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Home > ARVS Education > |
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FAQsWhy should I consider choosing ARVS for my children?
No. Your family will be provided with a computer system (including computer, printer, software, and Internet connection) to support the learning process. These computer systems and (non-consumable) materials are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves ARVS. ARVS will arrange for technical support and troubleshooting for these systems. What computer skills are required? Very few. Use of the computer is an important part of the program, but in the early grades it is the parent (or other responsible adult) who interacts with the computer. The program is easy to use. ARVS provides training for those who require it. How much time do students spend on the computer? At ARVS, we believe in a balanced approach toward the computer. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. As a result, you can spend more time personally interacting with your child. Computers also act as powerful learning tools that can motivate, stimulate, and keep children informed about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That's why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes a great deal of old-fashioned books, workbooks, and instructional materials. What does it cost to attend the Arkansas Virtual School? As a program of your local public school district and the Arkansas Department of Education, ARVS has no tuition. ARVS provides students with a computer system and instructional materials for the program. However, students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials (such as printer ink and paper). What does ARVS provide to students and families?
Students living anywhere in Arkansas are eligible to attend the Arkansas Virtual School. Students must be legal residents in the state of Arkansas. What subjects will my child study? Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Music, Art, and Physical Education. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels. Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials? Yes, we provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students. All materials and equipment are property of ARVS and must be returned in good condition at the end of the enrollment period. Who grades student work? Both parents and teachers grade student work. On a day-to-day basis, parents review student work. Student work is also reviewed online by teachers daily, and physical work is sent to teachers periodically for their expert review. Can my child work at his or her own pace? Yes. The program is designed to be self-paced and flexible, yet meet public school attendance and progress requirements. What are the parents' responsibilities? Parents conduct the daily lessons and ensure that children are learning. Parents are required to participate in scheduled conference calls with their ARVS teacher, usually bi-weekly. Teachers will also conference with the student to help develop a learning partnership. The parent and student maintain their work, manage their time, and log attendance daily. It should be noted that participation in ARVS requires a large investment of time. Parents who are unable to make this commitment themselves may designate another "responsible adult" who can make the time commitment to guide the student through the daily lessons, monitor assessments, keep the student on track, communicate with teachers, etc. What tests are required as part of the program?
Any records kept or transmitted electronically are subject to high standards of electronic security. Our network security system is state-of-the-art. We employ electronic firewalls and encryption systems, and we monitor and test the system regularly to ensure its stability and integrity. What is the process for leaving the program if I change my mind? Students can leave the program at any time. This is a school program of choice. All you have to do is formally notify the ARVS administration of your intention to remove your student from the program and return ARVS materials and equipment that were provided to you. The ARVS administration will notify your local school district of your decision to withdraw from the ARVS program. You will then be responsible for either filing an intent-to-homeschool form with your local district or enrolling your child in a local public or private school in accordance with state statute. How does this virtual program take attendance? At the end of each day, the responsible adult fills out an attendance log that includes all work completed (both online and offline) and time spent on task. How does ARVS handle special education? Children with special needs receive appropriate accommodations and services, which ARVS staff will coordinate through the local school districts. Students with disabilities are served according to federal, state, and local laws regarding special education. The Arkansas Virtual School, as a public virtual school program, is open to all students. Children with and without disabilities will be admitted to ARVS on the same basis. Does ARVS offer extracurricular activities? Because we are not a physical school, we do not offer a full array of extracurricular offerings. We will, however, use communication tools (such as newsletters, message boards, and the ARVS website) to post recommended, age-appropriate activities, identify interesting places for field trips, facilitate events and gatherings, and list suggestions from other parents about what is enriching their children's lives. What kinds of students will this virtual program serve?
In the event that ARVS receives more applications than available openings for 2006-2007 school year, a lottery will be conducted. Please refer to the lottery rules for more information. Applications for the 2006-2007 school year are due to the ARVS office by close of business (4:30 p.m. CST) on April 26, 2006. What is the cut-off date for kindergarten? A child must be five years old on or before September 15, 2006, to enroll in ARVS for the 2006–2007 school year. Can the ARVS program be used as a supplemental program to a current educational environment (i.e., a traditional public school classroom or private school)? No. The ARVS program is a public school choice program and takes the place of your child's current educational placement. For example, if your child is currently enrolled in and attending a local public school and you enroll him or her in the ARVS program, then your child will no longer attend the local public school class and will receive his or her education through the Online School. Are ARVS students required to take the required standardized tests? Yes. ARVS is a part of the Arkansas Department of Education and students participating in this program are considered public school students. Therefore, all students enrolled in ARVS in grades kindergarten through eight must take those grade level tests. The local school district is responsible for notifying parents of the test dates and location. |
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