  Student Rights & Responsibilities  Prohibited Behaviors & Consequences

Academic Integrity & Honor Statement .. “we believe that maintaining high standards for academic integrity and honesty contributes to our community of trust”

Integrity and Honor “A commitment to submit original work for evaluation and to neither give nor receive aid on course quizzes, tests, or projects when prohibited by the instructor..” “Academic Dishonesty involves attempts by students to show possession of knowledge and skills they do not possess through cheating or plagiarizing.”

Acceptable Use of Technology All students are expected to conduct communications in a professional and respectful manner. Inappropriate language or behavior will result in disciplinary action and possible termination from the course Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Technology Use Communication within distance learning course management systems is not private! Pager, email, discussion board, chat, blog, and other communication tools provided by distance learning programs is subject to monitoring without prior notice!

Dual Enrollment Courses College Credit is awarded for college courses successfully completed by the student. High School Credit is awarded for pre-approved college courses successfully completed by the student.

High School Student Enrollment Full time high school students Part-time college students Taking courses based on their special interest or ability area Dual enrollment students take classes at the high school Concurrent enrollment students take classes at the college campus.

Requirements 1. Application for Admission Separate application for each college Online or paper applications 2. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates Parents complete and sign 3. Approval Letter Signed by the principal or counselor 4. Qualifying test scores College Preparedness Test Appropriate SAT/ACT scores

Qualifying Test Scores College Preparedness Test or SAT Scores Dabney Lancaster Community College Online Placement Test on Campus at Highland with paper test SAT: Verbal – 480 Math - 440 Blue Ridge Community College SAT: Verbal – 530 Math - 520

Tuition Rates Payment is made at time of registration VCCS Tuition and fees for 2008-2009 ~ $85 - $90 per credit hour ~ $ 265 for 3-credit hour class Southwest Community College has charged 20% of the tuition fee for Highland dual enrollment students for US History Payment is made at time of registration Students have the responsibility of buying books, costs will vary.

Distance Learning Courses Delivery Modes Internet Students may work on course at any time with web access Illuminate Teacher is in classroom at scheduled time to teach students via the Internet Live audio and video Teacher is in classroom at scheduled time while students are able to watch on screen, converse with instructor, and use Blackboard for assignment submission Video or DVD Teacher lecture has been taped, students use book for reading, answering questions, and study for tests.

Highland Students Have taken courses from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College College Composition MWF at 1:00 – 1:50 Political Science MWF at 12:00 – 12:50 Psychology and Speech TTH at 12:30 – 1:45 Health Courses online Southwest Community College US History Video Economics and Computers Online Blue Ridge Community College BR Tech Prep Online Business, Computer, and other courses Mountain Empire and Danville Community Colleges

Take a Dual Enrollment Class 1. Select course(s) fitting your program of study, interest area, or college program. Complete the Highland High School Distance Learning Contract. 3. Write a letter to the principal requesting permission to take the course for dual enrollment credit.

Submit application to the college. Submit a Record Release Form to guidance to send transcript to college. Take the college placement test; and meet all college requirements. 7. Register for class(es). 8. Pay for the class(es).

. 9. Buy required textbooks. 10. Begin, attend classes and complete assignments according to the class syllabus and schedule of the college. Attend class on all days scheduled by the college even if HHS is closed. Daily attendance is expected at HHS for all courses, even when the college is on break. Failure to meet attendance policy at HHS may result in loss of high school credit.

Transcripts Request that the college send a transcript with final grades to HHS. Seniors must submit a request to the providing college to send a transcript to his/her college of post secondary attendance. Upon successful completion of the class, Highland County School Board may reimburse 50% of the tuition cost if the budget allows.

Successful Distance Learning Students Practice strong work and study skills Are able to stay on task Maintain regular schedules of logging, reading, and completing assignments Commit to working outside of school hours including days off Work independently with self-discipline and self-motivation

Distance Learning Classes Remember Distance Learning Classes Are Rigorous and Challenging Stimulating and Rewarding Require Responsibility Good Organizational Skills Self – Discipline Extra Time Need Internet Access at Home Seize the opportunity