About the Virtual Academy
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York School District One will be offering a new Virtual Academy for the 2020-2021 school year in an effort to accommodate families that would prefer their student(s) to have a full-time virtual option. Students in grades K – 12 will have the opportunity to experience quality instruction led by York School District One teachers in a virtual classroom environment and focused on 100% virtual instruction throughout the day.
Teachers in the Virtual Academy will provide face-to-face instruction, flexible support with individuals or small groups, and teacher-developed lessons for core and elective classes via live-streaming and digital coursework through a computer-based platform. Unlike a remote learning environment, students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will follow a schedule just as they would in a traditional brick and mortar school. Students will have the opportunity to receive standards-based content, ask questions, participate in classroom discussions and independent work, submit assignments, and demonstrate mastery of learning from the safety and comfort of their homes.
Virtual Academy classes begin August 31st. More details will be sent from Dr. Barber over the coming days.
Have questions?
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Do you have questions about the YSD1 Virtual Academy? Check out our complete Virtual Academy Overview by clicking this link.
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Who are the teachers in the YSD1 Virtual Academy?
Academy teachers are current York School District One teachers that have been selected to teach in the Virtual Academy. All faculty are SC certified. Grade-levels, content areas, and electives will be staffed based upon student enrollment and declaration of intent. Dr. Torri Barber will serve as the administrator of the YSD1 Virtual Academy.
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What online service will be used for the Virtual Academy?
An accredited, online learning platform based on South Carolina curriculum standards will be delivered through Canvas, our current learning management tool. Courses will be designed using the curriculum platform of Edmentum (K – 6) and Edgenuity (7 – 12) and supported with teacher-designed lessons, direct instruction, and relevant activities.
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How will lessons be delivered?
The Virtual Academy will primarily utilize a synchronous (real-time) class model. Courses will be offered as full virtual courses with opportunities for online face to face instruction, tutoring, small group instruction, and independent learning.
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What does the class schedule look like?
Students will follow a schedule of virtual class sessions and have the opportunity to schedule additional time for independent assistance and small group instruction. The YSD1 school calendar start and end dates, including all grading period dates, will apply to the Virtual Academy. There will be flexibility for the actual start date of the Virtual Academy to allow for onboarding of students in the virtual setting.
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Will my student get to know their teachers?
Virtual Academy teachers will develop and maintain meaningful relationships with students. Various activities and interest or progress surveys will be administered to determine learning styles, strengths, and mastery of learning targets to assist teachers with assessing and meeting students’ needs. Activities will be conducted throughout the delivery of the course to build community and relationships with the teacher and class.
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What activities will my child be able to participate in?
The Virtual Academy will provide student and family engagement opportunities on its campus. In addition, students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports and Fine Arts programs at their home school while enrolled in the Virtual Academy. These activities typically are offered at the home school before or after the school day.
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What are the student expectations for the Virtual Academy?
Students are expected to attend online class sessions, complete class activities, submit class assignments, take all assessments, and remain on the defined schedule directed by the teacher. Participating in online small group instruction or individual sessions may be optional unless otherwise assigned by the teacher. Teachers will post a syllabus for each course. A schedule detailing expectations, class schedule, and due dates will be posted each week. Canvas and the online learning platform will provide instant course participation data such as time on task, assignment completion progress, assessment scores, and overall course average.
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Will my child with special needs be provides special support services?
Students who qualify for special education services will receive accommodations and modifications according to the established individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Any required face to face accommodations will be provided accordingly and in a means that ensures the safety and health of the students and teachers.
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What technology does my child need in order to participate in the Virtual Academy?
It is the expectation that students have strong, reliable internet access and a personal device with keyboard.
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Can my student participate in band or chorus?
Yes. Students enrolled at the Virtual Academy will remain connected to their home school. Therefore, they will have access to the Chorus, Band, ROTC, and various CATE courses on their respective home school campuses.
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Can my student participate in clubs or athletics?
Yes. Students enrolled at the Virtual Academy will have an opportunity to participate in clubs and athletics offered at their designated home school. Parents must provide transportation to and from the home school for club meetings or practices. Club meetings/activities and athletic practices occur after the conclusion of the school day.
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Will there be a regular virtual class meeting schedule?
Yes. Students will be provided with a virtual class schedule that includes routine scheduled class time with their class and teacher(s). Students will be expected to participate in the scheduled class session, whole class activities, small group instruction, and individual meeting opportunities. In addition, teacher lessons will be recorded and available for students to access at their convenience or as needed.
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How is the Virtual Academy different from the remote learning that occurred this past spring?
The Virtual Academy is a virtual school within the York One School District, staffed with YSD1 certified teachers that are equipped to deliver virtual coursework. The curriculum and teacher created lessons are designed to be delivered in a high-quality, engaging online virtual environment. The Virtual Academy will provide routine access to teachers that will be able to provide online additional support in small groups or individually.
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How does virtual coursework and requirements compare to the traditional classroom?
Although efforts will be made to maintain appropriate and relevant course requirements and assignments, the virtual learning environment requires students to be self-paced and self-directed to complete independent work and advocate for additional teacher support as needed. Students are advised to create daily, disciplined schedules to ensure completion of online tasks and activities.
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Will students be required to attend scheduled class sessions or can they work at their own pace?
Students will be expected to attend and participate in scheduled class sessions. Direct instruction and learning activities will be provided by teachers in the online virtual setting. Additional scheduled sessions and support opportunities will be available and can be scheduled individually by students. Students may complete assignments independently. However, students must maintain appropriate pacing, progress, and achievement. Students will need to adhere to completion and submission deadlines of assignments, projects and activities. Students will have 24/7 access to course content.
