virtual academy 2022-2023

[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.

Did you go to in person school? Because it clearly didn’t work for you.

[Anonymous]

You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Ok name some names if you are so sure.

[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.

Did you go to in person school? Because it clearly didn’t work for you.

Is this the best you can do? Troll social media being a nasty bully. Here’s an idea. Fix your own life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

And, yet here you are. Why aren’t you working?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Did you go to in person school? Because it clearly didn’t work for you.

Is this the best you can do? Troll social media being a nasty bully. Here’s an idea. Fix your own life.

Thanks for solidifying what I thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

I’m not sure what your point is. This has been gone over so many times. 🙄 Try reading. It’s actually something that can be done virtually!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

I’m not sure what your point is. This has been gone over so many times. 🙄 Try reading. It’s actually something that can be done virtually!

Ok - keep arguing for funding a program that has done such a terrible job that it's lost two-thirds of its participants since inception. "but it works for me!" will only get you so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

The decrease is not a surprise with Covid stabilizing and mcps schools not allowing activities if in the MVA. Your current enrollment is not accurate. Read the document carefully.

[Anonymous]

Even pediatricians treating children enrolled in the MVA are starting to raise concerns:

"Local pediatrician Lavanya Sithanandam has worked with multiple patients enrolled in the Academy, and expressed concerns regarding the emotional and physical health of students engaged in full-time virtual learning. She worries that virtual learning doesn’t afford teachers the opportunity to monitor students’ well-being in the same way they do at in-person school. Given these concerns, she suggested a more limited online program for students with extenuating circumstances or illness, such as the Interim Instructional Services program, which serves to provide short-term out-of-school instruction to students who need it."

https://theblackandwhite.net/77321/news/recently-released-report-raises-questions-about-effectiveness-of-mcps-virtual-academy/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

I’m not sure what your point is. This has been gone over so many times. 🙄 Try reading. It’s actually something that can be done virtually!

Ok - keep arguing for funding a program that has done such a terrible job that it's lost two-thirds of its participants since inception. "but it works for me!" will only get you so far.

The important thing is it is working for students. Why don’t we take the lowest ten schools and close them too. I’m sure the w schools will gladly take the students in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

The decrease is not a surprise with Covid stabilizing and mcps schools not allowing activities if in the MVA. Your current enrollment is not accurate. Read the document carefully.

This has been covered before - try reading more closely. The aggregate numbers are correct, despite some individual entries less than 10 not being specified. Nice try to dodge.

And anyway, the takeaway here is that the program is so critical for kids that once they can't do after school clubs 67% of them are willing to go back to in-person school despite how life and death it is for them to be virtual?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even pediatricians treating children enrolled in the MVA are starting to raise concerns:

"Local pediatrician Lavanya Sithanandam has worked with multiple patients enrolled in the Academy, and expressed concerns regarding the emotional and physical health of students engaged in full-time virtual learning. She worries that virtual learning doesn’t afford teachers the opportunity to monitor students’ well-being in the same way they do at in-person school. Given these concerns, she suggested a more limited online program for students with extenuating circumstances or illness, such as the Interim Instructional Services program, which serves to provide short-term out-of-school instruction to students who need it."

https://theblackandwhite.net/77321/news/recently-released-report-raises-questions-about-effectiveness-of-mcps-virtual-academy/

That is a bad article that was not fact checked and took the word of a few nut jobs. The ped is speculating and has no evidence of harm. Let’s talk about all the violence in mcps. Today has new offerings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know what’s funny. I bet each and every single one of your dear angels will have to take a class or work virtually at some point. And I’ll go even further and bet your parents were the ones who screamed about car seat belts when they first came out too. We get it. Change is hard. It will be ok. We all will move and embrace new tech on while you sit and sulk (while you are communicating virtually here in this forum). 🤣

You argument about MVA being the wave of the future that a bunch of DCUM luddites are complaining about because they're just too old and slow to adapt to change would be much better if the enrollment of the MVA program itself did not decrease by 40% each year it has been in place. If it were such a dynamic, cutting-edge program perhaps it would do a better job retaining those who opt to try it out.

2021-22: 2,629 students enrolled in the Academy,
2022-23: 1,565 students
2023-24: 878 students

I’m not sure what your point is. This has been gone over so many times. 🙄 Try reading. It’s actually something that can be done virtually!

Ok - keep arguing for funding a program that has done such a terrible job that it's lost two-thirds of its participants since inception. "but it works for me!" will only get you so far.

The important thing is it is working for students. Why don’t we take the lowest ten schools and close them too. I’m sure the w schools will gladly take the students in.

Show me a school that has been so bad at achieving its purpose that it has suffered enrollment declines of 40% each year over the past 3 years and now only contains one-third of the amount of students it had in 2021 and I'll gladly agree with you to close it. I'll wait.