BOE reconsidering the Virtual Academy, Leader in Me, and Innovative School Year Calendar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Virtual should be here to stay no matter what. I've lived in plenty of areas due to my job (military) and in every district...virtual exists. Parents don't debate its existence on forums. It just is. Everyone goes on about their daily lives. It should be an option because we are currently in the year 2024 and not 1998. Time for MCPS to keep up not only with the times but with the rest of society. This place is seriously strange.

It’s a silly debate as it’s a choice and if it does not work for you don’t choose it. However, changing it to a school vs having it a program and therefore increase funding allow them to do more for their students. They need more admin, more office staff, teachers, paras, and specialists. That would make a very good program great.

Interesting that no one has experience with it who is demanding its closure.

Oh, and add hybrid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

You make wild assumptions about families in the MVA. Someone like you who is a bully is far more likely to abuse, but then again that would mean you actually spending time with your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

You make wild assumptions about families in the MVA. Someone like you who is a bully is far more likely to abuse, but then again that would mean you actually spending time with your kids.

You seem awfully concerned about the idea of home visits for your kids. Why is that? What would your kids say if they were in a safe place away from you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

You make wild assumptions about families in the MVA. Someone like you who is a bully is far more likely to abuse, but then again that would mean you actually spending time with your kids.

You seem awfully concerned about the idea of home visits for your kids. Why is that? What would your kids say if they were in a safe place away from you?

I have no issue with home visits. I have nothing to hide. Why are you against them for your family? What do you have to hide?

Why do you assume my kids are never away from me? Of course they are.

Why do you have such an issue spending time with spending time with your kids? Why do you think you deserve to choose you kids school environment and we should not?

I’m sorry your home life is that difficult. Maybe is stead of worrying about what others are doing take the time to fix things at home and build a better relationship with your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

MAP is the only test that is allowed to be taken virtually. All other standardized tests have to be taken in person. Many opted out of those because the home schools all test on different days and it was very disruptive to their academic schedule as they missed VA classes to take the test and they usually were forced to sit in an empty room all by themselves all day. I wish some of you would allow a conversation to occur instead of picking up on one tiny nuance to justify your hate of a program that benefits students. Many students LOVE being home and learning. It would help if you asked a few. Even though the VA numbers are shrinking (mainly because of limited classes at the moment and home schools refusing to keep up their end of the bargain) it's still as large as some stand-alone elementary and middle schools here in the county. Could you imagine if we were talking about your child's school or magnet program shutting down? You all would be up in arms here. Try to have some empathy folks. I know you have it in you.

MAP is also the test that the evaluators used to look at how MVA students were making progress compared to their peers attending in-person school.

"Students attending Virtual Academy in Grades 3, 4, and 5 were significantly less likely than their inperson peers to meet their projected growth in reading in Spring 2022.

Within student service groups, MVA students receiving FARMS were significantly less likely than their inperson peers to meet their projected growth in reading in Spring 2022, but EMLs did not differ between the two groups. Among Asian, Black or African American, White, and Hispanic/Latino students, MVA students were significantly less likely to meet projected reading growth compared with their inperson peers."

The other item that really stands out is chronic absences. Overall, absences in MS and HS were similar to in-person counterparts, but chronic absences among MVA kids were alarmingly high in the elementary grades in particular. Almost a quarter of MVA kids in 2nd - 5th grades were chronically absent. That's a shocking figure. If this were about mental or physical health, you'd expect the figures to be static across grades or even higher for MS and HS. The numbers being so high among the youngest kids suggests something else may be at play, either families enrolling in MVA to facilitate Disney trips in the off-season, or more nefarious motivations such as removing kids from the line of view of mandatory reporters.

Didn’t even read this. This forum is full of educational experts here. Yes! So with that logic let’s kick out all the chronically absent kids. At least I’d they aren’t going in person there is an option! And if you cared so much about mandated reporting where was the outcry with all the skipping last year? Did CPS get called with all the kids in person schools LOST the ability to locate? Where they called when students where doing illegal drugs in the bathroom and sexually assaulting students? You look ridiculous with your cherry picking about a program because virtual didn’t work for you. Go find a productive hobby.

We can't continue to fund a failing program based on vibes. If you refuse to engage with the data, I don't know what exle anyone can do, but MCPS has decided to evaluate three programs: MVA, IS, and LiM.

What I want from my school district is to look at expenditures, conduct evaluation of impact, and make evidence-based decisions on whether to move forward. Based on the existing data, both the IS calendar and MVA need reconsideration. Outcomes are worse, which is not the direction we want to see in any educational experiment.

As for the allegation of cherry-picking, you have admitted to not reading the evaluation nor do you want to engage in discussion about excerpts. I know it is scary to face whatever fears you have about in-person schools, but I don't think MCPS can in good conscience continue with a program that sees kids falling further behind their peers.

Right which is why any program that serves struggling students needs to be eliminated now! Test scores tank at alternative schools for violent or struggling students. End them now. Put all those students back in their neighborhood school where their low scores can be hidden. Don't serve them, don't educate them, hide them until they drop out. Success for the brand.
Bonus this keeps the repeat violent offenders in neighborhood schools where they can keep things hopping.

Honey, none of this is equivalent and you know it. The VA is a niche program paid for by federal dollars that are running out. It’s up to you to convince MCPS to find a new source of funding. None of the arguments in this thread have been very convincing- we get that you like having your kids at home and the small classes but what do you think MCPS should cut to continue enabling this privilege?

Niche like programs for violent offenders. Yes the same. Such privilege! Put them back in neighborhood schools now!!!

I’m sure parents would happily welcome your kids and those others participating in the virtual academy into their schools. And since these VA kids don’t pose a danger to the hundreds of other students attending school, I don’t see any problem with the va kids returning to in person schools. Not so for the violent offenders.

You simply don’t get it and never will. I feel for your kids that you are so inflexible. These kids are choosing to be virtual as it’s best for them, just like yours choose in person because it’s best for them. Why should you and your kids get the choice bit others not.

In a society, we don't always get to have our personal preferences served. That goes double for publicly-funded services like schools. "It's best for them" is not an argument that works in any other setting when it comes to public schools, and it should not work for MVA either.

For kids with immuno-compromising conditions, MCPS does owe them a free and appropriate education, and MVA is one way to meet that commitment but it is not the only way.

It’s true. Another way would be mandating masks in all schools where these kids would go.

[Anonymous]

I hope they do a follow on to Leader In Me! That was such a great program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

Unless your kid is being abused by an MCPS teacher, then the hiding is at school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope they do a follow on to Leader In Me! That was such a great program.

We thought it was terrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looking at the conversation, and the data, I think a fair and reasonable solution would be:

1) Eliminate MVA for K-5, as it is not working

2) Keep MVA for 6-12, but only for kids for whom it is necessary. Essentially, require a 504 or IEP the way you would any other accommodation that fits under FAPE.

3) Reconfirm with home schools their obligation to include MVA students in extracurriculars, and make sure MVA parents know who to call if that doesn't happen.

If they keep it, families should agree to unscheduled home visits to ensure that kids aren't being abused.

Then, they should do that for all mcps students. Being in virtual has nothing to do with abuse. Why don’t we start with your home first since you think it’s a great idea? Or, mcps could increase funding to the MVA to pay for your brilliant idea as whose doing that?

Of course there's a higher risk of abuse when parents have locked their kids at home.

Actually no, kids can be abused in both school situations so home visits for all. Your house will be the first to be visited. And, that will be a new separate program and where will that money come from? When cameras are on, teachers see the kids….

Schools provide an opportunity for teachers to identify signs of abuse, and for students to report abuse away from their parents. This doesn't work for virtual, so we should make sure we're protecting those students a different way.

Actually not always as it’s very easy to hide abuse. Regular home visits is a great idea for all student. They can catch things like abuse at home, abuse at school, mental health issues, food needs, housing needs, etc. great idea. I’m sure you would welcome the visits in your home.

Unfortunately, it is particularly easy to hide abuse when you don't let your kids out of your sight.

Unless your kid is being abused by an MCPS teacher, then the hiding is at school.

You really don't get abuse and neglect and there is plenty of it in MCPS given all the recent news reports. Ever consider that is why some MVA parents choose it?

I fully support home visits for all students. We will start with your home first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope they do a follow on to Leader In Me! That was such a great program.

Ha ha ha

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtual should be here to stay no matter what. I've lived in plenty of areas due to my job (military) and in every district...virtual exists. Parents don't debate its existence on forums. It just is. Everyone goes on about their daily lives. It should be an option because we are currently in the year 2024 and not 1998. Time for MCPS to keep up not only with the times but with the rest of society. This place is seriously strange.

It’s a silly debate as it’s a choice and if it does not work for you don’t choose it. However, changing it to a school vs having it a program and therefore increase funding allow them to do more for their students. They need more admin, more office staff, teachers, paras, and specialists. That would make a very good program great.

Interesting that no one has experience with it who is demanding its closure.

Oh, and add hybrid.

I think that's part of the problem though- MVA not only needs dedicated funding stream, it probably needs even MORE funding to function as intended and to prevent more families from leaving. With the MCPS tight budget, I just don't see this being a funding priority when push comes to shove.