virtual academy 2022-2023

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

I am a RTSE and I have been in IEP meetings with the RTSE where we are tasked with determining if FAPE can be provided in the MVA.

Not sure why you're being hostile towards me. I'm sorry you were traumatized and felt an urge to lash out at me for just stating something that expressed no opinions.....?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

I am a RTSE and I have been in IEP meetings with the RTSE where we are tasked with determining if FAPE can be provided in the MVA.

Not sure why you're being hostile towards me. I'm sorry you were traumatized and felt an urge to lash out at me for just stating something that expressed no opinions.....?

Because you would know that the MVA is not a blanket fix just as in-person isn’t. Your comment here is unnecessary and demonstrates bias. You should know better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

I am a RTSE and I have been in IEP meetings with the RTSE where we are tasked with determining if FAPE can be provided in the MVA.

Not sure why you're being hostile towards me. I'm sorry you were traumatized and felt an urge to lash out at me for just stating something that expressed no opinions.....?

Because you would know that the MVA is not a blanket fix just as in-person isn’t. Your comment here is unnecessary and demonstrates bias. You should know better.

I'm so confused. I'm genuinely trying to add something to the conversation.

All I'm saying is my understanding the past few years is you can't realistically have a kid in the MVA who should be at RICA or foundations school or katherine thomas or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

I am a RTSE and I have been in IEP meetings with the RTSE where we are tasked with determining if FAPE can be provided in the MVA.

Not sure why you're being hostile towards me. I'm sorry you were traumatized and felt an urge to lash out at me for just stating something that expressed no opinions.....?

Because you would know that the MVA is not a blanket fix just as in-person isn’t. Your comment here is unnecessary and demonstrates bias. You should know better.

I'm so confused. I'm genuinely trying to add something to the conversation.

All I'm saying is my understanding the past few years is you can't realistically have a kid in the MVA who should be at RICA or foundations school or katherine thomas or whatever.

Then you haven’t been paying attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

I think it’s only one or two posters commenting on every MVA thread. But yes, weird.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

+ infinity to a new board (except get rid of Mandel as a contender - she's a lunatic)

A lunatic backed by the reopening crowd. Her biggest followers are reesman and smelkinson… who have nothing better to do than continually post about something that happened 4 years ago.

Reopener here. You realize when you call us that, you reinforce how very right we were that virtual school would be a failure. Some did heed the recommendations of the "reopeners," but if more had (like the entire BOE), perhaps MCPS wouldn't be as bad off as it is.

Dear reopener, the virtual academy isn’t and never has been “pandemic schooling “. Way to out yourself ya weirdo. What a loony bunch you all were. If you still are harboring resentment for failing your kids, get some help please.

A couple pages back, one of the excuses for the precipitous decline in MVA enrollment was “COVID stabilization”. So which is it? You can’t say that the program isn’t pandemic schooling but blame the fact that more than half of students have left the program on the pandemic stabilizing.

That’s not what was said. The virtual academy is nothing like the schooling seen during the pandemic. So all you in a huff don’t even know what you are yammering on about. You have zero experience with this program. ZERO. Look. You failed your kids during the pandemic and can’t get over it. That must be it. Otherwise why would you continue to attack innocent parents who have a right to choose what THEY feel is best for their family. If you can’t handle the freedom to choose then go join Tucker in Russia. Heard it’s nice this time of year.

You have the freedom to remove your child from the public school system and homeschool, pay for private school, or a combination thereof. There is no legal restriction that forces you to select an MSDE-approved school, although the process is a bit different if you select one that is not approved.

Aha! It's the private school backdoor recruiters trying to tank the Virtual Academy. They don't like the competition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

Oh, I accept that children thrive in different environments. I have four kids. Two are/were in MCPS and the other two are in private. The ones in private don't thrive at our home school, but they do thrive at their wonderful small school with smaller classes. Anyone who has kids who don't "thrive" at MCPS should reach into their own wallet and pay for the alternative environment.

Your privilege is showing. You really need to accept the fact public schools don’t serve just who you think deserve an education. Public school isn’t a one-size fits all. With this mentality, should we also cut the community-based programs that serve highly disabled children? You know, children who don’t (can’t) meet your standard of acceptable data? Some of those children are thriving at the Virtual Academy. You are so tone deaf you can’t even see your blatant discrimination of innocent children. You really are despicable.

Wait. Are you arguing that "highly disabled children" are being served by MVA? Because that's a clear FAPE violation given that the level of services required are not built into the MVA model.

If you are arguing against special education in general, based on outcomes, here's a big difference between MVA and a self-contained classroom for a kid with intellectual disabilities - the kid with disabilities has an IEP to allow them to access the curriculum at whatever level is appropriate.

Someone asked up thread why some of us care about MVA. First of all, because the folks arguing FOR MVA in this forum are the absolute worst possible ambassadors for the program. I can't count how many times MVA advocates have accused the rest of us of "not wanting to be around our children." Moreover, the arguments for MVA in this forum are bad, like escaping predominantly poor/working class peers.

Finally, because we have systems in place. If a child needs a specialized placement, the parents can and should go about getting one, even if it's just a COSA to a school with new social dynamics. But what MCPS should not do is provide a bespoke education with 5 kids to a class just for kids who have a parent at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

Of course VA is an extra. We didn't have it before, and we could easily get rid of it at the end of this year and send kids to their home schools.

No, it's not an extra. Lots of things are extras, bu the MVA isn't. It's such a small part of the budget. Many of these kids may not return to their home schools so MCPS would lose out on funding and the Sped kids may need specialized placements and some of those are $75-200K a year.

I'm an MCPS RTSE. Sped kids whose IEP services, etc. warrant a specialized placement should not be in MVA. The MVA cannot provide FAPE. I'm sure there are some suspect kids in MVA but they really shouldn't be if they're not making progress and, thus, FAPE technically isn't being provided.

If you really are a RTSE then you should know it’s the parents choice and some choose this program because those home school can’t keep them safe or provide proper services. Read the petition. Talk to the the actual RTSE there who is incredible. Many parents are happy. You are probably part of the problem they are fleeing from. I have have quite a few experiences with ineffective RTSEs.

I am a RTSE and I have been in IEP meetings with the RTSE where we are tasked with determining if FAPE can be provided in the MVA.

Not sure why you're being hostile towards me. I'm sorry you were traumatized and felt an urge to lash out at me for just stating something that expressed no opinions.....?

Because you would know that the MVA is not a blanket fix just as in-person isn’t. Your comment here is unnecessary and demonstrates bias. You should know better.

I'm so confused. I'm genuinely trying to add something to the conversation.

All I'm saying is my understanding the past few years is you can't realistically have a kid in the MVA who should be at RICA or foundations school or katherine thomas or whatever.

Not the PP, but I could see how a kid might end up in MVA that would otherwise be at RICA, assuming one parent has given up everything else in order to provide the wrap-around services RICA would normally provide in terms of mental health care, medication management, etc. But I can't imagine a kid otherwise served at KT could have their needs met in MVA. Either way, though, special education services are not normally "opt-in" for anyone who walks in off the street - there's generally a process of proving they are needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

Oh, I accept that children thrive in different environments. I have four kids. Two are/were in MCPS and the other two are in private. The ones in private don't thrive at our home school, but they do thrive at their wonderful small school with smaller classes. Anyone who has kids who don't "thrive" at MCPS should reach into their own wallet and pay for the alternative environment.

Your privilege is showing. You really need to accept the fact public schools don’t serve just who you think deserve an education. Public school isn’t a one-size fits all. With this mentality, should we also cut the community-based programs that serve highly disabled children? You know, children who don’t (can’t) meet your standard of acceptable data? Some of those children are thriving at the Virtual Academy. You are so tone deaf you can’t even see your blatant discrimination of innocent children. You really are despicable.

Wait. Are you arguing that "highly disabled children" are being served by MVA? Because that's a clear FAPE violation given that the level of services required are not built into the MVA model.

If you are arguing against special education in general, based on outcomes, here's a big difference between MVA and a self-contained classroom for a kid with intellectual disabilities - the kid with disabilities has an IEP to allow them to access the curriculum at whatever level is appropriate.

Someone asked up thread why some of us care about MVA. First of all, because the folks arguing FOR MVA in this forum are the absolute worst possible ambassadors for the program. I can't count how many times MVA advocates have accused the rest of us of "not wanting to be around our children." Moreover, the arguments for MVA in this forum are bad, like escaping predominantly poor/working class peers.

Finally, because we have systems in place. If a child needs a specialized placement, the parents can and should go about getting one, even if it's just a COSA to a school with new social dynamics. But what MCPS should not do is provide a bespoke education with 5 kids to a class just for kids who have a parent at home.

Lots of hot air in this post. If you were part of the MVA then you would know about the ALO program and how it’s adapted to serve students and those families. 🙄 you all sound like the typical people who comment after Yahoo articles. 😆

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

Oh, I accept that children thrive in different environments. I have four kids. Two are/were in MCPS and the other two are in private. The ones in private don't thrive at our home school, but they do thrive at their wonderful small school with smaller classes. Anyone who has kids who don't "thrive" at MCPS should reach into their own wallet and pay for the alternative environment.

Your privilege is showing. You really need to accept the fact public schools don’t serve just who you think deserve an education. Public school isn’t a one-size fits all. With this mentality, should we also cut the community-based programs that serve highly disabled children? You know, children who don’t (can’t) meet your standard of acceptable data? Some of those children are thriving at the Virtual Academy. You are so tone deaf you can’t even see your blatant discrimination of innocent children. You really are despicable.

Wait. Are you arguing that "highly disabled children" are being served by MVA? Because that's a clear FAPE violation given that the level of services required are not built into the MVA model.

If you are arguing against special education in general, based on outcomes, here's a big difference between MVA and a self-contained classroom for a kid with intellectual disabilities - the kid with disabilities has an IEP to allow them to access the curriculum at whatever level is appropriate.

Someone asked up thread why some of us care about MVA. First of all, because the folks arguing FOR MVA in this forum are the absolute worst possible ambassadors for the program. I can't count how many times MVA advocates have accused the rest of us of "not wanting to be around our children." Moreover, the arguments for MVA in this forum are bad, like escaping predominantly poor/working class peers.

Finally, because we have systems in place. If a child needs a specialized placement, the parents can and should go about getting one, even if it's just a COSA to a school with new social dynamics. But what MCPS should not do is provide a bespoke education with 5 kids to a class just for kids who have a parent at home.

I'm not who you quoted; I'm the RTSE who is being made to think I'm crazy and evil for saying the MVA can't provide FAPE for certain students.

Like, I've literally been in IEP meetings where MVA wasn't an option due to FAPE not being able to be provided.

I am not speaking out against the MVA or for the MVA.

With that said, it sounds like the person who said to me a few posts above "you haven't been paying attention" is implying that the MVA and MCPS are knowingly violating IDEA and not following iEPs because the parents signed a waiver? If that's true, that's kinda crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

Oh, I accept that children thrive in different environments. I have four kids. Two are/were in MCPS and the other two are in private. The ones in private don't thrive at our home school, but they do thrive at their wonderful small school with smaller classes. Anyone who has kids who don't "thrive" at MCPS should reach into their own wallet and pay for the alternative environment.

Your privilege is showing. You really need to accept the fact public schools don’t serve just who you think deserve an education. Public school isn’t a one-size fits all. With this mentality, should we also cut the community-based programs that serve highly disabled children? You know, children who don’t (can’t) meet your standard of acceptable data? Some of those children are thriving at the Virtual Academy. You are so tone deaf you can’t even see your blatant discrimination of innocent children. You really are despicable.

Wait. Are you arguing that "highly disabled children" are being served by MVA? Because that's a clear FAPE violation given that the level of services required are not built into the MVA model.

If you are arguing against special education in general, based on outcomes, here's a big difference between MVA and a self-contained classroom for a kid with intellectual disabilities - the kid with disabilities has an IEP to allow them to access the curriculum at whatever level is appropriate.

Someone asked up thread why some of us care about MVA. First of all, because the folks arguing FOR MVA in this forum are the absolute worst possible ambassadors for the program. I can't count how many times MVA advocates have accused the rest of us of "not wanting to be around our children." Moreover, the arguments for MVA in this forum are bad, like escaping predominantly poor/working class peers.

Finally, because we have systems in place. If a child needs a specialized placement, the parents can and should go about getting one, even if it's just a COSA to a school with new social dynamics. But what MCPS should not do is provide a bespoke education with 5 kids to a class just for kids who have a parent at home.

I'm not who you quoted; I'm the RTSE who is being made to think I'm crazy and evil for saying the MVA can't provide FAPE for certain students.

Like, I've literally been in IEP meetings where MVA wasn't an option due to FAPE not being able to be provided.

I am not speaking out against the MVA or for the MVA.

With that said, it sounds like the person who said to me a few posts above "you haven't been paying attention" is implying that the MVA and MCPS are knowingly violating IDEA and not following iEPs because the parents signed a waiver? If that's true, that's kinda crazy.

If you really are an MCPS employee I would suggest you stop speaking here.

No one is violating anything. If they aren’t in the MVA based on the meetings you were in then the system is working. You are trying to add fuel to a fire and now are trying to back track because you were called out. This really is an unprofessional look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

+ infinity to a new board (except get rid of Mandel as a contender - she's a lunatic)

A lunatic backed by the reopening crowd. Her biggest followers are reesman and smelkinson… who have nothing better to do than continually post about something that happened 4 years ago.

Reopener here. You realize when you call us that, you reinforce how very right we were that virtual school would be a failure. Some did heed the recommendations of the "reopeners," but if more had (like the entire BOE), perhaps MCPS wouldn't be as bad off as it is.

Dear reopener, the virtual academy isn’t and never has been “pandemic schooling “. Way to out yourself ya weirdo. What a loony bunch you all were. If you still are harboring resentment for failing your kids, get some help please.

A couple pages back, one of the excuses for the precipitous decline in MVA enrollment was “COVID stabilization”. So which is it? You can’t say that the program isn’t pandemic schooling but blame the fact that more than half of students have left the program on the pandemic stabilizing.

That’s not what was said. The virtual academy is nothing like the schooling seen during the pandemic. So all you in a huff don’t even know what you are yammering on about. You have zero experience with this program. ZERO. Look. You failed your kids during the pandemic and can’t get over it. That must be it. Otherwise why would you continue to attack innocent parents who have a right to choose what THEY feel is best for their family. If you can’t handle the freedom to choose then go join Tucker in Russia. Heard it’s nice this time of year.

You have the freedom to remove your child from the public school system and homeschool, pay for private school, or a combination thereof. There is no legal restriction that forces you to select an MSDE-approved school, although the process is a bit different if you select one that is not approved.

Aha! It's the private school backdoor recruiters trying to tank the Virtual Academy. They don't like the competition.

The biggest recruiting tool privates have is MCPS itself. Enrollment is still well below pr-pandemic levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird (and a little creepy) how many parents who don't have children at MVA care so much about the program and want it shut down. I don't find the budget argument convincing. While MVA may not save MCPS money, it also doesn't appear to impose much of a burden that would impact other schools.

I know a family whose children are thriving at MVA. They didn't perform as well in the in-person environment. I am only happy for them.

To be frank, it seems like you can't accept that some children can thrive in an environment different from your own kids'. Perhaps there are some insecurities or unresolved issues at play.

It's just so strange. Don't you have better things to do? Why bother posting at all?

Oh, I accept that children thrive in different environments. I have four kids. Two are/were in MCPS and the other two are in private. The ones in private don't thrive at our home school, but they do thrive at their wonderful small school with smaller classes. Anyone who has kids who don't "thrive" at MCPS should reach into their own wallet and pay for the alternative environment.

Your privilege is showing. You really need to accept the fact public schools don’t serve just who you think deserve an education. Public school isn’t a one-size fits all. With this mentality, should we also cut the community-based programs that serve highly disabled children? You know, children who don’t (can’t) meet your standard of acceptable data? Some of those children are thriving at the Virtual Academy. You are so tone deaf you can’t even see your blatant discrimination of innocent children. You really are despicable.

Wait. Are you arguing that "highly disabled children" are being served by MVA? Because that's a clear FAPE violation given that the level of services required are not built into the MVA model.

If you are arguing against special education in general, based on outcomes, here's a big difference between MVA and a self-contained classroom for a kid with intellectual disabilities - the kid with disabilities has an IEP to allow them to access the curriculum at whatever level is appropriate.

Someone asked up thread why some of us care about MVA. First of all, because the folks arguing FOR MVA in this forum are the absolute worst possible ambassadors for the program. I can't count how many times MVA advocates have accused the rest of us of "not wanting to be around our children." Moreover, the arguments for MVA in this forum are bad, like escaping predominantly poor/working class peers.

Finally, because we have systems in place. If a child needs a specialized placement, the parents can and should go about getting one, even if it's just a COSA to a school with new social dynamics. But what MCPS should not do is provide a bespoke education with 5 kids to a class just for kids who have a parent at home.

I'm not who you quoted; I'm the RTSE who is being made to think I'm crazy and evil for saying the MVA can't provide FAPE for certain students.

Like, I've literally been in IEP meetings where MVA wasn't an option due to FAPE not being able to be provided.

I am not speaking out against the MVA or for the MVA.

With that said, it sounds like the person who said to me a few posts above "you haven't been paying attention" is implying that the MVA and MCPS are knowingly violating IDEA and not following iEPs because the parents signed a waiver? If that's true, that's kinda crazy.

I appreciate you trying to bring some facts and your experience into this conversation. The problem is that the person (people?) posting the most here in support of the MVA is the worst possible ambassador for the program because they cannot accept anything other than blind support for the program. They will call you names, say you hate your kids, tell you you're horrible, you're wrong, you don't know what you're talking about, you're selfish, YOUR school should be closed, YOUR kid should have to suffer, etc. regardless of what point you raise.

I thought your contribution to this thread was helpful, but they treated you the same way they treat the trolls who yell back at them.

I wouldn't bother engaging with this person on actual facts relating to FAPE, IEP, COSA, etc. You are far more knowledgeable than they are, and anything you say will be met with hostility, ad hominem attacks and baseless accusations that you're wrong, confused and don't have real experience with the MVA so should just stay quiet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They should be looking at every school and program, not just the MVA and when budget is an issue cut out the extra's. The MVA is not an extra. The MVA and the extended school year are not huge amounts in the overall budget so it makes no sense except these are the most controversial programs to get the attention off the BOE problems. If anything, lets get rid of the BOE and start fresh.

+ infinity to a new board (except get rid of Mandel as a contender - she's a lunatic)

A lunatic backed by the reopening crowd. Her biggest followers are reesman and smelkinson… who have nothing better to do than continually post about something that happened 4 years ago.

Reopener here. You realize when you call us that, you reinforce how very right we were that virtual school would be a failure. Some did heed the recommendations of the "reopeners," but if more had (like the entire BOE), perhaps MCPS wouldn't be as bad off as it is.

Dear reopener, the virtual academy isn’t and never has been “pandemic schooling “. Way to out yourself ya weirdo. What a loony bunch you all were. If you still are harboring resentment for failing your kids, get some help please.

A couple pages back, one of the excuses for the precipitous decline in MVA enrollment was “COVID stabilization”. So which is it? You can’t say that the program isn’t pandemic schooling but blame the fact that more than half of students have left the program on the pandemic stabilizing.

That’s not what was said. The virtual academy is nothing like the schooling seen during the pandemic. So all you in a huff don’t even know what you are yammering on about. You have zero experience with this program. ZERO. Look. You failed your kids during the pandemic and can’t get over it. That must be it. Otherwise why would you continue to attack innocent parents who have a right to choose what THEY feel is best for their family. If you can’t handle the freedom to choose then go join Tucker in Russia. Heard it’s nice this time of year.

You have the freedom to remove your child from the public school system and homeschool, pay for private school, or a combination thereof. There is no legal restriction that forces you to select an MSDE-approved school, although the process is a bit different if you select one that is not approved.

Why are you so nasty and hostile? The MVA has no impact on you or your family but it does to the children and families it services. Is it that hard to understand and have empathy and kindness to others? Perhaps it's time to get off social media and spend time with your kids.

This has been explained to you many times over: every dollar spent on VA is a dollar not spent on more effective education in our schools. That's similar to the objection people have with paying for private school vouchers.

Yeah but MCPS wastes money in all sorts of places. Why cant it do that here too? Why do you care about MVA so much? Go bother other wasteful, ineffective programs before you harass this one.

Your time would be better spent advocating to the actual decision makers than continually responding to random anonymous posters. But carry on I guess.