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Distance learning courses provide students with new academic opportunities in an exciting and challenging format. The following information should help students succeed in their Missouri Virtual School courses.

1. MVS classes are regularly scheduled courses in the student’s daily class schedule. These classes should be given the same attention and dedication as any other course.

2. Students participating in an asynchronous course are expected to log in during each class session for assignments, updates, announcements, etc. that pertain to their MVS class.

3. Students are expected to complete assignments in a timely manner irregardless of whether it is a daily, weekly, or long-term project. Students are to plan their work schedules accordingly. Students enrolled in distance learning classes need better time management and independent work skills than is normally expected in traditional high school classroom settings.

4. Students having trouble managing his/her time should ask the teacher or facilitator for help – and should ask as soon as they realize they are in trouble.

5. Electronic interactions between classmates are important in establishing a true learning community. Students can work together on some projects, activities, and assignments as indicated by the teacher.

6. Students should remember to always back up their work! When writing a long response in the discussion room or submitting work for grading, students should first complete the assignment in a word processing program so they can save their work. Students will not receive credit for assignments that have not been submitted to and received by the teacher.

7. Students should write neatly, using dark pencil or pen, so that faxed and/or scanned materials are readable.

8. Students should confirm that their teacher received electronically submitted assignments and correspondence.

9. Ask for help! The teacher, the on-site facilitator, as well as MVS administrative personnel are available to support students’ efforts in the course, and to help them succeed.

10. If using Blackboard, it is imperative to read the course web page(s)! Announcements, assignments, discussions, updates, grades, student web pages, etc., will be available through Blackboard.

11. Students must respect their classmates and teachers and their opinions.

12. Inappropriate language (such as profanity or name-calling), misbehavior, and/or visiting questionable web sites are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

13. To use the computer students must have signed their school’s Acceptable Use Policy.

The following provides information on the policies and procedures relating to MVS courses and the student’s participation in those courses. 

Credit:  MVS courses should be treated like any other core academic course offered in a traditional format at the participating school.  They should receive the same academic credit as a traditional course, and be listed on student transcripts in a manner similar to other core academic courses.  One semester of an MVS course is worth one-half (1/2) unit of credit, while year-long (two semesters) courses are worth one (1) full credit.  Credit is granted by the participating high school.

Dual-credit:  MVS courses offered for dual-credit follow the same guidelines and requirements as defined by Missouri State University’s College of Continuing Education (See:  Student Eligibility, below) and the Extended University.  These courses will follow the levels designated as appropriate for high school students, and the descriptions will indicate for which level that course is designed.  The descriptions will also indicate whether that particular course can be taken for Advanced Placement or college credit.  All questions regarding dual-credit must be addressed by the College of Continuing Education and the Extended University at Missouri State University.   (http://ce.missouristate.edu/)

Student Eligibility:     The eligibility of high school students to participate in dual credit courses may vary in accordance with the admission standards of the college or university offering the courses in the high school. For all institutions, however, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or the equivalent and be recommended by the high school principal or his or her official designee.

High school students must also meet the same requirements for admission to individual courses (e.g., English or mathematics) as those required of on-campus students (e.g., ACT, ASSET, or other placement test scores). Specific placement tests may not be required for admission to some college courses; however, if the high school administers a competency assessment in an area related to the dual credit course, high school juniors and seniors must score at proficient or above on the MAP or achieve an equivalent score on a comparable assessment. Performance on the MAP or a related assessment test should be verified in the high school principal's or official designee's recommendation that the student participate in a dual credit course.

High school juniors and seniors who meet the above requirements will be eligible for dual credit courses. Under special circumstances, freshmen and sophomores with superior academic talents may take dual credit courses. Freshmen and sophomores must demonstrate their competency by scoring at the 90th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT. Moreover, the recommending high school counselor and the college academic department official must concur that a younger student can benefit from dual credit in the specific course and learn at the collegiate level.

Requirements and Grades:  MVS course requirements and grading policies will be made available to students, facilitators, and participating school officials at the beginning of each academic year.  Teachers will clearly delineate the weight of each assignment in grade determination, as well as the penalties for submission of late assignments.  Grades assigned represent the teacher’s professional assessment of the student’s accomplishments and the degree to which he/she has met the requirements of the course.  Course requirements include such aspects as participation, homework, and responsibility (as reflected by timely preparation for on-line coursework), in addition to growth and achievement in content, skills, and knowledge (as reflected in assignments and projects).  The final grade for the MVS course will reflect the student’s overall performance in the course and is reported to the school. 

Reporting of Grades:  The MVS grade reporting system is designed to provide students with the professional educator’s assessment of their performance in his/her coursework.  For grading purposes, the MVS academic calendar is divided into two distinct grading periods per semester.  MVS students will receive a semester grade following the conclusion of each semester.  Typically, an MVS course covers two semesters, for which the student will receive two separate semester grades.  The exact dates on which semesters will close for grading purposes will vary among the participating schools, and will be based on the grade reporting requirements of the participating schools.   Grades will be made available to each participating school’s facilitator (or any other person deemed by the participating school to have a legitimate need for such information) upon request. 

Progress Reports:  MVS teachers will communicate regularly with the students and facilitators to promote student success. 

Failure Warnings:  In an effort to identify and remedy potential student failures, teachers will maintain regular contact with students and participating school facilitators to identify potential problems and will take prompt, appropriate steps to rectify such situations.

Incompletes:  Teacher may, at their individual discretion, allow a student additional time to complete course work following the close of the grading period by issuing an Incomplete (I).  Incompletes may be issued at the close of either semester.  MVS teachers must obtain permission from the participating schools before issuing an Incomplete.  Incompletes for dual-credit courses are subject to Missouri State University policies.

Grading Student Work:  All MVS teachers are expected to grade and return student work in a timely fashion.  Each teacher will maintain clear, current, and accurate records of each student’s progress.  The final determination as to whether a student should receive a passing or failing high school grade rests solely within the discretion of the participating school in conjunction with the MVS teacher of that course.  Missouri State University requirements will be followed for the assignment of dual-credit grades.

Appeals/Grievances: If a student is dissatisfied with a particular grad, he/she should first contact their MVS teacher regarding the disagreement. If the student and teacher are unable to reach an equitable agreement, the participating school principal and MVS administration will act as intermediaries in order to resolve the complaint. All participating schools must have in place procedures for addressing complaints. Compliance with the participating school's complaint procedures will be the responsibility of each participating school. Complaints should be filed with the complainant's participating school, and should follow the proper procedures for addressing such issues as stated by the participating school's policy. Situations involving two or more participating schools will require the collaboration of participating school administrators, with the MVS administration acting as facilitator or mediator if needed. The MVS administration must also be notified of any complaints of this nature so that the situation can be monitored and effective prevention strategies developed.

Exit Survey:  All students that drop or withdraw from MVS courses will be asked to complete an exit survey.  This short, on-line survey will help MVS assess various aspects of the course in order to promote continued improvement. Instructions for accessing, completing, and submitting the exit survey will be provided to each participating school’s facilitator.

Student Illnesses and Make-Up Work:  In cases of extended student absence due to illness or injury (five school days or more), the student must contact the MVS teacher to advise of any delay in providing assigned work.  Alternatively, the student’s parent or guardian could contact the facilitator to make arrangements for obtaining and submitting missed work.  One of the advantages to asynchronous course delivery is that students who may be unable to attend school may still be able to keep up with their courses from home, if they have access to a personal computer and the Internet.  Teachers will make every reasonable effort to accommodate and assist students who need to make up work due to illness or injury; however, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for obtaining and submitting work missed due to absence.  Make-up policies are the responsibility of the MVS teacher and will be noted in their course policy. 

Student Attendance: MVS students are expected to attend and participate in their courses as fully as they would attend and participate in a traditional classroom course.

Software Licensing:  Software licenses are protected under federal copyright laws.  Appropriate licenses for software used in MVS courses that are not normally provided by the local school must be obtained by the MVS teachers prior to use in their courses.

Student Discipline, Rights, and Responsibility:  Each participating school has its own discipline code as well as student rights and responsibilities.  Students enrolled in MVS courses are expected to abide by and adhere to their participating schools’ code of conduct.  The MVS teacher is the teacher of record and as such is responsible for all aspects of the class including discipline.  The MVS teacher should attempt to address disciplinary problems directly with the student(s) involved before referring the student(s) to the administration.  The participating schools’ disciplinary codes will be applicable to any such situation.  The MVS teacher must also advise the MVS administration of any problems of this nature and keep them apprised of any actions taken, so that these situations can be monitored and effective prevention strategies developed.  Students enrolled in dual-credit courses are also expected to follow the applicable Missouri State University rules.

Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Policy:  Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. As such, the University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In addition, in accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University.  Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. All participating schools must have in place anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies as well as procedures for addressing complaints.  Compliance with the participating school’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination codes will be the responsibility of each participating school and the MVS teacher.  Immediate action must be taken by the MVS teacher and facilitator to curtail inappropriate remarks, content, and behavior of a harassing or overly personal nature.  Complaints should be filed with the complainant’s participating school, and should follow the proper procedures for addressing such issues as stated by the participating school’s policy.  Situations involving two or more participating schools will require the collaboration of participating school administrators, with the MVS administration acting as facilitator or mediator if needed.  The MVS administration must also be notified of any complaints of this nature so that the situation can be monitored and effective prevention strategies developed.

Computer Accessible Use Policy: Each participating school must have an "acceptable use" policy for computers and internet access. Internet/computer acceptable use policies should consist of a written statement, presented to and signed by students, parents, and facilitators, outlining the terms and conditions under which the internet and computers may be used. E-mail between students is subjected to monitoring by the participating school and MVS teacher and administrators. Complaints and/or violations of these policies should be filed with the violator's participating school and should follow the proper procedures as stated within the participating school's acceptable use policy. Complaints involving two or more participating schools will require the collaboration of participating school administrators, with the MVS administration acting as the mediator is needed. In addtion, the MVS administration must also be notified of any complaints of this nature so that the situation can be monitored and effective prevention strategies developed.

Equity and Disability Accommodations: Missouri State University and the MVS are committed to making reasonable accommodations in policies or procedures necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently from other individuals in the MVS or University community. The MVS administration and teachers strongly support the University's disability accommodation policy and will make reasonable accommodations for any student with a physical or documented learning disability in order to facilitate the student's learning and performance, in cooperation with the participating school district(s). However, it is the participating schools' responsibility to provide assisstive technology as needed.

Pre/Post Testing:  Some or all of the MVS courses may require pre- and post-tests.  Pre-tests have no effect on a student’s grade in the course, but are intended to allow the MVS administration and teachers to assess a student’s knowledge and comprehension of the subject matter both before and after the course.  In addition, if an MVS course is offered for dual-credit, pre-tests may be required in order to determine whether a student has sufficient background in the subject to be placed in a dual-credit course.  Pre-and post-tests are given entirely at the discretion of the MVS administration.

Cheating, Plagiarism, and Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty: In accordance with Missouri State University policy, academic dishonesty in any form or type will not be tolerated. All MVS students are expected to strictly adhere to this policy, which includes but is not limited to cheating and plagiarism. Cheating and plagiarism are defined as follows: the term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to, dependece upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the teacher in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; and the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the MVS, participating school, or University faculty or staff. The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic material.