virtual academy 2022-2023

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

Amen… I’ve literally had to move bc of my job… virtual is everywhere. Somehow MoCo parents didn’t get that message. So behind the times and just insufferable people. I cannot wait to be transferred.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It’s an emotional issue for the parents with kids currently enrolled because it’s working for them and they don’t want it to disappear. The problem I see, at least just here on DCUM, is that the MVA supporters are not doing a great job at arguing in favor of it since it’s more anecdotal and any “evidence” or “data” that’s out there is skewed toward it failing. MCPS hasnt done them any favors by releasing data that shows how much, if any, money it actually saves or how the program has been performing more recently.

The debate usually goes like this:

The MVA is not working - we should shut it down. No, it’s working for my kid. Well, that’s not enough because you live in a society. You’re heartless - why do you want to take this away from my kid you loser. My tax dollars are being spent on it and every dollar for the MVA is a dollar less for in person school. In person school has a lot of problems too - maybe we should close your school if it’s not performing better than average and see how you feel. That’s not realistic - why can’t you just go back to doing what you did pre-Covid before the MVA was around. Well, you get to choose to send your kid to in person school, why can’t I have a choice to do virtual. Because your choice is expensive and isn’t working. It’s working for my kid though. That’s not enough because, society….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It’s an emotional issue for the parents with kids currently enrolled because it’s working for them and they don’t want it to disappear. The problem I see, at least just here on DCUM, is that the MVA supporters are not doing a great job at arguing in favor of it since it’s more anecdotal and any “evidence” or “data” that’s out there is skewed toward it failing. MCPS hasnt done them any favors by releasing data that shows how much, if any, money it actually saves or how the program has been performing more recently.

The debate usually goes like this:

The MVA is not working - we should shut it down. No, it’s working for my kid. Well, that’s not enough because you live in a society. You’re heartless - why do you want to take this away from my kid you loser. My tax dollars are being spent on it and every dollar for the MVA is a dollar less for in person school. In person school has a lot of problems too - maybe we should close your school if it’s not performing better than average and see how you feel. That’s not realistic - why can’t you just go back to doing what you did pre-Covid before the MVA was around. Well, you get to choose to send your kid to in person school, why can’t I have a choice to do virtual. Because your choice is expensive and isn’t working. It’s working for my kid though. That’s not enough because, society….

All of this to say….

Virtual works all over the country. It’s not a big deal. For some reason, it’s a huge deal for MCPS parents. Might be time to start evolving like the rest of the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It’s an emotional issue for the parents with kids currently enrolled because it’s working for them and they don’t want it to disappear. The problem I see, at least just here on DCUM, is that the MVA supporters are not doing a great job at arguing in favor of it since it’s more anecdotal and any “evidence” or “data” that’s out there is skewed toward it failing. MCPS hasnt done them any favors by releasing data that shows how much, if any, money it actually saves or how the program has been performing more recently.

The debate usually goes like this:

The MVA is not working - we should shut it down. No, it’s working for my kid. Well, that’s not enough because you live in a society. You’re heartless - why do you want to take this away from my kid you loser. My tax dollars are being spent on it and every dollar for the MVA is a dollar less for in person school. In person school has a lot of problems too - maybe we should close your school if it’s not performing better than average and see how you feel. That’s not realistic - why can’t you just go back to doing what you did pre-Covid before the MVA was around. Well, you get to choose to send your kid to in person school, why can’t I have a choice to do virtual. Because your choice is expensive and isn’t working. It’s working for my kid though. That’s not enough because, society….

All of this to say….

Virtual works all over the country. It’s not a big deal. For some reason, it’s a huge deal for MCPS parents. Might be time to start evolving like the rest of the world.

But the data says it doesn't work here, so we just throw good money after bad? But MCPS wastes so much money elsewhere, why cut this program? Because it's not working. But your data is wrong. Show me good data. There is none, but trust me, it's working for a lot of families. But "trust me" isn't enough to support funding a program like this. WHY DO YOU CARE ABOUT THIS SO MUCH YOUR HEARTLESS LOSER?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It’s an emotional issue for the parents with kids currently enrolled because it’s working for them and they don’t want it to disappear. The problem I see, at least just here on DCUM, is that the MVA supporters are not doing a great job at arguing in favor of it since it’s more anecdotal and any “evidence” or “data” that’s out there is skewed toward it failing. MCPS hasnt done them any favors by releasing data that shows how much, if any, money it actually saves or how the program has been performing more recently.

The debate usually goes like this:

The MVA is not working - we should shut it down. No, it’s working for my kid. Well, that’s not enough because you live in a society. You’re heartless - why do you want to take this away from my kid you loser. My tax dollars are being spent on it and every dollar for the MVA is a dollar less for in person school. In person school has a lot of problems too - maybe we should close your school if it’s not performing better than average and see how you feel. That’s not realistic - why can’t you just go back to doing what you did pre-Covid before the MVA was around. Well, you get to choose to send your kid to in person school, why can’t I have a choice to do virtual. Because your choice is expensive and isn’t working. It’s working for my kid though. That’s not enough because, society….

All of this to say….

Virtual works all over the country. It’s not a big deal. For some reason, it’s a huge deal for MCPS parents. Might be time to start evolving like the rest of the world.

But the data says it doesn't work here, so we just throw good money after bad? But MCPS wastes so much money elsewhere, why cut this program? Because it's not working. But your data is wrong. Show me good data. There is none, but trust me, it's working for a lot of families. But "trust me" isn't enough to support funding a program like this. WHY DO YOU CARE ABOUT THIS SO MUCH YOUR HEARTLESS LOSER?

I care as it impacts my kids and many others. I know it works as we actually have experience with it. Do you?

Why don’t we cut things at your kids school? That should help cover it.

You need to get your mental health checked if you are name calling and have zero experience with it. That is heartless to take away a program important to kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

Amen… I’ve literally had to move bc of my job… virtual is everywhere. Somehow MoCo parents didn’t get that message. So behind the times and just insufferable people. I cannot wait to be transferred.

They don’t want to put any effort into their kids. That’s why schools have so many issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a student who has been at VA for a few years, our family has had great success! It's sad that it was mentioned as a failure when so many kids including mine have really thrived in VA. It would be heartbreaking to let it dissolve. I pay taxes and it's sooooo much better than the school we are zoned to!

The data doesn't lie. VA has been a failure. Kids would be better served in their home schools.

Maybe parents with actual experience speak before you do. Is this Jen reesman? Probably. We’re all tired of you. Welcome to the 21st century. Education is changing whether you like it or not.

Anecdotes aren't data. The data shows VA is a failure.

Data is more than just numbers, and that data isn't current. So you're wrong. Sorry. Every single MCPS Program should be under this much scrutiny. NOT because you want the data to say what you want it to say. A full picture is important WITH current data from all 3 years. And maybe compare it to other programs in MD that are trying to do what they can to serve their students and families b/c MSDE can't be bothered to approve any programs for its residents.

You seem to be acknowledging that the available data shows VA is a failure. Why do you want a failed program to continue? You're that scared of letting your kids leave the house? Are you worried they'll never come back?

Do you ever get tired of being a hostile, nasty and negative person? Someone who cannot see beyond their own needs or wants?

You might want to look in the mirror. I'm not to one that has my kids locked up at home.

You’re such a ridiculous person. Virtual academy exists for many different reasons. I’m sorry that you don’t have the critical thinking skills to recognize that. Grow up.

The reasons may vary, but the result is the same.

What result. The kids are fine. Sorry you don’t enjoy having to deal with your kids.

The result being that your kids are locked up with you at home until they're adults, at which point you'll likely never see them again.

That would be great. It would save us a lot of time and money. Mine are in far more things than yours. So, try again.

And, yes, mine are welcome to live with me as adults to save money. We value family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It’s an emotional issue for the parents with kids currently enrolled because it’s working for them and they don’t want it to disappear. The problem I see, at least just here on DCUM, is that the MVA supporters are not doing a great job at arguing in favor of it since it’s more anecdotal and any “evidence” or “data” that’s out there is skewed toward it failing. MCPS hasnt done them any favors by releasing data that shows how much, if any, money it actually saves or how the program has been performing more recently.

The debate usually goes like this:

The MVA is not working - we should shut it down. No, it’s working for my kid. Well, that’s not enough because you live in a society. You’re heartless - why do you want to take this away from my kid you loser. My tax dollars are being spent on it and every dollar for the MVA is a dollar less for in person school. In person school has a lot of problems too - maybe we should close your school if it’s not performing better than average and see how you feel. That’s not realistic - why can’t you just go back to doing what you did pre-Covid before the MVA was around. Well, you get to choose to send your kid to in person school, why can’t I have a choice to do virtual. Because your choice is expensive and isn’t working. It’s working for my kid though. That’s not enough because, society….

All of this to say….

Virtual works all over the country. It’s not a big deal. For some reason, it’s a huge deal for MCPS parents. Might be time to start evolving like the rest of the world.

But the data says it doesn't work here, so we just throw good money after bad? But MCPS wastes so much money elsewhere, why cut this program? Because it's not working. But your data is wrong. Show me good data. There is none, but trust me, it's working for a lot of families. But "trust me" isn't enough to support funding a program like this. WHY DO YOU CARE ABOUT THIS SO MUCH YOUR HEARTLESS LOSER?

🙄 just be quiet. It is working. Go away. You don’t matter. Only the families who CHOOSE the program because it works for them. Not everyone wants the same thing. No one has to prove anything to you. Especially on a dinky forum like this with people who clearly are living through their kids because as an adult they can’t hack it in the real world. Ironic, isn’t it? Because globalization is here and if you don’t know how to conduct yourself virtually good luck Karen! It’s here to stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

It isn’t a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Kids need to be in school because in person learning has been shown to be more effective for all ages. And school is about more than just academic learning. School is about learning to socialize and collaborate.
There is a small number of kids who could benefit from virtual due to chemotherapy or other medical requirements. MCPS should try to figure something out for kids with genuine medical needs although they do offer Home and Hospital or whatever it is called now. High school kids can also do MC or UMD online classes. Everyone else should really just be attending in-person school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids need to be in school because in person learning has been shown to be more effective for all ages. And school is about more than just academic learning. School is about learning to socialize and collaborate.
There is a small number of kids who could benefit from virtual due to chemotherapy or other medical requirements. MCPS should try to figure something out for kids with genuine medical needs although they do offer Home and Hospital or whatever it is called now. High school kids can also do MC or UMD online classes. Everyone else should really just be attending in-person school

You have no idea what you are talking about. The medical program offers 4 hours a week of group tutoring virtually.

Not all MC classes are live teaching. UMD does not have a high school program.

Families should choose what works best for their kids.

Good parents socialize their kids outside of school. School isn’t social for all kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It might be less expensive to give families a stipend to an existing virtual school (if they have a demonstrated need) rather than staff and run a whole program in house. There are good ones run privately around the country.

I think the issue is defining "demonstrated need." If you look at the 2020-21 report, one of the commonly-cited benefits of MVA for parents was that it allowed easier travel. Another parent upthread noted that MVA allows them to avoid their zoned school.

I think we can agree that those are not "demonstrated need." So, of the fewer than 1000 kids left in MVA, how many do we think would meet any sort of a reasonable threshold for need?

Probably 100 kids would meet demonstrated need. That is my best guess. And virtual is an extremely ineffective way of delivering education especially to elementary and middle schoolers

Where it's only 100 or even 1000, they should just try to work with the existing programs that were available before covid hit or just homeschool. It isn't the responsibility of the government to accommodate these people anymore.

THESE PEOPLE??????? Holy crap. Wow. If this isn’t the most ableist post. Look in the mirror. Take a good long look. I hope you are never faced with any challenges in your life where you may need some type of social service. Key word: social. Meaning EVERYONE. If you want “a la carte” then it’s private school for you where you can boss everyone around with your prejudices. Otherwise, sit down and shut up. You look like a fool.

MCPS and most public school systems had done just fine (even better) before there was so called virtual academy. Isn't there some home/hospital program for those with health issues? That served the community before just fine...why can't those who need this type of support just revert back to that program? It's not like VA is doiong amazing...it's not at all. Anyone who feels the home hospital program doesn't serve their needs should seriously consider home school or a self paid virtual academy. We don't need to spend all that money for such a small population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It might be less expensive to give families a stipend to an existing virtual school (if they have a demonstrated need) rather than staff and run a whole program in house. There are good ones run privately around the country.

I think the issue is defining "demonstrated need." If you look at the 2020-21 report, one of the commonly-cited benefits of MVA for parents was that it allowed easier travel. Another parent upthread noted that MVA allows them to avoid their zoned school.

I think we can agree that those are not "demonstrated need." So, of the fewer than 1000 kids left in MVA, how many do we think would meet any sort of a reasonable threshold for need?

Probably 100 kids would meet demonstrated need. That is my best guess. And virtual is an extremely ineffective way of delivering education especially to elementary and middle schoolers

Where it's only 100 or even 1000, they should just try to work with the existing programs that were available before covid hit or just homeschool. It isn't the responsibility of the government to accommodate these people anymore.

THESE PEOPLE??????? Holy crap. Wow. If this isn’t the most ableist post. Look in the mirror. Take a good long look. I hope you are never faced with any challenges in your life where you may need some type of social service. Key word: social. Meaning EVERYONE. If you want “a la carte” then it’s private school for you where you can boss everyone around with your prejudices. Otherwise, sit down and shut up. You look like a fool.

MCPS and most public school systems had done just fine (even better) before there was so called virtual academy. Isn't there some home/hospital program for those with health issues? That served the community before just fine...why can't those who need this type of support just revert back to that program? It's not like VA is doiong amazing...it's not at all. Anyone who feels the home hospital program doesn't serve their needs should seriously consider home school or a self paid virtual academy. We don't need to spend all that money for such a small population.

No, not all kids are just fine. You simply don’t get get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It amazes how polarizing the VA is. What's the big deal?

Amen… I’ve literally had to move bc of my job… virtual is everywhere. Somehow MoCo parents didn’t get that message. So behind the times and just insufferable people. I cannot wait to be transferred.

They don’t want to put any effort into their kids. That’s why schools have so many issues.

Methinks most people posting here are the teachers who like to sit at home and teach on the computer lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It might be less expensive to give families a stipend to an existing virtual school (if they have a demonstrated need) rather than staff and run a whole program in house. There are good ones run privately around the country.

I think the issue is defining "demonstrated need." If you look at the 2020-21 report, one of the commonly-cited benefits of MVA for parents was that it allowed easier travel. Another parent upthread noted that MVA allows them to avoid their zoned school.

I think we can agree that those are not "demonstrated need." So, of the fewer than 1000 kids left in MVA, how many do we think would meet any sort of a reasonable threshold for need?

Probably 100 kids would meet demonstrated need. That is my best guess. And virtual is an extremely ineffective way of delivering education especially to elementary and middle schoolers

Where it's only 100 or even 1000, they should just try to work with the existing programs that were available before covid hit or just homeschool. It isn't the responsibility of the government to accommodate these people anymore.

THESE PEOPLE??????? Holy crap. Wow. If this isn’t the most ableist post. Look in the mirror. Take a good long look. I hope you are never faced with any challenges in your life where you may need some type of social service. Key word: social. Meaning EVERYONE. If you want “a la carte” then it’s private school for you where you can boss everyone around with your prejudices. Otherwise, sit down and shut up. You look like a fool.

MCPS and most public school systems had done just fine (even better) before there was so called virtual academy. Isn't there some home/hospital program for those with health issues? That served the community before just fine...why can't those who need this type of support just revert back to that program? It's not like VA is doiong amazing...it's not at all. Anyone who feels the home hospital program doesn't serve their needs should seriously consider home school or a self paid virtual academy. We don't need to spend all that money for such a small population.

No, not all kids are just fine. You simply don’t get get it.

MCPS has gone downhill ever since they had their virtual fiasco during COVID and it is barely starting to climb back. VA is still a disaster.