Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy offers several benefits as compared to a cyber-charter school.

• We are collaborating with Montgomery Intermediate Unit to provide rich, rigorous content for our students in K-12.

• Cyber charter schools have historically poor performance. HVLA is providing the online component as well as the needed strategic support for instruction with the added flexibility of the online environment.

• All of our courses are aligned to PA Core Standards. All of our high school courses meet the NCAA and credit requirements for graduation.

• HVLA students can participate in all and extracurricular Harrisburg School District programs and events, including groups such as literacy nights, athletics, band, etc.

• All of our Cyber Academy teachers are PA certified and available during regular school hours.

• Our HVLA students have access to Special Education teachers, English as a Second Language teacher, Reading Specialists, Gifted support, Academic Success Coach and other support staff.

What grade levels may participate in the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy?

• The Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy is open to all Harrisburg students from grades K-12.

What courses are available?

• The programs of study are available at hvla.us under the elementary, middle and high school tab.

Are there live or recorded lessons?

• HVLA provides recorded lessons and live sessions with the teacher as needed by the student.

What is the schedule? Will my child be required to log in at specific times?

• All of our classes are asynchronous, so students can work flexibly throughout the week. Teachers will be monitoring progress and will connect with students regularly. Teachers, parents and/or students may request one on one sessions, if the student needs additional support.

What is the typical amount of time that elementary students spend on their devices daily?

• We have outlined below a recommended daily schedule by level. This will assist with setting up a learning space and schedule for your child. These schedules can also be found on our website under the elementary tab at www.hvla.us There are breaks and short meeting times included in the posted schedule.

How are labs handled?

• Our labs are virtual labs and/or simulations. Students can also watch a recording of a lab and then analyze the data. Some labs can be completed safely at home with common household items.

Are AP or IB courses offered?

• We do not offer IB courses but AP courses are available for our high school students. The programs of study can be found in the course selection catalogue located at hvla.us under the high school tab.

What about AP exams?

• Students who are taking a cyber AP course can register to take the AP exam with the counselor. Registration information can be found on the high school’s website. In order to prepare for the material on the exam, AP students may optionally ask to accelerate their AP coursework in the spring semester in order to be finished prior to the test.

Are there honors or accelerated programs offered?

• The only advanced courses we offer are for our high school students. The programs of study can be found at hvla.us under the high school tab. Edgenuity does offer many other electives that students can choose to prepare them for dual enrollment and post-graduation.

Is the gifted/enrichment program available with the Cyber Academy?

• HVLA is available for all our gifted students as part of their regular education programming to meet their needs as gifted learners.

Both my kids were being tested for the Gifted Program. Will they be in it next year and what would that look like?

• We honor all GIEP’s. If your child qualifies, we will connect the student to his/her GIEP teacher for further support and enrichment.

Are special education students allowed to participate?

• All Harrisburg students may consider participating in the HVLA. Special Education students who have some of their needs met through specially designed instruction must discuss cyber education at an IEP meeting where the team will determine the supports needed to provide access to the student’s program of study prior to beginning any cyber coursework. The student’s IEP will be provided to the cyber teachers who will ensure compliance with all required modifications and accommodations. The students will continue to have a Harrisburg Special Education teacher if they transfer into the cyber program full-time.

My 2nd grade son needs speech therapy and the teacher was evaluating him but never completed the evaluation. He still needs speech therapy, how will that be provided?

• All evaluations that have not been completed will be addressed by the special education department and our special education facilitator. It is our priority to ensure all students receive the supports needed and that they qualify to receive. We do have Special education teachers and a facilitator that are assigned for our students in HVLA.

Does my child have to participate in the cyber academy full-time, or is there a part-time option?

• If the student is enrolled in HVLA, they will participate 100% online.

Can students return to the building during the year if they start in the cyber program?

• Yes. Students can transfer back to their home buildings after the first semester (two marking periods). For the smoothest transition possible, we recommend that students transition at the end of at the second marking period. This will allow for schools to ensure safety procedures and social distancing requirements are being followed.

What if after a month, I find this is not working for my child? Can they transfer back?

• To promote a seamless transition, we ask that children move between Cyber and in-person at the end of the second marking period, however, we will do our best to accommodate any extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis.

Is there a registration deadline?

• In light of the current COVID situation, we are asking families who wish to have their child begin with HVLA on August 14, 2020. After this date, registration is still open, but students may experience some delay in receiving their equipment and online resources.

Is the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy only open to Harrisburg students?

• HVLA is only available to students that reside in the Harrisburg School District.

Can students participate in the CTE if they are full-time cyber?

• Yes, students can be full-time cyber students and participate in CTE. Students will need to provide their own transportation to CTE if they are not at the school to ride the bus.

Can my child transfer into the program after the school year has started?

• After the school year begins, students can transfer into the HVLA.

Do HVLA students attend class with students from their school, or is it mixed?

• Cyber classes may have students from other schools from within the district.

If my child wants to apply for Math Science Academy or Sci-tech, can they apply if they are in HVLA?

• Yes, any eligible student can apply for MSA or Sci-tech.

Can my child apply for DC Tech, if they are in HVLA?

• Yes, any eligible student can apply for DC tech.

Will the students who were to attend MMSA have a modified curriculum?

• The differentiation of instruction is one of the features of the Edgenuity platform. Although there are no “honors” or “AP” courses at the middle level, students will be met where they are to ensure growth.

What are the graduation requirements?

• High school students are expected to meet the same graduation requirements as the students in the district high schools. Cyber students will receive a high school diploma from Harrisburg School District.

What about PSSAs, Keystone exams, and other state tests?

• Students in the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy are still required to take state-mandated tests, such as the PSSA’s. Arrangements to take these exams will be made in conjunction with the school counselor and principal.

• Students who are taking state exams may have their HVLA pacing schedules adjusted, but they will not be exempt from completing any of the required cyber work. Keystone Exams are State mandated end-of-course tests. Students are required to take the appropriate Keystone Exam at the conclusion of Algebra I, 10th Grade English, and Biology.

• Edgenuity is the same platform that is used by Cougar Academy. On Cougar Academy's online report card, only 1.6% of the students are proficient or above in math and only 18.5% of the students are proficient or above in English- way below the national average. How will it be any different if Edgenuity is used in HVLA?

• For HVLA, the Edgenuity curriculum is being facilitated through Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVP). This curriculum is being used successfully in over 40 other school districts. Please visit www.edgenuity.com to read more about the curriculum and usage.

Would it be possible to have other cyber options, like CAOLA and still stay in Harrisburg School district?

• CAOLA is a virtual program that supports districts with online learning. Harrisburg is collaborating with the Montgomery Virtual program that will support HVLA with delivering our online platform. Edgenuity is a vendor that many Intermediate Units are using or have used including CAOLA.

Does the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy follow the HBGSD calendar?

• Students in the HVLA will follow the Harrisburg School District school calendar, including vacations, snow days, and holidays.

How are evaluations handled if my child is in the Cyber Academy (gifted, special ed, etc.)?

• Being a part of the HVLA does not prevent your child from being evaluated for the gifted or special education programs.

• Initial requests for evaluations, both gifted and special education, should be directed to the HVLA principal or HVLA school counselor. The student’s educational team will review student data with you to determine next steps, including issuing a Prior Written Notice for evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation requires in person assessment with a licensed school psychologist and arrangements for in person assessment would need to be made.

• For students that are already identified, reevaluations will take place every three years in compliance with federal mandates (2 years for students with cognitive disabilities). In person assessment may be required as part of the reevaluation process.

If my child graduates from the HVLA, will their diploma indicate they were an online student?

• No. Their diploma will be a Harrisburg School District diploma.

Can college-bound athletes participate in the cyber program?

• Yes. Our courses are NCAA-approved. Students who need NCAA-eligibility should consult with their building's NCAA liaison when selecting cyber courses.

In response to Cougar Academy

Performance

• Improved literacy rates is a district wide initiative at this time.

• Although overall literacy achievement is below expectation, we have many action plans in place with a focus on the growth of all children, which will result in higher achievement.

Growth

• ELA-CA met our growth goal at 100% –this was higher than the state average of 75%

• Mathematics- CA met our growth goal at 79.5% growth score—this was higher than the state average of 75%

• Science-CA met our growth goal at 74.5% right below the state average goal of 75.1%

*Our overall School Performance Profile was a 51% which was 10% higher than the previous year.

• In addition, CA’s local assessment data was showing upward trends that are highly correlated to projecting achievement and growth. There is a great deal of work to be done and there are strategic plans in place to close those learning gaps.

• Although we will not be satisfied with the achievement of students until they are all performing on grade level, we are seeing promising growth of our students enrolled in the Cougar Academy. For this reason, we have confidence in the standards aligned curriculum offered by Edgenuity.

Do the students have to log in every "school day" or can they get their work done in a more condensed time - ie: 4 days a week instead of 5?

• In HVLA, work is completed asynchronously. When students work asynchronously this means that students will work on their assignments independently for the week. It is highly recommended they work regularly throughout the week but because we are virtual there is a lot of flexibility. If students work for 4 days and get their work completed this is acceptable. At the high school and middle level, there may be students that work on the weekends but it really depends on the child, motivation, how much support a child may need to get their work completed successfully EACH week.

What does Kindergarten look like in the Cyber Academy? Is it half-day or full-day?

• Kindergarten is a full day. For our students in K-5, parents will be essential partners in ensuring students are getting the best online experience. Our Edge program is interactive and has age appropriate activities for learning.

Sample Schedules

K-5 Grade Schedule

• 60 -75 min. Language Arts

• 60 - 70 min. Language Arts

• 45 - 60 min. Mathematics

• 30 - 45 min. Science

• 30 - 45 min. Social Studies

• 30 min. Electives

6th - 12th Grade Schedule

• 60 -75 min. Language Arts

• 60 - 75 min. Mathematics

• 60 - 75 min. Science

• 60 - 75 min. Social Studies

• 30 - 45 min. Electives

How does Physical Education (PE) and Fitness work?

• The students will take their physical education curriculum online while they are at home.

If we chose to do physical education differently than what HVLA offers, do we have to complete that component of the curriculum for the student to pass?

• Great question-since physical education is course required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, we are not able to allow for substitutions for this course.

What about books or any other materials needed?

• At the elementary level, most of the course materials for the cyber courses are digital and available within a student’s course. Any analog material for a course (workbooks, equipment, etc.) can be sent to the student or picked up at the Lincoln building.

• At the middle and high school level, all course materials are digital and available within a student’s course.

• Students must return the material upon completion of the course.

• If a student needs technology, the parent should email hvla@hbgsd.us to request and arrange equipment pick up.

• Distribution of materials will be completed in a manner that follows all current safety protocols.

Are there due dates for assignments?

• Course work is assigned at the beginning of each week and students have until the end of the week to complete it. Secondary students should plan to spend approximately 5 hours on each one-credit cyber course and 2.5 hours on each .5 credit course per week. Elementary students will spend 3-4 hours each day. A suggested schedule is posted on our website under elementary, middle and high school tabs.

How are tests or other assessments given?

• Assessments will be administered online or in a live session with the teacher. Additionally, all state assessments will be provided at the student’s homeschool.

How frequently do teachers give feedback to students on their work?

• Teachers will be providing feedback at the same frequency as they do in the brick-and-mortar classroom.

How do students submit coursework not completed on the computer?

• Students can use their iPad to scan or take a picture of work to submit or present it to the teacher in a live session.

If enrolled in the HVLA, can my child participate in extracurriculars, clubs and sports?

• Yes. HVLA students can participate in all clubs, activities, extracurriculars and athletics.

What about Specials?

• Elementary students will have options online. Middle and High school students will have PE/Fitness online. Other options will be available during course selections at the middle and high school levels.

Can my child participate in band/choir/orchestra?

• Yes, students can participate in band, choir or orchestra, but only in-person.

Can my child attend field trips?

• Yes. HVLA students are invited to participate in all of the same field trip opportunities as their in-school classmates.

How will the parents know if the kids are not keeping up with the course and homework?

• Grades are posted and available on their online platform. Teachers and the Academic Success Coach will also communicate with parents if students are behind pace.

Will you provide a device for my child?

• Students will need internet access to complete their online courses. Students in K-12 are eligible for free devices if they are a Harrisburg school district student. If your child needs a device, please email hvla.us

What devices are provided at each grade level?

• I-pads are available for K-2 and chrome books for students in 3rd-12^th grades.

Can my child use their own device to participate in the HVLA?

• Yes, students may use his/her own device.

What platform is used?

• Starting in the 20-21 school year, we will be using Edgenuity K-12. In K-5, we will be using Edge, which is the elementary curriculum platform under Edgenuity.

What is the role of the parent who has a student in HVLA?

• In grades K–5, students require a lot of support from caring adults at home in the online classroom. Parents or guardians of elementary students in HVLA will serve as a Learning Coach. The Learning Coach will provide the structure a student needs by establishing and managing the daily routine.

• Parents (LC) will stay in touch with the student’s teachers by phone, email, and virtual conferences. The student’s teacher will contact the parents early in the school year to discuss how they will work together to help students reach their potential.

Parents of elementary cyber students should plan to:

1. Devote about one hour per day per subject overseeing their students’ schoolwork.

2. Set the daily schedule with varied activities and breaks. Suggested schedule is shared on the website.

3. Assist with lessons and communicate frequently with the teacher.

4. Help monitor student progress and comprehension.

5. Request assistance as needed

Parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 also play a vital role in the student’s learning in the HVLA. At this level, the students are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. The parents/guardians are responsible for many academic aspects of the student’s virtual learning program that contribute to a student’s success, including but not limited to:

• Viewing Parent Portal every week to check attendance for full-time students.

• Establishing an appropriate location for learning.

• Helping students to establish a daily routine for working on the lessons for their subject.

• Keeping students motivated.

• Monitoring student comprehension and grades in Parent Portal.

• Communicating frequently with the teachers

• Encouraging students to complete assignments and to turn in work regularly.

• Notifying online teachers, counselor and the Academic Success Coach if students are struggling or experiencing academic or personal issues that might inhibit academic achievement.

• Ensuring students are following pacing guides to ensure course completion

What are the characteristics of a successful cyber student?

• With the flexibility of online learning comes responsibility. Online work is difficult and takes real commitment and discipline to keep up with all the lessons.