dv online learning program student handbook...deer valley online learning program | deer valley...

DV Online Learning

Program Student Handbook

dvusd.org/onlinelearning

The DVUSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,

disability, age, or religion in its programs and activities.

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Deer Valley Online Learning Program | Deer Valley Online Learning Program Student

Guides revised 8/7/18

Table of Contents Entrance Requirements ....................................................................................................... 3 Deer Valley Online Learning Program Credentials ............................................................ 3 Semester Dates: ................................................................................................................... 3 Types of Courses Offered ................................................................................................... 3 Tuition for Fall and Spring Semesters ................................................................................ 4

Summer Tuition .................................................................................................................. 4 Late Registration Fee .......................................................................................................... 4 Refunds ............................................................................................................................... 4 Add/Drop ............................................................................................................................ 5

Assessments ………………………………………………………………………………5

Grades ................................................................................................................................. 6

Transfer of Deer Valley Online Learning Program Credit ................................................. 7 Test Out ............................................................................................................................... 7

Audit Classes ...................................................................................................................... 7

Textbooks ............................................................................................................................ 7 Information for Parents ....................................................................................................... 7 Contact Us ........................................................................................................................... 8

Technical Information ......................................................................................................... 9 Student Online Course Timeline ......................................................................................... 9

Student Privacy Policy ...................................................................................................... 10 Canvas Messages Policy (Internal email used for communication) ................................. 10 Discussion Policy .............................................................................................................. 11

Assignment Policy ............................................................................................................ 11

Netiquette ……………………………………………………………………………….11

Online Attendance – Eslog .............................................................................................. 12

DV Online Learning Student Code of Conduct ................................................................ 13

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Entrance Requirements Enrollment in Deer Valley Online Learning Program courses is not limited to DVUSD

high school students. Current course offerings are specific to grades 9-12.

Out-of-district students can take online classes with a few extra steps. Visit our website

for details.

Students must register for classes online at: www.dvusd.org/onlinelearning during the

registration window. Online courses provide a learning experience different than the

typical classroom. Students will communicate with teachers primarily through messages,

discussion boards, email, or phone calls. Students must have access to a computer with

Microsoft Office or Google Docs. and a high-speed Internet connection to view lessons

and turn in assignments. Students must have the ability to record video and audio to

complete assignments.

The online student must be: • Proficient using a computer

• Disciplined to complete projects by deadlines

• A self-starter with intrinsic motivation to read, write, and participate fully in class

activities

• Able to manage time effectively

• Able/willing to work independently and in virtual teams

• Willing to devote approximately 8 hours a week to a .5 credit course

• Committed to academic honesty

• Willing to contact the instructor immediately should course content issues arise

• Willing to contact technical support immediately should a technical issue arise

Deer Valley Online Learning Program Credentials Deer Valley Online Learning Program is an extension of the Deer Valley Unified School

District high schools. All DVUSD high schools are fully accredited by NCA-CASI. Deer

Valley Online Learning Program core courses are also approved by the NCAA. Course

instructors meet Arizona requirements for highly qualified teachers, and are certified in

the areas they teach. Each Deer Valley Online Learning Program teacher is an employee

of DVUSD and has cleared appropriate hiring procedures.

Semester Dates: Students may register for the Deer Valley Online Learning Program during the

registration period. This period of time begins no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of a

semester. Registration dates, as well as all dates for each semester, are found on our

website www.dvusd.org/onlinelearning

Types of Courses Offered Deer Valley Online Learning Program is proud to offer a variety of courses. We currently

offer three types of courses:

https://dvusd.org/onlinelearning

http://www.dvusd.org/onlinelearning

http://www.dvusd.org/eschool

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Regular courses: Completed in 14 weeks (6 weeks during the summer) - designed for

students taking the course for the first time.

Honors Courses: Completed in 14 weeks (6 weeks during the summer) - designed for

students taking the course for the first time.

Credit Recovery courses: Completion time could be less than 14 weeks – open only to

students who have previously failed the course. **Visit our webpage to see the current course catalog.

Tuition for Fall and Spring Semesters There is no tuition charge for students who meet all of the following criteria:

•Currently enrolled in and actively attending a DVUSD public school AND

•Taking a combined total of six or less brick and mortar AND online classes.

For students who do not meet all of the above criteria, a tuition fee of $150 per class is

required.

Fee subject to change.

For example: a student taking a 7th class pays tuition and an out-of-district student pays

tuition.

Tuition must be paid during online registration using a debit or credit card.

Tuition Waiver:

Students may request to have their tuition costs waived for classes due to special

circumstances. Approval is subject to an evaluation of the student’s needs and available

Deer Valley Online Learning Program resources. In-district students can talk with their

DVUSD home high school counselor to obtain a waiver application.

Summer Tuition There is a $150 fee per course for all summer school courses. Fee subject to change.

Late Registration Fee There is a $25.00 late registration fee assessed after the close of the regular registration

date. Late registrations will only be accepted through day 7, after the close of the regular

registration window.

Refunds A full refund will be given for students who drop prior to the start of class and for up to

one week after the start date. Students dropping between one and two weeks after the start

date receive no refund of the tuition. No refunds will be given if a student is dropped from

a class due to misconduct, lack of progress (see Add/Drop section), moving, or withdrawal

after the first two weeks of class.

http://www.dvusd.org/eschool

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Add/Drop Add a Class

A student may add a class at any time during the Open Registration period by

following the registration procedures stated on the website.

Drop a Class

A student may drop a class within 15 days from the start of the semester; the class is

cancelled and no grade will be reported to the student’s local school. Student must

contact their counselor to manage schedule changes.

Summer session: Students must drop by the drop date stated on the website.

Concurrent Classes

Students are not allowed to take concurrent classes in Math, Science, Spanish, or

Social Studies because they need the base information to build upon. Students may take

concurrent classes in other subjects.

Taking concurrent classes is okay if it is for grade improvement. For example, the student

is taking Algebra 3 to improve a grade from a C to a higher grade while taking Algebra 4.

If Algebra 3 was failed, Algebra 4 cannot be taken.

Emergencies: Students who drop after the 15th day due to serious illness may be

considered for drop without a grade report. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Summer session: Students must drop by the drop date stated on the website.

Withdraw from a Class

Any student who withdraws from a class after the first fifteen (15) days of the semester,

but before the end of the tenth (10) week will receive a grade of WP (withdraw pass) or

WF (withdraw fail) on their transcript. This will not be calculated into the GPA. Requests

for class withdrawals will not be processed after the tenth (10) week of the semester.

Student must contact their counselor to manage schedule changes.

Summer session: There is not a withdraw period in the summer.

Conduct

The Deer Valley Unified School District Student Code of Conduct applies in full for all

Deer Valley Online Learning Program Students.

Academic Achievement

In accordance with ASRS 15-808-G a student who does not maintain sufficient academic

achievement may be dropped/withdrawn from the Deer Valley Online Learning Program.

A student may be dropped/withdrawn based on a lack of class activity for a period of 10

days. Each class must be completed by the time limits set or the student will fail. A grade

percentage and participation report will be forwarded to the local school.

Assessments Student learning will be measured through a number of different assessment

strategies. Final exams are taken in person. In addition to online tests, performance

At-A-Glance: 7 Days Drop w/full refund No grade reported 7-15 Days Drop w/no refund No grade reported 15 Days or More Withdraw - no refund Grade reported WP/WF After 10th Week No withdraw requests processed


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based assessments such as reports, projects, video/audio recordings or other means of

demonstrating learning may be used.

Finals

To receive credit for a Deer Valley Online Learning Program course, students must

pass the final exam with a 60% or better, regardless of their current cumulative

course grade. Students who fail the final exam (less than 60%) will receive a failing

grade.

Failing Course Going Into Finals

If a student is failing a class going into finals, the student may still take the final. If

the student passes the final and it raises the class grade to passing, the student will

pass the class. If the student’s grade is borderline passing, (e.g., 58% or 59%) it

would be best practice to attend finals.

Finals 3-Day Testing Window The finals testing window gives students some flexibility. Students can choose the

day(s) that best fits their schedule. Students should allow 2 hours to take each exam.

If the testing window is 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM students must arrive no later than 5:00

PM to take one exam. Students may NOT arrive at 6:55 PM.

Spanish exams are the only scheduled exams. This will be communicated to the

students by the Spanish teacher.

Extenuating and Unusual Circumstances Make-up final exam requests may be approved by the Deer Valley Online Learning

Program Manager. Please call 623-445-4909 for further information on make-up final

exams. All requests require appropriate documentation (e.g. hospital).

Short-term issue: Make-up final with Deer Valley Online Learning Program staff within

1-3 weeks.

Long-term issue: Discuss an incomplete and pick the class back up the next semester.

Grades In-Boundary DVUSD

Online class grades will be based primarily on projects, performance tasks, quizzes, tests

and final exams. Grades will be reported to the student’s home high school or middle

school as a percentage (0% - 100%). The DVUSD home school will accept the credit.

Honors points, weighting, and other special considerations will be reported to the home

school and entered by the registrar.

Non-DVUSD: Online class grades will be based primarily on projects, performance

tasks, quizzes, tests and final exams. Parents and students should verify with their home

high school to determine how grades will be recorded before enrolling in a DVUSD

online class. Deer Valley Online Learning Program does not issue transcripts.

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Transfer of Deer Valley Online Learning Program Credit In-Boundary DVUSD All DVUSD schools accept credit for Deer Valley Online Learning Program courses.

After checking the final course grade in the Canvas grade book, students should verify

via PowerSchool that the credit has been posted on his/her transcript. There is a lag time

in the summer session from Canvas to PowerSchool. Home school registrars enter grades

from summer in mid-August.

Non-DVUSD Students not attending DVUSD should contact their home school to see if credits will be

granted for courses taken from Deer Valley Online Learning Program. Percentage grades

from Deer Valley Online Learning Program will be reported to the student’s home and

home campus. Deer Valley Online Learning Program does not issue transcripts.

Moving out of DVUSD Students who transfer to a non-DVUSD high school, or who are seeking enrollment in a

post-secondary school, should contact the registrar’s office of the new school to verify

how online course grades are recorded. The Deer Valley Online Learning Program staff

is happy to help facilitate.

Test Out Deer Valley Online Learning Program does not administer challenge tests for credit or

placement. Students should contact their home high school to inquire about testing out of

a class for credit.

Audit Classes Deer Valley Online Learning Program does not offer classes for audit (non-credit).

Students should contact their home high school for information about auditing a class.

Textbooks Although most Deer Valley Online Learning Program courses have an online textbook,

there are still some courses that require a traditional textbook. To see which books are

required, please visit our website. Students will check-out the book at their home high

school bookstore. Out-of-district students will be required to pay a deposit on each

traditional textbook needed for their class. The book deposit may be refunded in part or in

whole depending on the condition of the book when it is returned to the district office. No

refunds will be given for lost, stolen, or damaged books. Contact Deer Valley Online

Learning Program staff via email to facilitate when to pick up textbook(s).

Information for Parents Parents should understand the nature and process of Deer Valley Online Learning

Program, including the following points:

It is required that parents and students consult with their high school counselor

prior to enrolling in Deer Valley Online Learning Program online classes.


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Online learning is an option. Wi-Fi, computers/devices, software, and

transportation are not provided. Students also need the ability to record video and

audio to complete assignments.

All Deer Valley Online Learning Program classes are developed on the

foundation of Arizona State Standards. Some classes have the specific purpose of

better preparing students for state assessments.

Deer Valley Online Learning Program does not guarantee that every class will be

offered every semester.

Coursework is delivered through the internet for students and is intended to be

completed in addition to the student’s schedule of classes.

Parents should routinely monitor student’s progress in PowerSchool and Canvas.

A parent account can be created in Canvas. Student grades can be checked 24

hours a day.

Deer Valley Online Learning Program provides an open lab Monday through

Thursday. Contact the online teacher for times and locations.

Students are responsible for their learning, as well as their progress through the

course. A student may be dropped if there has been no activity for 10 days or

does not complete the course within the time limits.

Work submitted by the student must be his/hers work solely. Tests and quizzes

should be completed by the students independent of any other resources such as

answer keys, lesson text, or “coaching”.

Plagiarism is not acceptable and will result in loss of credit. It is expected that

students turn in work which is authentic, original, and properly cited.

Students will be expected to access the internet to read assigned text. If a textbook

is required, the student should acquire it prior to the beginning of class.

Students will have an online teacher to facilitate learning, answer questions, and

guide the students.

Deer Valley Online Learning Program credits are intended to count for high

school graduation. Non-DVUSD students and parents should verify that online

credits will be accepted at the local school before registering for the Deer Valley

Online Learning Program.

Contact Us Deer Valley Online Learning Program Online Learning Program (District Office)

Email

[email protected] (fastest response)

Main Phone

623-445-4926

623-445-5048

District Staff

If you have questions regarding the Deer Valley Online Learning Program, please

contact:

Michele Buttrum, Deer Valley Online Learning Program Specialist

o phone: 623-445-4926

https://guides.instructure.com/m/4144/l/73163-how-do-i-sign-up-for-a-canvas-account-as-a-parent

mailto:[email protected]

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Rhiannon Malkow, Deer Valley Online Learning Program Clerk,

o phone: 623-445-5048

Kristy Hirschberg, Manager of Instructional Technology & Innovative Programs

o phone: 623-445-4909

Online Teacher

Please contact the class teacher directly via Canvas Messages regarding course content,

grades, assessments, etc. Refer to page 10 in the Student Handbook for the Canvas

Messages Policy. It is expected that students will maintain open communication with the

teacher regarding homework questions, assignments, labs, grades, tests, etc. Face-to-face

meetings with teachers may be arranged as needed.

Technical Information Service Agreement

Deer Valley Online Learning Program uses the Canvas Learning System through

Instructure. Our systems are managed by the Information Services and Technology

(IS&T) department of Deer Valley Unified School District.

System Availability

Deer Valley Online Learning Program classes are available wherever the internet is

available. DVUSD will make every effort to ensure that the system is operational without

interruption for both students and teachers. In the case of unforeseeable down time,

appropriate accommodations may be made for additional time online. If technical

difficulties with school computers or network servers affect classes, an announcement

will be posted on the Deer Valley Online Learning Program website.

Because Deer Valley Online Learning Program is available on any computer with

internet access, time extensions will not be given due to technical problems unrelated to

the network operations.

Technical Support Students may request assistance from the teachers or Deer Valley Online Learning

Program administration at any time. Canvas support is located in the “Help” icon on the

Global Navigation in Canvas.

Student Online Course Timeline

1. Before Class Begins

a. Check the technical requirements for your online class on our website and

test your browser on our website to confirm that your computer meets the

minimum standards

b. Acquire the required books and materials for your course

c. Watch the Orientation Video on our Deer Valley Online Learning

Program website

d. Start the student orientation in Canvas before class starts

i. Link is provided by your teacher in their welcome emails.




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ii. Obtain link from the Deer Valley Online Learning Program

website

2. First Week of Class

a. Log in to your class, complete the student orientation (if you haven’t

already), and familiarize yourself with the course and all required due

dates.

b. Make sure you understand what is required of you to succeed in the class.

c. If you have technical problems, contact your Deer Valley Online Learning

Program teacher first, then Deer Valley Online Learning Program

administration immediately via email.

3. During the Course

a. Visit course site daily to view new announcements and read messages.

b. Submit assignments on-time.

c. Keep accurate attendance time logs (eslog) and submit them at the end of

each week. If an unexpected situation, such as illness, should arise and

there is an extended leave from the course, contact your teacher as soon as

possible.

d. Save copies of all graded work in case of technical difficulties

e. Manage your time.

f. Take tests and quizzes.

g. Check your grades.

h. Ask questions.

4. End of Class

a. Turn in any due projects or assignments before your class closes.

b. Complete the student evaluation survey.

c. Take final exam in-person.

d. Check your grades.

Student Privacy Policy Deer Valley Online Learning Program follows the student privacy guidelines set by the

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No member of the Deer Valley

Online Learning Program staff is authorized to release student information without the

written request of the student’s legal guardian or without the approval of Deer Valley

Online Learning Program administration. The names of Deer Valley Online Learning

Program students, their images, and their coursework will not be published on our

website or in video without student and guardian written consent. All Deer Valley Online

Learning Program students are provided a unique password that will allow them to access

their online courses. It is the responsibility of the student to protect his/her password.



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Canvas Messages Policy (Internal email used for communication) Please make sure you have a reasonable need before you send a message. Messages

should remain focused on the question or questions pertaining to the class.

Your teacher will answer messages about:

Difficulty in understanding course content

Graded assignment feedback

Private issues appropriate for discussion

Your teacher will not answer messages which:

Lacks a subject line clearly stating the purpose of the message

Raises an inappropriate subject

Questions that could be answered in the course information section

Your teacher will answer messages received no later than close of work on the next

workday.

Please remember to check your messages every day to assure you receive updated

course information.

Discussion Policy The term “discussion” is used to denote messages, discussion boards, and forums.

Students may be graded on discussion postings. Points are earned based on the

quality of responses and required number of postings as specified in an individual

assignment.

Students are expected to keep focused on the specific topic of the discussion

assigned. Irrelevant subject matter is not permitted and violators may be asked to

leave.

All students have a right to express their own opinions in discussions and all

students must respect this right. Any student posting a disrespectful comment will

be asked to leave the discussion and may be subject to disciplinary action.

“Flaming” is posting insulting or abusive messages. Any student who engages in

flaming in a discussion may be required to leave the class.

Controlling behavior is not permitted. Controlling behavior includes, but is not

limited to, exhibiting an inappropriate or argumentative attitude, intentionally

changing the discussion topic, attempts to dominate a discussion by posting

excessive threads. Violators will be asked to leave the discussion and may be

subject to disciplinary action.

A private message will be sent to students required to leave a discussion.

Assignment Policy Students must submit all assignments electronically through the course site.

If there are technical problems with the course site, contact your teacher for

assistance.

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The course software standards for submission of assignments are Microsoft Word,

PowerPoint, Excel and PDF files.

When technical problems arise and you cannot submit your assignments

electronically, you must send an e-mail to your teacher to explain the situation. If

you cannot use e-mail; call your teacher to explain. If you reach voice-mail, leave

a message explaining your situation and how you can be reached.

Your teacher will review assignments within 72 hours of the due date and will

send you feedback, either by e-mail or through comments posted on an

assignment returned electronically through the course site.

Grades will be posted in the grade book within 72 hours of the due date of the

assignment. You must refer to the gradebook in the course site. Do NOT try to

determine your grade by sending an e-mail or by calling your teacher. Make an appointment with your teacher if you need to discuss your grade or

feedback on an assignment.

Students are responsible for saving a copy of all graded assignments.

Students must keep virus detection software up to date. Assignment files must be

free of viruses before submitting them. Failure to adhere to this requirement will

cause an assignment to be unacceptable.

Netiquette Rules for behaving properly online. Something about cyberspace makes it easy for people

to forget that they are interacting with other real people. The following bullet points

cover some basics to communicating online:

Be sensitive to the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as

well as different political and religious beliefs, plus just differences in general.

Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing

and profanity is also part of being sensitive to your classmates and should be

avoided. Also consider that slang can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Don’t use all capital letters when composing your responses as this is considered

“shouting” on the Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It can also be

stressful on the eye when trying to read your message.

Be respectful of others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking

or insulting) them as this can cause hurt feelings and decrease the chances of

getting all different types of points of view.

Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym it is best to spell out its

meaning first, then put the acronym in parentheses afterward, for example:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After that you can use the acronym freely

throughout your message.

Use good grammar and spelling and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.

Online Attendance - Eslog Deer Valley students who did not pay a fee are required to submit weekly attendance

time logs for each course in which they did not pay a fee for. There is a minimum of

eight hours per week required per class. This includes time on the computer, doing

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research, reading, writing and completing assignments. Weekly attendance time log

(Eslog) directions can be found on the Deer Valley Online Learning Program website. If

a student goes more than 10 days without completing eslog and/or 10 days without

logging into Canvas and participating in coursework they will be dropped/withdrawn.

Weekly attendance time logs are not required during the summer session.

DV Online Learning Student Code of Conduct Independent access to Deer Valley Online Learning Program is provided to students who

agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right,

and entails responsibility. Students are expected to engage in appropriate

behavior/communication just as they are in classrooms or school buildings.

Students enrolled in the Deer Valley Online Learning Program agree to abide by all rules

listed in the Deer Valley Unified School District “Internet and E-mail User

Agreement/Permission Form”. Failure to abide by these rules may result in loss of credit

and revoked access to the Deer Valley Online Learning Program. When applicable, law

enforcement agencies will be involved.

All students should read and understand the significance of the following guidelines and

expectations:

Be courteous and professional in e-mail communications and electronic

discussions.

o Follow the e-mail and discussion policies of the Deer Valley Online

Learning Program.

Be accountable for personal information such as password and contact

information.

o Do not share these with others or post personal information.

o Anonymous messages are not permitted

Commit to academic integrity for all submitted work.

o All work should be original and completed without direct help.

o You will not practice plagiarism in any form. Plagiarism is defined as

follows:

• Copying or using ideas or words (from another person, an online

classmate, or an Internet or print source) and presenting them as

your own.

o Failure to follow may result in loss of credit and removal from the Deer

Valley Online Learning Program.

• Work previously completed for other classes with different

objectives should not be resubmitted in current classes.

Comply with copyright laws and fair use guidelines. All material in the courses is

copyrighted and provided for use exclusively by enrolled students.

o Enrolled students may use printed material for own use of studying.

o It is prohibited to use or distribute these materials to others without

permission.

Practice self-motivation and self-direction within your courses.


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Anticipate spending a minimum of 8 hours a week on your class.

o Double during Summer session

o Use good time management.

Complete assignments to the best of your ability and turn them in on time.

Become familiar with and follow all course policies.

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