virtual academy 2022-2023

[Anonymous]

I think the State of MD needs to have a virtual option. Every county does not need to offer the service. There needs to be something available for the child that cannot attend school in person but still is capable of handling a rigorous course load. A lot of learning is from classroom discussion and IIS just doesn't provide that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the State of MD needs to have a virtual option. Every county does not need to offer the service. There needs to be something available for the child that cannot attend school in person but still is capable of handling a rigorous course load. A lot of learning is from classroom discussion and IIS just doesn't provide that.

Yawn.

IIS is four hours of instruction a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

LOL. How ridiculous!

Nice you choose to bully a child.

[Anonymous]

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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.

Sure, ok. Why is this an issue for you? It's not taking away from your kids and the MVA per student costs less so it is more effective. If you think it's lacking, perhaps more funding and staff could help with that.

You have this weird obsession about it.

VA does not save money. There are simply too few enrolled in VA for the program to scale in a cost effective manner. The students in VA could simply be reabsorbed into their home schools, without needing additional classrooms or teachers to accommodate them. The teachers and support staff in VA are unnecessary.

You are right. Go listen to the testimony of a parent on the waitlist on the BOE website. If anything it should be expanded to allow more students access.

+1 many are on the waitlist. They cut staff last year so they can only take so many. There’s a greater need than openings right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

LOL. How ridiculous!

This is most of what I’ve seen and heard too. Even the comments and testimonials on the petition website talk more about social awkwardness or “avoiding violent schools” as the main reason for participating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

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So should you. Why are we angry? Because this person is another ignorant “leader” in mcps. The special education department is not one I would listen to in MCPS. They fail our children on a daily basis.

My son started MCPS special education as part of Infants and Toddlers. He's gone to PEP, the now Connections program, and non public placement. He did IIS while we waited for non public placement. I don't feel that MCPS has failed my child. I feel that they have supported him in a way that I could never afford to do if I had to pay for private. I don't comment a lot on the venting posts because my experience seems so vastly different than the people who are venting. But I want you to know there is at least one person out there that has had a positive MCPS special education experience.

That’s great but you aren’t in MCPS. So they aren’t serving your child directly in the school. It’s vastly different.

They were very fortunate that it went so smoothly. That's not the case for most kids but they also have a very high-needs child to get on that track so don't think they have it "easy" for a moment.

They are very fortunate. Thank goodness. Truly.

I hope one day all families have access to the supports they need. I know first hand the struggles of parenting a child with special needs; not on the level of that child, but it’s earth shattering when you hit roadblock after roadblock of bureaucracy in an attempt to receive legally-required services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

LOL. How ridiculous!

This is most of what I’ve seen and heard too. Even the comments and testimonials on the petition website talk more about social awkwardness or “avoiding violent schools” as the main reason for participating.

Bullying is a serious issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

LOL. How ridiculous!

This is most of what I’ve seen and heard too. Even the comments and testimonials on the petition website talk more about social awkwardness or “avoiding violent schools” as the main reason for participating.

Most people don't want to put their personal health or mental health or other issues out there. And, those are valid reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

Did you even read and actually listen to the testimony? Kinda sad that is all you got out of it.

Yes I did. It is sad really that parents are enabling this. Kids need to learn to navigate the world regardless of being shy. I was shy too, but I am grateful I had exposure to normal social situations. My son was bullied in middle school. I am sure many parents are shielding their bullied kids with VA, which is so so wrong. It's a form of child abuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

.

So should you. Why are we angry? Because this person is another ignorant “leader” in mcps. The special education department is not one I would listen to in MCPS. They fail our children on a daily basis.

My son started MCPS special education as part of Infants and Toddlers. He's gone to PEP, the now Connections program, and non public placement. He did IIS while we waited for non public placement. I don't feel that MCPS has failed my child. I feel that they have supported him in a way that I could never afford to do if I had to pay for private. I don't comment a lot on the venting posts because my experience seems so vastly different than the people who are venting. But I want you to know there is at least one person out there that has had a positive MCPS special education experience.

That’s great but you aren’t in MCPS. So they aren’t serving your child directly in the school. It’s vastly different.

They were very fortunate that it went so smoothly. That's not the case for most kids but they also have a very high-needs child to get on that track so don't think they have it "easy" for a moment.

They are very fortunate. Thank goodness. Truly.

I hope one day all families have access to the supports they need. I know first hand the struggles of parenting a child with special needs; not on the level of that child, but it’s earth shattering when you hit roadblock after roadblock of bureaucracy in an attempt to receive legally-required services.

What they hope will happens, which is what we ended up doing is giving up on the IEP and spending every dime we had on private services as we couldn't wait and let our child fail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

Did you even read and actually listen to the testimony? Kinda sad that is all you got out of it.

Yes I did. It is sad really that parents are enabling this. Kids need to learn to navigate the world regardless of being shy. I was shy too, but I am grateful I had exposure to normal social situations. My son was bullied in middle school. I am sure many parents are shielding their bullied kids with VA, which is so so wrong. It's a form of child abuse.

Wow, you think it's ok your child was bullied and would let him remain in a bad situation over finding an alternative. That speaks volumes of you as a parent. As a parent, I'd do anything to get my child into a better school environment.

What you did was child abuse. Well, actually neglect. You knew your son was being bullied and you ignored it and now rationalize your behavior.

I feel so bad for your son to have to go through that without any support 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: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.

.

So should you. Why are we angry? Because this person is another ignorant “leader” in mcps. The special education department is not one I would listen to in MCPS. They fail our children on a daily basis.

My son started MCPS special education as part of Infants and Toddlers. He's gone to PEP, the now Connections program, and non public placement. He did IIS while we waited for non public placement. I don't feel that MCPS has failed my child. I feel that they have supported him in a way that I could never afford to do if I had to pay for private. I don't comment a lot on the venting posts because my experience seems so vastly different than the people who are venting. But I want you to know there is at least one person out there that has had a positive MCPS special education experience.

That’s great but you aren’t in MCPS. So they aren’t serving your child directly in the school. It’s vastly different.

They were very fortunate that it went so smoothly. That's not the case for most kids but they also have a very high-needs child to get on that track so don't think they have it "easy" for a moment.

They are very fortunate. Thank goodness. Truly.

I hope one day all families have access to the supports they need. I know first hand the struggles of parenting a child with special needs; not on the level of that child, but it’s earth shattering when you hit roadblock after roadblock of bureaucracy in an attempt to receive legally-required services.

What they hope will happens, which is what we ended up doing is giving up on the IEP and spending every dime we had on private services as we couldn't wait and let our child fail.

That’s exactly where we are too. It’s been a horrid few years trying to receive proper supports. I can’t afford a lawyer or private but I am so grateful my insurance is covering at least some of private services he needs.

[Anonymous]

I also think that many of these parents with kids who supposedly have long covid or other conditions are creating a situation that really doesn't exist. Munchausen by proxy anyone? Watching these testimonies broke my heart. Seeing these kids who are essentially being held hostage by their hypochondriac parents is so depressing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also think that many of these parents with kids who supposedly have long covid or other conditions are creating a situation that really doesn't exist. Munchausen by proxy anyone? Watching these testimonies broke my heart. Seeing these kids who are essentially being held hostage by their hypochondriac parents is so depressing.

Yikes. Can’t believe you actually typed this and hit send. 😬 Maybe a lesson in empathy is needed for parents as well as students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."

I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.

Testimony posted on boardocs:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view

Did you even read and actually listen to the testimony? Kinda sad that is all you got out of it.

Yes I did. It is sad really that parents are enabling this. Kids need to learn to navigate the world regardless of being shy. I was shy too, but I am grateful I had exposure to normal social situations. My son was bullied in middle school. I am sure many parents are shielding their bullied kids with VA, which is so so wrong. It's a form of child abuse.

Wow, you think it's ok your child was bullied and would let him remain in a bad situation over finding an alternative. That speaks volumes of you as a parent. As a parent, I'd do anything to get my child into a better school environment.

What you did was child abuse. Well, actually neglect. You knew your son was being bullied and you ignored it and now rationalize your behavior.

I feel so bad for your son to have to go through that without any support at home.

Yes, I let him figure it all out on his own and he ended up with friends for life from middle school, high school, and college. He is now a recent college graduate with lots of friends and a great job making close to six figures. Had I imprisoned him in our home, I am sure the outcome would have been tragic.