Support the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) from Budget Cuts!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There should be a statewide virtual option for everyone.

+1 I went to a state virtual school for remedial classes and was able to enroll in AP classrooms by high school. I even stayed enrolled in the online program while going to my local high school. I had enough credits to graduate in my junior year, because it ignited my passion for learning.

This is the obvious solution. It doesn't make sense to do virtual at a local level. There just aren't enough students, even in a district the size of MoCo.

There are enough students. The MVA has a waitlist and they could offer a hybrid program as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How would cutting MVA even save money? Those kids are now going to go back to their home schools and need teachers there. I'm sure there's a small amount of savings on the tech used, but that can't really be substantial, can it?

A lot of deniers here don't like to believe this, but many teachers had class sizes of 8-12 virtually. 800 kids spread over elementary to high school across MCPS' 200 schools does not mean more teachers. It means a sprinkle more of kids in each schools.

What are you talking about? That is not the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's ok if virtual is not right for your family or your kids. But, it is the right choice for other families and their children and why terminate a program that has such a low cost to MCPS and is benefitting some students?

This was always meant to be a temporary program to serve high risk families during the pandemic. You were just in denial about that.

No, it was promised long term. No one is in denial. It works for some kids and families. The cost in nominal to MCPS. Why take it away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There should be a statewide virtual option for everyone.

+1 I went to a state virtual school for remedial classes and was able to enroll in AP classrooms by high school. I even stayed enrolled in the online program while going to my local high school. I had enough credits to graduate in my junior year, because it ignited my passion for learning.

This is the obvious solution. It doesn't make sense to do virtual at a local level. There just aren't enough students, even in a district the size of MoCo.

There are enough students. The MVA has a waitlist and they could offer a hybrid program as well.

Enrollment in the program dropped by over 40% each year it’s been in place. Overall since its inception it has lost more than 65% of its participants. The fact that there’s a waitlist is meaningless. It’s a program that’s hemorrhaging kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's ok if virtual is not right for your family or your kids. But, it is the right choice for other families and their children and why terminate a program that has such a low cost to MCPS and is benefitting some students?

This was always meant to be a temporary program to serve high risk families during the pandemic. You were just in denial about that.

No, it was promised long term. No one is in denial. It works for some kids and families. The cost in nominal to MCPS. Why take it away?

Fortunately, “it works for some kids and it doesn’t cost THAT much money” isn’t the standard by which we measure whether programs should be funded or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

I think it’s really cute that they call it a school. Does it have a mascot too?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

The MVA website says

The Montgomery Virtual Academy is a comprehensive educational program that provides students an opportunity to ...

Students are enrolled in their home school and take courses with Montgomery Virtual.

Students have access to services at their home school including meals, extracurricular activities, and athletics.

Virtual Academy Students can participate in activities, sports, and clubs at their home school.

It's a program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

The MVA website says

The Montgomery Virtual Academy is a comprehensive educational program that provides students an opportunity to ...

Students are enrolled in their home school and take courses with Montgomery Virtual.

Students have access to services at their home school including meals, extracurricular activities, and athletics.

Virtual Academy Students can participate in activities, sports, and clubs at their home school.

It's a program.

.

On top of this home schools are required to house all the records for MVA students, test them in person for standardized testing and facilitate IEP meetings for them too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's ensure every student has access to quality education by standing up for the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA). The MCPS Board's backtrack on funding leaves over 850 families and countless more on the waitlist without this vital virtual learning option. Sign the petition to demand continued funding for the MVA, ensuring that no student is left behind. Together, let's make our voices heard and protect access to education for all. Sign the petition now: https://www.change.org/SAVE_MCPS_MVA

Gurl, Bye!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

It is considered a program, not a school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's ensure every student has access to quality education by standing up for the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA). The MCPS Board's backtrack on funding leaves over 850 families and countless more on the waitlist without this vital virtual learning option. Sign the petition to demand continued funding for the MVA, ensuring that no student is left behind. Together, let's make our voices heard and protect access to education for all. Sign the petition now: https://www.change.org/SAVE_MCPS_MVA

Gurl, Bye!

All the kids are on Instagram. Let the grownups talk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There should be a statewide virtual option for everyone.

+1 I went to a state virtual school for remedial classes and was able to enroll in AP classrooms by high school. I even stayed enrolled in the online program while going to my local high school. I had enough credits to graduate in my junior year, because it ignited my passion for learning.

This is the obvious solution. It doesn't make sense to do virtual at a local level. There just aren't enough students, even in a district the size of MoCo.

There are enough students. The MVA has a waitlist and they could offer a hybrid program as well.

Enrollment in the program dropped by over 40% each year it’s been in place. Overall since its inception it has lost more than 65% of its participants. The fact that there’s a waitlist is meaningless. It’s a program that’s hemorrhaging kids.

They aren't letting new kids in. Kids graduate, families move....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Virtual Academy does a poor job in educating children as it is currently constructed. All available data released by MCPS to date points to a program that is failing - both in attracting new students and in educating the ones it has. Enrollment has been declining steadily since the pandemic has abated. The families that are left are the true believers in virtual education and rightfully believe that the program is best for their kid. Problem is, you can identify groups of kids that number far higher than the mva’s current enrollment who could also use a special program to make school better but can’t get it funded because their method doesn’t happen to be a legacy of Covid.

It’s rough that the BOE said they’d fund it back in the winter and now are going back on their word. But it’s not like the program was enthusiastically embraced by the Board. The only reason it survived was because they said the advanced notice to families would be too short if they cut it. Why that’s changed for them, I don’t know, but any family who didn’t have alternate plans ready were sticking their head in the sand about the reality that their kids face - thriving in a program that has virtually no support outside of those who are a part of it.

The BOE hasn't said anything. They haven't had a meeting. They voted to fund the MVA and now some random MCPS admin wants to close the thing down. You good with that process?

'Random'? He's the director of OSSWB?

And that means he can cut a school? No according to State law.

Not a school. A program.

Read the budget. School.

The MVA website says

The Montgomery Virtual Academy is a comprehensive educational program that provides students an opportunity to ...

Students are enrolled in their home school and take courses with Montgomery Virtual.

Students have access to services at their home school including meals, extracurricular activities, and athletics.

Virtual Academy Students can participate in activities, sports, and clubs at their home school.

It's a program.

.

On top of this home schools are required to house all the records for MVA students, test them in person for standardized testing and facilitate IEP meetings for them too.

The home school also has to provide an instrument of the kid doesn’t have one and they are enrolled in the VA’s music class.