Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the responsibilities of an online student?
Daily
§ Check your e-mail
§ Log in with your correct username and password
§ Check for new announcements
§ Check discussion groups for student and teacher postings.
§ Begin working on your course where you left off
§ Make sure you do your own work!
§ Have a notebook handy so you can take notes for assignments as well as make note of problems with the online course.
§ E-mail your instructor about problems with the course. Be constructive with your criticism, don’t complain.
§ Make sure you have enough time to complete a quiz or test before starting it. If time allows, check your answers before you submit a quiz or test.
§ When you are done with your online session, make sure to exit the course.
§ Don’t forget to log off!
Weekly
§ Try to e-mail your online instructor at least once a week but not less than once every two weeks.
§ Check your grades in the grade center to monitor your progress and view teacher feedback.
§ Discuss any questions that come up with your mentor (LEG).
§ Don’t forget you can get extra help by using the links that are available in the documents or webliography sections.
2. What are the characteristics of a good candidate for online learning?
§ I am self-motivated and self-disciplined.
§ I am a good “time-manager.”
§ I am comfortable with e-mail and word processing.
§ I can read analytically and critically.
§ If I set my sights on an end result, I usually achieve it.
§ I am confident in my academic abilities.
§ I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.
§ I believe I am responsible for my own education.
§ I do not have conflicts with work, athletics or child care and school activities.
§ I have convenient and frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection
§ I am willing to try something new.
§ I am willing to express my thoughts and opinions in writing.
§ I am willing to work in a loosely structured environment.
3. What are some reasons students would participate in the Online Learning Option?
§ College-bound students in need of advanced or specialized coursework
§ Credit deficient students needing specific courses in order to graduate
§ Students wanting to improve their skills in specific subject areas
§ Remedial students who require one-on-one support
§ Gifted or advanced students who want expanded educational offerings
§ Summer school students
§ Students with scheduling conflicts
§ Home bound students
§ Students who may not otherwise have a particular course offering available
§ Students wanting to experience online classes
4. What is it like to take an online course?
An Internet-based approach to learning uses interactive online technology and requires active participation in each course. There are frequent one-on-one communications with the teacher and regular assignments. Online courses provide a multimedia-rich environment with engaging, high-quality content for individualized discovery through the learning process.
This dynamic content immerses students in imaginative experiences, using a myriad of learning tools that are unique to an Internet–based format. Students engage in dynamic learning activities and student-selected learning paths, which are multimedia-enforced. Students are able to self-monitor their progress and create multimedia portfolios, in a seamless learning environment, not bound by time and space.
5. Are online courses easier than face-to-face courses?
Online courses require a student to manage his/her time and be organized, which may make the learning curve for your first class seem harder. Once you are familiar with online learning, you will find that ease of content varies from subject to subject according to your prior knowledge and experience, similar to your traditional face-to-face courses.
6. Is this the same as homeschooling?
No, students do their learning at home; but, they are part of the School District of Ashland. Each student has a state certified teacher facilitate their learning. Students are also required to participate in all state assessments.
7. What courses are offered?
Wisconsin Virtual School offers middle, high school, Credit Recovery and Advanced Placement curriculum, using media-rich, high quality, Internet-based course content. By partnering with local districts, we help districts extend curriculum, create more options for students, and custom fit programs to district needs. WVS courses range from core curriculum such as English, science, mathematics and social studies to success-enhancing courses such as life skills and career planning to electives such as foreign languages, technology, phy. ed., health, wellness, art, music; Credit Recovery, and Advanced Placement. These courses are designed specifically for Internet delivery at the learner’s pace. A course list is available in PDF format.
8. How much does the online learning option cost?
The cost of the online learning option and required materials is free to students. Optional materials and technology is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent/guardian.
A course may be dropped within the first 14 days of the course being started with no penalty. Students who drop, fail to complete, discontinue or fail virtual school courses may jeopardize their continued enrollment in virtual education opportunities.
Textbooks and required materials are provided to students. Materials are the property of the School District of Ashland and need to be returned. Responsibility for damage to materials will be that of the parent/guardian.
9. What are the technical requirements?
The following are the minimum hardware and software configurations required for WVS courses. Student and parents/guardian are responsible for computer, Internet access and an e-mail account. Computer and internet access are not provided by the district.
Personal Computer with:
Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
Macintosh OSX
Compatible Browsers:
§ Internet Explorer 6.x or higher
§ Firefox 2.x or higher
§ Safari 3x0 or higher
§ NOTE: Our platform is NOT compatible with the AOL browser. You must download and install a compatible browser. Once connected to the Internet, minimize your AOL browser and then open the compatible browser to access your course
All Computers
§ 256 MB RAM
§ Color monitor (minimum 800 x 600 pixel resolution)
§ Keyboard and mouse
§ DSL or T-1 connection (preferred) or 56K bps modem with Internet access
§ Sound card and speakers
§ Hard disk with at least 1 G of free space available
§ Plug-ins (supported plug-ins include Real Player, Flash Player 10.0 or higher, or Sun Java Runtime Environment 1.4 or higher, Quicktime Version 7.1 or higher. These are all free downloads
§ Java Script enabled, Popup blockers disabled
§ Microphone and headset for foreign language courses
A printer is recommended and will enhance your experience in our courses. If you have any questions, contact WVS.
10. Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?
Yes, WVS courses meet both state and national standards. We use Wisconsin content-specific certified teachers, specifically trained to meet our rigorous Internet-based teaching pedagogy and students enjoy quality, one-on-one communication with the teacher.
11. Who is providing the instruction to the students?
The School District of Ashland will be partnering with CESA 9 Wisconsin Virtual Academy to provide viable course options for our students. Wisconsin Virtual School serves school districts, helping us provide virtual learning options for our students, including:
§ Relevant courses in flexible locations in an asynchronous environment
§ High quality, interactive courses aligned to state and national standards
§ Middle school and high school level curriculum
§ Over 70 different course options
§ Semester courses for credit deficient students, and others unable to successfully participate in a traditional setting
§ A solution for schedule conflicts, home-based learners, homebound, adjudication, truancy, expulsions, teen parents, special needs and special circumstances
§ Modified rates of learning to accommodate the student – traditional, accelerated or extended
§ The experience of online learning in preparation for future training in post-secondary educational and work environments.
12. What is Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS)
Wisconsin Virtual School is YOUR Wisconsin Web Academy (WWA), a partnership between DPI and CESA 9. Wisconsin Virtual School partners with school districts throughout the state to offer online courses to middle and high school students. WVS "uncomplicates" the process of adding virtual courses to a district's curriculum, providing the content, platform, Wisconsin certified online teachers, technical support, training, server, online policy development assistance, and much more. With WVS, districts can offer online options to their students with minimal cost and time. Districts retain control of key policy decisions and the enrollment.
13. Are there specific times the student needs to be online?
The Online Learning Option instructional delivery model does not require students to be physically present in the same location as a teacher nor does it require that courses be taken a particular time of day. Courses delivered through an Asynchronous, Online environment are an alternative instructional delivery method that involves self-motivation and personal responsibility of the child and parent.
14. Can the student participate in athletics at Ashland Schools?
Yes, but you must be registered as a full time student. Full time enrollment is the successful completion of at least one grade level per calendar year, unless determined that the best needs of the students will be met in other timelines.
Students are encouraged to participate in traditional school activities (co-curricular or extracurricular) in accordance with state statutes, Board of Education Policy, and any governing body guidelines (such as WIAA).
District codes of conduct, dress, and athletic codes pertain to Online Learning Option students in the same manner as traditional school students. Other rights and privileges will be defined the school handbook and Board of Education policies.
15. Can the student participate in co-curricular activities at Ashland Schools?
Yes, but you must be registered as a full time student. Full time enrollment is the successful completion of at least one grade level per calendar year, unless determined that the best needs of the students will be met in other timelines.
Students are encouraged to participate in traditional school activities (co-curricular or extracurricular) in accordance with state statutes, Board of Education Policy, and any governing body guidelines (such as WIAA).
District codes of conduct, dress, and athletic codes pertain to Online Learning Option students in the same manner as traditional school students. Other rights and privileges will be defined the school handbook and Board of Education policies.
16. What are the participation options?
Depending upon your situation the following options are available:
High School Students (grades 9 – 12)
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates part time in Online Learning Option. Student takes most classes at Ashland High School, online option classes are those not offered at Ashland High School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland- Home Schooled – families must register with the School District of Ashland. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Full Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students must take online classes onsite at Ashland High School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Part Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for part time open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students may take two classes at a time online. Student takes all other classes in their resident district. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
Middle School Students (grades 6 – 8)
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland- Home Schooled – families must register with the School District of Ashland. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Full Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students must take online classes onsite at Ashland Middle School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
The district has the right to limit number of students participating in Online Learning Option as determined by budgetary parameters.
17. Are textbooks required?
Textbooks are not required for most regular online courses. Most AP courses do require a textbook. Textbooks and other resource materials, if not available online, will be provided by the School District of Ashland and will remain the property of the School District of Ashland and need to be returned. Responsibility for damaged materials will be that of the parent/guardian. The School District of Ashland will not pay for home Internet access or home technical assistance.
18. Where does the student get the textbooks needed?
In most cases all materials needed for the course are online and do not require the purchase of a text book. Because students are registered with Online Learning Option they will have access to the same research materials as conventional students as well as access to all online reference resources subscribed to by the district.
19. How do students receive a grade?
Grades for online courses will be transferred to the student’s transcript when the online teacher notifies the school district of the student’s course completion and percentage earned. The district determines and issues the letter grade and grants credit according to district policies. If an online student has not completed a course by the end of the grading period, a grade of incomplete will be posted on the student’s report card and the student will receive a zero in determining the GPA and class ranking for that term at the high school level. If the student completes the required course work and the teacher presents a grade, the student’s GPA and class ranking will be adjusted to reflect the grade change.
20. How will students be evaluated?
The online instructor grades assignments just like the student is in a face-to-face course. The student will receive comments from the online teacher throughout the course and after assessments. Student’s academic progress will be monitored by the student, parent, Local Education Guide and the teacher to help ensure successful completion.
Grades for online courses will be transferred to the student’s transcript when the online teacher notifies the school district of the student’s course completion and percentage earned. The district determines and issues the letter grade and grants credit according to district policies. If an online student has not completed a course by the end of the grading period, a grade of incomplete will be posted on the student’s report card and the student will receive a zero in determining the GPA and class ranking for that term at the high school level. If the student completes the required course work and the teacher presents a grade, the student’s GPA and class ranking will be adjusted to reflect the grade change.
All grades will be treated as non-grade weighted when placed on the transcript. All grades will be based on a 4.0 scale. Grades will be used to calculate GPA and class rank per school board policy.
A 92 – 100
B 84 – 91
C 76 – 83
D 68 – 75
F 0 – 67
For the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017, AHS will continue to use
the following scale to determine grade point averages:
A 4.0
B 3.0
C 2.0
D 1.0
F 0.0
For the class of 2018, AHS will use the following scale to
determine grade point averages:
A/A+ 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- .7
F 0.0
21. How will class rank be determined?
Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
22. Will the student receive a School District of Ashland diploma?
Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
Students who participate full time in the Online Learning Option may opt to receive a diploma from Ashland High School. Diplomas are given to students who have met academic requirements of the district. The typical Ashland High School student completed the high school program in four years or eight semesters. Early graduation procedures are covered in school board policy.
All students must complete a minimum of 24 credits. This is a list of the minimum credits which must be earned in designated subject areas.
English 4.0
Science 3.0
Social Studies 3.0
Physical Education 1.5
Mathematics 3.0
Health 0.5
Financial Literacy 0.5
Electives make-up the remaining 8.5 credits.
*Social Studies credits must include one unit of world history, one unit of U.S. history and on elective. Science credits must include one unit of biology.
Youth option courses cannot be substituted for the 15 required core graduation credits. All virtual education credits must be preapproved.
23. What are graduation requirements for Ashland's Online Learning Option?Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
24. Does the student have to take statewide assessments?
All students participating in the Online Learning Option must complete all required state and local assessments needed to graduate. Student proficiency with material covered by standards and benchmarks will be measured using district testing or online course assessments.
State testing will be conducted by the School District of the Ashland at specified times and at specific locations. Students will be able to take the assessments at Ashland Middle School or Ashland High School during the testing window which is typically occurs in November.
25. Will the student be able to take classes during the summer?
Students registered full time will be able to take courses during the summer since Online Learning Option is open year round as long as the course is approved by the District.
26. Do parents/guardians have to be at home all the time while the child is working online? No, parents are not required to be at home all the time while their child is working online, however, the student is expected to:
§ Consistently documented logins into the WI Virtual School and completion of daily lessons and assignments.
§ Set semester goals along with the Local Education Guide or teacher and demonstrate tangible progress toward completion of them.
§ Set up and maintain organizational systems (online calendar, etc.) for schoolwork.
§ Take all the state standardized tests required for his/her grade level.
§ Participate in the required activities per week.
§ Communicate with the Local Education Guide, and/or teacher when he/she has curriculum related questions.
§ Must follow the District Acceptable Use Policy.
27. What kinds of safeguards are in place to keep students safe while working on the internet?
The main content of all WI Virtual School courses is available directly through our secure, online student classroom area. In some cases, links provided by teachers direct students to other websites so students can take advantage of the wealth of educational information available online. The sites to which students must visit to do their coursework has been limited. Beyond that, good parental supervision and setting some guidelines for internet use that match with your family values will go a long way in protecting your children from unwanted information on the internet.
28. How can a parent check on their child's progress?
Upon the completion course work, the teacher from WI Virtual School emails the student’s final percentage and a copy of the student’s grade book to the designated person at the Middle or High School. The Local Education Guide will post all grades into the District's online grading program. Parents can access all grades through the "Family Access” portal on the district web site.
Parents also have the option of receiving information directly from Wisconsin Virtual School using the parent portal.
29. Is there information for parents from the WVS?
There is a page for parents available from the Wisconsin Virtual School that can be accessed by choosing this link: WVS Parent Information.
30. How often will the Local Education Guide (LEG) contact the student?
Local Education Guides are expected to check in with students at least once a week.
31. How to Register for the Program?
If you are resident of the School District of Ashland - complete the Ashland Online Learning Option Enrollment Form and return to Ashland High School or Ashland Middle School office.
Open Enrollment procedures are not required for students who live in the School District of Ashland to enroll in the online learning option. Open enrollment deadlines do not apply to families living in the School District of Ashland. Students who live in the school district are able to enroll anytime before the school year starts.
Daily
§ Check your e-mail
§ Log in with your correct username and password
§ Check for new announcements
§ Check discussion groups for student and teacher postings.
§ Begin working on your course where you left off
§ Make sure you do your own work!
§ Have a notebook handy so you can take notes for assignments as well as make note of problems with the online course.
§ E-mail your instructor about problems with the course. Be constructive with your criticism, don’t complain.
§ Make sure you have enough time to complete a quiz or test before starting it. If time allows, check your answers before you submit a quiz or test.
§ When you are done with your online session, make sure to exit the course.
§ Don’t forget to log off!
Weekly
§ Try to e-mail your online instructor at least once a week but not less than once every two weeks.
§ Check your grades in the grade center to monitor your progress and view teacher feedback.
§ Discuss any questions that come up with your mentor (LEG).
§ Don’t forget you can get extra help by using the links that are available in the documents or webliography sections.
2. What are the characteristics of a good candidate for online learning?
§ I am self-motivated and self-disciplined.
§ I am a good “time-manager.”
§ I am comfortable with e-mail and word processing.
§ I can read analytically and critically.
§ If I set my sights on an end result, I usually achieve it.
§ I am confident in my academic abilities.
§ I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.
§ I believe I am responsible for my own education.
§ I do not have conflicts with work, athletics or child care and school activities.
§ I have convenient and frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection
§ I am willing to try something new.
§ I am willing to express my thoughts and opinions in writing.
§ I am willing to work in a loosely structured environment.
3. What are some reasons students would participate in the Online Learning Option?
§ College-bound students in need of advanced or specialized coursework
§ Credit deficient students needing specific courses in order to graduate
§ Students wanting to improve their skills in specific subject areas
§ Remedial students who require one-on-one support
§ Gifted or advanced students who want expanded educational offerings
§ Summer school students
§ Students with scheduling conflicts
§ Home bound students
§ Students who may not otherwise have a particular course offering available
§ Students wanting to experience online classes
4. What is it like to take an online course?
An Internet-based approach to learning uses interactive online technology and requires active participation in each course. There are frequent one-on-one communications with the teacher and regular assignments. Online courses provide a multimedia-rich environment with engaging, high-quality content for individualized discovery through the learning process.
This dynamic content immerses students in imaginative experiences, using a myriad of learning tools that are unique to an Internet–based format. Students engage in dynamic learning activities and student-selected learning paths, which are multimedia-enforced. Students are able to self-monitor their progress and create multimedia portfolios, in a seamless learning environment, not bound by time and space.
5. Are online courses easier than face-to-face courses?
Online courses require a student to manage his/her time and be organized, which may make the learning curve for your first class seem harder. Once you are familiar with online learning, you will find that ease of content varies from subject to subject according to your prior knowledge and experience, similar to your traditional face-to-face courses.
6. Is this the same as homeschooling?
No, students do their learning at home; but, they are part of the School District of Ashland. Each student has a state certified teacher facilitate their learning. Students are also required to participate in all state assessments.
7. What courses are offered?
Wisconsin Virtual School offers middle, high school, Credit Recovery and Advanced Placement curriculum, using media-rich, high quality, Internet-based course content. By partnering with local districts, we help districts extend curriculum, create more options for students, and custom fit programs to district needs. WVS courses range from core curriculum such as English, science, mathematics and social studies to success-enhancing courses such as life skills and career planning to electives such as foreign languages, technology, phy. ed., health, wellness, art, music; Credit Recovery, and Advanced Placement. These courses are designed specifically for Internet delivery at the learner’s pace. A course list is available in PDF format.
8. How much does the online learning option cost?
The cost of the online learning option and required materials is free to students. Optional materials and technology is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent/guardian.
A course may be dropped within the first 14 days of the course being started with no penalty. Students who drop, fail to complete, discontinue or fail virtual school courses may jeopardize their continued enrollment in virtual education opportunities.
Textbooks and required materials are provided to students. Materials are the property of the School District of Ashland and need to be returned. Responsibility for damage to materials will be that of the parent/guardian.
9. What are the technical requirements?
The following are the minimum hardware and software configurations required for WVS courses. Student and parents/guardian are responsible for computer, Internet access and an e-mail account. Computer and internet access are not provided by the district.
Personal Computer with:
Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
Macintosh OSX
Compatible Browsers:
§ Internet Explorer 6.x or higher
§ Firefox 2.x or higher
§ Safari 3x0 or higher
§ NOTE: Our platform is NOT compatible with the AOL browser. You must download and install a compatible browser. Once connected to the Internet, minimize your AOL browser and then open the compatible browser to access your course
All Computers
§ 256 MB RAM
§ Color monitor (minimum 800 x 600 pixel resolution)
§ Keyboard and mouse
§ DSL or T-1 connection (preferred) or 56K bps modem with Internet access
§ Sound card and speakers
§ Hard disk with at least 1 G of free space available
§ Plug-ins (supported plug-ins include Real Player, Flash Player 10.0 or higher, or Sun Java Runtime Environment 1.4 or higher, Quicktime Version 7.1 or higher. These are all free downloads
§ Java Script enabled, Popup blockers disabled
§ Microphone and headset for foreign language courses
A printer is recommended and will enhance your experience in our courses. If you have any questions, contact WVS.
10. Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?
Yes, WVS courses meet both state and national standards. We use Wisconsin content-specific certified teachers, specifically trained to meet our rigorous Internet-based teaching pedagogy and students enjoy quality, one-on-one communication with the teacher.
11. Who is providing the instruction to the students?
The School District of Ashland will be partnering with CESA 9 Wisconsin Virtual Academy to provide viable course options for our students. Wisconsin Virtual School serves school districts, helping us provide virtual learning options for our students, including:
§ Relevant courses in flexible locations in an asynchronous environment
§ High quality, interactive courses aligned to state and national standards
§ Middle school and high school level curriculum
§ Over 70 different course options
§ Semester courses for credit deficient students, and others unable to successfully participate in a traditional setting
§ A solution for schedule conflicts, home-based learners, homebound, adjudication, truancy, expulsions, teen parents, special needs and special circumstances
§ Modified rates of learning to accommodate the student – traditional, accelerated or extended
§ The experience of online learning in preparation for future training in post-secondary educational and work environments.
12. What is Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS)
Wisconsin Virtual School is YOUR Wisconsin Web Academy (WWA), a partnership between DPI and CESA 9. Wisconsin Virtual School partners with school districts throughout the state to offer online courses to middle and high school students. WVS "uncomplicates" the process of adding virtual courses to a district's curriculum, providing the content, platform, Wisconsin certified online teachers, technical support, training, server, online policy development assistance, and much more. With WVS, districts can offer online options to their students with minimal cost and time. Districts retain control of key policy decisions and the enrollment.
13. Are there specific times the student needs to be online?
The Online Learning Option instructional delivery model does not require students to be physically present in the same location as a teacher nor does it require that courses be taken a particular time of day. Courses delivered through an Asynchronous, Online environment are an alternative instructional delivery method that involves self-motivation and personal responsibility of the child and parent.
14. Can the student participate in athletics at Ashland Schools?
Yes, but you must be registered as a full time student. Full time enrollment is the successful completion of at least one grade level per calendar year, unless determined that the best needs of the students will be met in other timelines.
Students are encouraged to participate in traditional school activities (co-curricular or extracurricular) in accordance with state statutes, Board of Education Policy, and any governing body guidelines (such as WIAA).
District codes of conduct, dress, and athletic codes pertain to Online Learning Option students in the same manner as traditional school students. Other rights and privileges will be defined the school handbook and Board of Education policies.
15. Can the student participate in co-curricular activities at Ashland Schools?
Yes, but you must be registered as a full time student. Full time enrollment is the successful completion of at least one grade level per calendar year, unless determined that the best needs of the students will be met in other timelines.
Students are encouraged to participate in traditional school activities (co-curricular or extracurricular) in accordance with state statutes, Board of Education Policy, and any governing body guidelines (such as WIAA).
District codes of conduct, dress, and athletic codes pertain to Online Learning Option students in the same manner as traditional school students. Other rights and privileges will be defined the school handbook and Board of Education policies.
16. What are the participation options?
Depending upon your situation the following options are available:
High School Students (grades 9 – 12)
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates part time in Online Learning Option. Student takes most classes at Ashland High School, online option classes are those not offered at Ashland High School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland- Home Schooled – families must register with the School District of Ashland. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Full Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students must take online classes onsite at Ashland High School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Part Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for part time open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students may take two classes at a time online. Student takes all other classes in their resident district. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
Middle School Students (grades 6 – 8)
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland – student participates full time in Online Learning Option. Student takes all classes online. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Resident of the School District of Ashland- Home Schooled – families must register with the School District of Ashland. Students may take up to two courses per semester. Not eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
§ Not a Resident of the School District of Ashland - Full Time Open Enrollment – families must apply for open enrollment through WI Department of Public Instruction. Students must take online classes onsite at Ashland Middle School. Eligible to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities.
The district has the right to limit number of students participating in Online Learning Option as determined by budgetary parameters.
17. Are textbooks required?
Textbooks are not required for most regular online courses. Most AP courses do require a textbook. Textbooks and other resource materials, if not available online, will be provided by the School District of Ashland and will remain the property of the School District of Ashland and need to be returned. Responsibility for damaged materials will be that of the parent/guardian. The School District of Ashland will not pay for home Internet access or home technical assistance.
18. Where does the student get the textbooks needed?
In most cases all materials needed for the course are online and do not require the purchase of a text book. Because students are registered with Online Learning Option they will have access to the same research materials as conventional students as well as access to all online reference resources subscribed to by the district.
19. How do students receive a grade?
Grades for online courses will be transferred to the student’s transcript when the online teacher notifies the school district of the student’s course completion and percentage earned. The district determines and issues the letter grade and grants credit according to district policies. If an online student has not completed a course by the end of the grading period, a grade of incomplete will be posted on the student’s report card and the student will receive a zero in determining the GPA and class ranking for that term at the high school level. If the student completes the required course work and the teacher presents a grade, the student’s GPA and class ranking will be adjusted to reflect the grade change.
20. How will students be evaluated?
The online instructor grades assignments just like the student is in a face-to-face course. The student will receive comments from the online teacher throughout the course and after assessments. Student’s academic progress will be monitored by the student, parent, Local Education Guide and the teacher to help ensure successful completion.
Grades for online courses will be transferred to the student’s transcript when the online teacher notifies the school district of the student’s course completion and percentage earned. The district determines and issues the letter grade and grants credit according to district policies. If an online student has not completed a course by the end of the grading period, a grade of incomplete will be posted on the student’s report card and the student will receive a zero in determining the GPA and class ranking for that term at the high school level. If the student completes the required course work and the teacher presents a grade, the student’s GPA and class ranking will be adjusted to reflect the grade change.
All grades will be treated as non-grade weighted when placed on the transcript. All grades will be based on a 4.0 scale. Grades will be used to calculate GPA and class rank per school board policy.
A 92 – 100
B 84 – 91
C 76 – 83
D 68 – 75
F 0 – 67
For the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017, AHS will continue to use
the following scale to determine grade point averages:
A 4.0
B 3.0
C 2.0
D 1.0
F 0.0
For the class of 2018, AHS will use the following scale to
determine grade point averages:
A/A+ 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- .7
F 0.0
21. How will class rank be determined?
Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
22. Will the student receive a School District of Ashland diploma?
Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
Students who participate full time in the Online Learning Option may opt to receive a diploma from Ashland High School. Diplomas are given to students who have met academic requirements of the district. The typical Ashland High School student completed the high school program in four years or eight semesters. Early graduation procedures are covered in school board policy.
All students must complete a minimum of 24 credits. This is a list of the minimum credits which must be earned in designated subject areas.
English 4.0
Science 3.0
Social Studies 3.0
Physical Education 1.5
Mathematics 3.0
Health 0.5
Financial Literacy 0.5
Electives make-up the remaining 8.5 credits.
*Social Studies credits must include one unit of world history, one unit of U.S. history and on elective. Science credits must include one unit of biology.
Youth option courses cannot be substituted for the 15 required core graduation credits. All virtual education credits must be preapproved.
23. What are graduation requirements for Ashland's Online Learning Option?Students taking online courses must meet all district requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin High School diploma. There will be no designation on the transcript for a online course other than the course number, title, grade and credit. Students must be aware that their grades from online coursework will affect their valedictorian or salutatorian status, as well as their class rank according to school policies.
24. Does the student have to take statewide assessments?
All students participating in the Online Learning Option must complete all required state and local assessments needed to graduate. Student proficiency with material covered by standards and benchmarks will be measured using district testing or online course assessments.
State testing will be conducted by the School District of the Ashland at specified times and at specific locations. Students will be able to take the assessments at Ashland Middle School or Ashland High School during the testing window which is typically occurs in November.
25. Will the student be able to take classes during the summer?
Students registered full time will be able to take courses during the summer since Online Learning Option is open year round as long as the course is approved by the District.
26. Do parents/guardians have to be at home all the time while the child is working online? No, parents are not required to be at home all the time while their child is working online, however, the student is expected to:
§ Consistently documented logins into the WI Virtual School and completion of daily lessons and assignments.
§ Set semester goals along with the Local Education Guide or teacher and demonstrate tangible progress toward completion of them.
§ Set up and maintain organizational systems (online calendar, etc.) for schoolwork.
§ Take all the state standardized tests required for his/her grade level.
§ Participate in the required activities per week.
§ Communicate with the Local Education Guide, and/or teacher when he/she has curriculum related questions.
§ Must follow the District Acceptable Use Policy.
27. What kinds of safeguards are in place to keep students safe while working on the internet?
The main content of all WI Virtual School courses is available directly through our secure, online student classroom area. In some cases, links provided by teachers direct students to other websites so students can take advantage of the wealth of educational information available online. The sites to which students must visit to do their coursework has been limited. Beyond that, good parental supervision and setting some guidelines for internet use that match with your family values will go a long way in protecting your children from unwanted information on the internet.
28. How can a parent check on their child's progress?
Upon the completion course work, the teacher from WI Virtual School emails the student’s final percentage and a copy of the student’s grade book to the designated person at the Middle or High School. The Local Education Guide will post all grades into the District's online grading program. Parents can access all grades through the "Family Access” portal on the district web site.
Parents also have the option of receiving information directly from Wisconsin Virtual School using the parent portal.
29. Is there information for parents from the WVS?
There is a page for parents available from the Wisconsin Virtual School that can be accessed by choosing this link: WVS Parent Information.
30. How often will the Local Education Guide (LEG) contact the student?
Local Education Guides are expected to check in with students at least once a week.
31. How to Register for the Program?
If you are resident of the School District of Ashland - complete the Ashland Online Learning Option Enrollment Form and return to Ashland High School or Ashland Middle School office.
Open Enrollment procedures are not required for students who live in the School District of Ashland to enroll in the online learning option. Open enrollment deadlines do not apply to families living in the School District of Ashland. Students who live in the school district are able to enroll anytime before the school year starts.