The virtual learning environment presents unique opportunities that require the student, teacher, and family to work together to promote a positive learning experience. The following outlines the minimum commitments that we have established related to the WCPSS Virtual Academy.

Student Responsibilities 

All Virtual Academy students will comply with the WCPSS Student Code of Conduct, as well as all state and federal laws, school board policies, and local school rules governing behavior and conduct. Collaboration among staff, students, families and the community is vital to promoting a positive school environment. Virtual Academy students must abide by the rules outlined in their school’s handbook during the regular instructional day as well as extracurricular events that are affiliated with the school.

Additionally, it is important that students understand their responsibility as learners in the Virtual Academy.

Virtual Academy students will:

• Complete a virtual, self-paced orientation, provided by the district, within the first week of school.
• Attend and engage in daily live, real-time instruction. Students should use their cameras and microphones, to the extent possible. Students should reply promptly and remain engaged, regardless of camera usage.
• Check the Virtual Academy Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, everyday.
• Demonstrate active engagement and learning through the completion of all assignments by deadlines established by the classroom teacher.
• Engage in independent learning activities/credit requirements.
• Participate in all district and state-mandated assessments either in the virtual environment or assigned school building as directed by the district and/or state. Social Distancing Guidelines must be followed consistent with the approved plan for attending school at the time of exams.
• Independently use digital tools to communicate and collaborate with teachers and peers.
• Communicate with classroom teachers regularly and examine provided feedback.
• Ensure availability to meet when requested by the teacher or administration.  
• Choose a learning space with minimal distractions. 
• Use technology as outlined in the WCPSS Technology and Student Responsible Use Policies.

Attendance

Attendance is an integral part of success in the WCPSS Virtual Academy. Virtual Academy students are required to attend live class and complete their course work daily. Students will participate in approximately 6 hours of instruction a day which will include a combination of live, real-time instruction and/or completion of assignments. Of the 6 hours, a minimum of 3 hours of live instruction will be provided per day. Instructional time may increase beyond the baseline based on teacher discretion and/or  grade level. Schools will establish the instructional schedule.

In alignment with WCPSS attendance policy code 4400, to be counted present a student must be in attendance at least one-half of the student school day. This will include attendance at official school activities at a place other than school with the approval of the principal. A student will be in his/her assigned area at the beginning of the school day and the beginning of each class or be recorded as tardy.

A student will be logged in, present, and responsive in his/her/their assigned virtual space at the beginning of the school day and the beginning of each class or be recorded as tardy. Not having a camera on, by itself, is not enough to mark a student absent. Teachers will consider any technical issues or reasonable interruptions that may occur.

In alignment with WCPSS attendance policy code 4400, if a student must miss school, a parent or guardian must communicate with the student’s teacher or attendance office within two days of the student’s return after an absence. Absences due to extended illnesses may also require a statement from a physician. Failure to communicate will result in the absence being coded unexcused.

In the event of an excused absence, the opportunity to make-up missing work will be provided. The student or parent is responsible for identifying what assignments are due and completing them within the specified time period.

Academic Integrity 

Academic honesty is essential to excellence in education and is directly related to WCPSS Virtual Academy expectations for students. As all schoolwork is a measure of student performance, academic honesty facilitates an accurate measurement of student learning.

In alignment with WCPSS academic integrity policy 4310, WCPSS Virtual Academy expects all students to maintain academic integrity and honesty while participating in virtual learning.

The Virtual Academy Learning Management System, Canvas, provides teachers the ability to monitor the originality of student work and assessments.

Family Responsibilities

• Complete a virtual, self-paced orientation, provided by the district, within the first week of school.  
• Establish a calm, quiet, distraction-free space for your child(ren) to work every day.
• Ensure virtual learning equipment is available and charged.
• Create a consistent schedule for completing assignments.
• Ensure your child(ren) checks the Virtual Academy Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, every day and provide assistance when needed.
• Check your email, Canvas Parent Observer Account, and/or PowerSchool regularly for communication and information.
• Communicate with teachers as needed regarding any questions or issues that arise.
• Serve as a partner in supporting your child(ren) in engaging in independent learning activities/credit requirements. Students will need varying levels of support in online instruction and may need closer supervision and assistance from members of your child’s support system.
• Ensure availability to meet when requested by the teacher or administration.
• Remain domiciled in Wake County while in the WCPSS Virtual Academy.

Statement of Understanding

As a part of the registration process, students and families commit to the statement of understanding.

The WCPSS Virtual Academy provides students an opportunity to participate in virtual learning.  Assignment to the Virtual Academy requires a special commitment of time and effort from the students and their parents/guardians. All instruction and services will be delivered virtually. This commitment requires that, upon assignment to the WCPSS Virtual Academy, you agree to keep your child in the program for at least one full school year. If at any time during the year,  your child is not meeting the stated expectations for the WCPSS Virtual Academy, your child may be required to be returned to in-person instruction at the assigned school.

The district will reassess the required one year commitment at the semester break if vaccines for children are widely available. The district will also re-evaluate registration in Virtual Academy if the COVID-19 pandemic surges again.

Teacher Responsibilities Related to Delivering Virtual Academy Instruction

Teachers with Virtual Academy duties will follow the Virtual Academy, school or district, schedule and will be available on site during the entire school day. They will work from their school building in order to carry out their daily on-site operational and instructional responsibilities, such as assisting with supervision of on-campus students and supporting in-person instruction needs when needed.  While the preference is for Virtual Academy teachers to report onsite to their assigned school daily, we recognize some schools need staff to telework daily or on a rotating basis due to space issues or for recruiting purposes.

When teaching a Virtual Academy class or course, teachers will also carry out the following duties that are unique to the virtual learning environment:

• Utilize district-provided curriculum and pacing guidelines within a Professional Learning Team (PLT) to plan instruction and ensure students experience the same learning across all environments.
• Use district digital content, tools, and resources that are listed as recommended or allowed in the Digital Resource Product Library to create a virtual learning environment that prepares students to reach their full potential and lead productive lives in a complex and changing world.
• Plan, design, and incorporate developmentally appropriate strategies to encourage active learning, application, participation, and collaboration in the virtual environment.
• Use district recommended digital tools and resources to provide assessments, coupled with meaningful feedback.  
• Create a virtual classroom environment that is conducive to student learning - eliminate distractions and provide consistency for all students.
• Provide daily live instruction using their camera and microphone for each class period and/or subject area.  Teachers should not record live, real time, sessions where students are present (including their images, voices, and participation).
• Promote a positive and safe virtual learning environment for the social and emotional learning and well-being of a diverse population of students.
• Develop and define clear and consistent virtual behavior expectations, classroom routines, and procedures for activities and transitions.
• Utilize Canvas daily to support student learning.
• Model, guide, and encourage the safe use of technology as outlined in the WCPSS Technology and Student Responsible Use Policies.
• Ensure students' understanding of the Virtual Academy schedule, including live instruction times.
• Ensure regular communication and availability through email, phone calls, Canvas, Google Meet, posted office hours, etc. to maintain student-teacher relationship and support learning.