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In 1998, Missouri State University established the eHighSchool (eHS) in response to the foreign language, mathematics, and science needs of Southwest Missouri schools.  The eHS originally supported the University’s 24-county service area school districts’ efforts to meet the Missouri’s Show-Me-Standards, the Curriculum Frameworks, and MSIP accreditation.  The eHS used a proximity-based education format to deliver high school curricula.  Proximity-based education involves learning communities utilizing distance learning technology and on-site visits for laboratory and other activities.  In 2002, the eHS became the Missouri Virtual School (MVS) with the continued mission of providing distance education in foreign language, mathematics, and science to students statewide.

The Missouri Virtual School is operated under the auspices of the Extended Campus, through the Center for Scientific Research and Education (CSRE).  Coordination and input among the various colleges across campus provided for university-wide support of the MVS.  MVS follows established curriculum rules, guidelines, and regulations as set forth by  Missouri State University, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE).  In addition, the MVS provides distance education training to Missouri State University student teachers, some of whom have done one-half of their student teaching assignment at the school. 

MVS course needs are determined by information gained from counselors, principals and superintendents.  Discussions are then held to determine what MVS courses will be offered, when, and the requirements for each.  An Advisory Board provides outside guidance in MVS activities.  This board is composed of superintendents, principals, counselors, facilitators, and Missouri State University personnel. This board meets once a year.  With input from all, policy manuals for teachers, facilitators, students and their parents, and administrators have been developed and are available at the Center for Scientific Research and Education and on the MVS website (http://mvs.missouristate.edu).

Participating schools employ MVS to provide courses for their students.  Most of the courses are year-long courses and earn one credit.  For those year-long courses, fees are billed twice a year and are based on the tenth day class enrollments as calculated in the fall and spring semester.  For block courses where one credit is given over one semester, billing will be based on tenth day class enrollment at the beginning of school and ten days into the second quarter.  Participating schools are expected to provide the basic equipment and resources for MVS classes as would be provided for a regular on-site class.  A separate “consumable supplies” fee may be required for individual courses.  If a course is offered for dual-credit, the fees are paid by the student to the Missouri State University College of Continuing Education and are separate from MVS fees. 

MVS courses are equivalent to regular high school courses – they are just delivered in a different format.  There is the same emphasis on interactions between teacher and student, and between student and student as in any normal class.  Courses are designed and taught by an appropriately certified teacher who teaches and oversees the course content and resources needed to teach the curriculum.  Multimedia, traditional printed, and published materials are used to support course content.  The participating K-12 school district grants the high school credit for MVS courses.  If appropriate, the course may also be offered for dual-credit according to Missouri State University and CBHE guidelines. MVS dual-credit courses are only available to high school students at participating schools.  MVS courses include the following features:

• A certified teacher is responsible for all aspects of the course.
• The course is placed in the student’s master schedule; it is not normally taken as an overload.
• The students’ classes meet regularly every day, or every other day, as dictated by the school’s class schedule.
• An on-site facilitator meets with the students during their MVS course and serves as the liaison between the MVS teacher and the school.
• The MVS teacher and/or staff periodically visit schools to meet with their students for tutoring, laboratories, and/or other class related activities.
• A Course Management System software package is used for asynchronous courses delivery and for supporting the synchronous class.

The Missouri Virtual School delivers course instruction both synchronously and asynchronously.  The specific delivery format used is determined by the needs of the individual school, the level and availability of technology at the participating school, and MVS schedules.  Educational technology used includes computers, videoconferencing units, interactive white boards, video and CD/DVD players, and a variety of software programs including Adobe Connect Pro, Blackboard, on-line simulations, etc., to support the curriculum.

Synchronous courses can be delivered using one of two methods:  (1) via two-way interactive television system (I-TV), or (2) via a computer connected over the Internet.  The I-TV system provides a continuous two-way audio and visual presence between the teacher and students via a point-to-point or a multipoint connection.  I-TV comes closest to bringing the teacher into the classroom.  The password-protected computer-based Adobe Connect Pro format connects the teacher and students using a net-meeting format that provides real-time audio and limited video capabilities.  This allows teacher-to-student and student-to-student interactions through voice and response capabilities, discussions, note taking, and information exchange through an interactive whiteboard, application-sharing, and other Internet options.

Asynchronous course materials are available at any time, day or night, via Internet-based password-protected Course Management System software.  Multimedia software as well as printed and published material supports the on-line courses.  Content can be downloaded and assignments submitted during the students’ individual class time.  Enhancements for students using the asynchronous format can be offered through on-line office hours, videoconferencing, etc. and make the overall course format more synchronous as the opportunity arises.

Participating Schools

It is important that all schools participating with MVS understand the operating standards and guidelines of the MVS.  The policies laid out in this manual have been created to meet that need.  Participating schools are expected to follow these policies.  The manual is available at the Center for Scientific Research and Education and on the MVS website http://mvs.missouristate.edu).  The academic calendar for 2009 – 2010 is as follows:

August 19 - Starting Date for all MVS Classes
September 7 - Labor Day (no classes)
October 16 - Fall Break (no classes)
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
December 23-January 1 - Christmas Break (no classes)
February 15 - President's Day (no classes)
April 2 - Easter Break (no classes)
May 21 - Ending Date for all MVS Classes

The above schedule may be different than individual schools' schedule. Schools that are in session during the above times and/or start before and end after the above schedule will have meaningful material and/or projects that will be provided for the student to work on. These assignments will be included as part of the student's final course grade. 

Participating schools have the following responsibilities.  They include:

• Scheduling the MVS course(s) in the students' master schedule, i.e., students are expected to be in class at a regularly scheduled time and place.
• Providing an on-site facilitator who will be present during the MVS scheduled course period.
• Provide MVS with current copies of the school bell schedule, academic calendar, and timely advanced notification of upcoming assemblies, field trips, extra-curricular activities, etc., that will affect MVS classes.
• Providing all course materials (i.e., textbooks, workbooks, software, etc.) and supplies for each student.
• The equipment and software must be available and configured at least one week prior to the start of classes. The type of equipment depends upon the course delivery format being used.
• I-TV delivered courses equipment required include:
  • videoconferencing unit capable of connecting using the internet;
  • 30 inch diagonal television (or larger) or video projector;
  • document camera;
  • microphone (one per every four students)
• Course requirements for the various formats include the following equipment and specifications as listed:
  • Interactive Television
    • videoconferencing unit with adequate speakers for the number of students present
    • at least a 32 inch television or greater
    • registration with MOREnet or MSU gatekeeper
  • Adobe Connect Pro (formally Breeze) - multimedia computer connected to the internet with the following system requirements:
    • Windows 98, 200, or XP or Mac OS X (10.3 or higher)
    • Internet Explorer 5 (or higher) or Netscape 7.1 (or higher) or AOL 9,0 (or higher) or Firefox 1.5 (or higher) or Safari 1.1 (or higher)
    • Macromedia Flash player 6.0.79 (or higher)
    • Network: 56 kbps or faster
    • CPU: 350 MHz or faster
    • Memory: 128 MB RAM or more
    • Hard Drive: 40 MB or more free space
    • Monitor: 16 bit colors (high color)
    • Audio: Sound card on board or PCI
    • Headset with microphone
• Making the follwoing equipment available and accessible to students:
  • Printer (color not required)
  • Fax machine
  • Telephone
• Provide appropriate laboratory facilities and equipment as required for the general operation of courses (specialized equipment or supplies required by individual teacher for on-site activities may be provided by MVS).
• Transporting students to and from Missouri State University for on-campus sessions as appropriate.
• Provide technical support for MVS activities - technical assistance includes providing assistive technology for students with special needs.

The above equipment, software, and course materials should be fully functional and operational at least one week prior to the beginning of classes.

Schools participating in the MVS must have internet access from their campus that is available on a daily basis. Some students may also have computers and internet access at home, but this is not required. Telephone calls made to the MVS administrative office may be long distance. Participating schools, students, and their parents must be made aware that such long distance charges are the participating school’s responsibility, if calls are placed from the participating school, or the student’s responsibility, if calls are placed from the student’s home. 

Facilitators

Within the participating schools, the key contact person is the facilitator. The MVS facilitator is an integral and pivitol player in the success of the distance learning experience for both the teacher and students participating in the MVS. Communication between the MVS and the participating schools will be channeled through the facilitator. It is essential that the facilitator be in regular contact with the appropriate participating school and MVS administrators, school guidance counselors, the MVS teacher, and others as needed. To support communication and collaboration between site facilitators and teachers, the facilitator must have access to, and use, email.

The facilitator is responsible for coordinating MVS project efforts within the participating school and is the primary contact person for the MVS teacher.  Facilitators are responsible for taking attendance and performing other duties such as fax transmissions, monitoring exams, etc. and responding to emergency procedures as specified by the individual school.

Facilitators’ specific duties include (but are not limited to):

• Maintaining communications with the MVS teacher regarding course progress, school policies and important dates, as well as problems.
• Monitoring MVS students on-site.
• Monitoring school announcements and provide needed information to the MVS teacher.
• Arranging access and support for the technology required.
• Acting as a liaison between the participating school administration and the MVS teacher and administration.
• Disseminating course materials on-site and collecting and returning course materials to the MVS teacher and/or administration.
• Assisting with course assignments, quizzes, tests, evaluations, etc. as needed.

The following information describes various aspects of MVS 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 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/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, participating school officials, and parents 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.

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.

Reporting of Grades:  The MVS grade reporting system is designed to provide parents and students with the professional educator’s assessment of the student’s performance in his/her coursework.  The purpose of the reporting system is to aid students, parents, and the teachers in the development of a students’ personal, social, and intellectual growth.  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:  Teachers 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.

Appeals/Grievances:  If a student is dissatisfied with a particular grade, he or 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.

Attendance and Problem Reporting:  Teachers are responsible for their courses with the help and input of the on-site facilitator.  Facilitators are responsible for taking attendance and complying with reporting procedures for students within each participating school.  If a teacher is experiencing a problem within the areas of student participation, attendance, or performance, it is the MVS teacher’s responsibility to contact the participating school’s facilitator as quickly as possible.

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 inform him/her 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. 

Textbook and Instruction Materials Policy:  Texts and instructional materials for each MVS course, as well as the costs of these materials, are the responsibility of the participating schools.  The MVS will have the appropriate textbook titles and ISB numbers available for the participating schools no later than the last week of the previous academic year, unless unforeseen circumstances cause an unavoidable delay.  Dual-credit courses may be required to purchase the books used in the corresponding Missouri State University on-campus class.  The participating school facilitator is responsible for the distribution of textbooks and other course materials.  The textbooks become the property of the participating schools, and any damage to or loss of textbooks will be the participating schools’ responsibility.

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 MVS teacher 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 inform the MVS adminimstration of any problems of this nature and keep them apprised of any actions taken so that these situations can be monitored and effect preventions 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 the 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 Acceptable 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 if needed.  In addition, 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 affect 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.

Technical Support:  It is the responsibility of the participating school to provide technical support for both hardware and software required by the MVS course and students taking the course.  Missouri State University and MVS personnel are not responsible for solving technical support problems at the participating school that deal with that school’s software and hardware.  Help may be provided on a limited basis.  It is the responsibility of MVS personnel to provide training on software required in the courses.

All computers, interactive television units, peripherals supporting technology, and software need to be fully functional and operational at least one week prior to the beginning of each semester so that “test runs” may be performed between the origination and receiving site.