ONLINE COURSE INFORMATION

1. Rationale
   Online courses expand personalized learning opportunities for students. Online courses can be a valuable option for many different types of students and can be a valuable option for many different types of students, including advanced students or gifted students needing additional coursework, students determined at a building level through an IEP/504 or RtI Intervention plan needing an academic or behavioral support, and/or students who have extenuating circumstances who can benefit from an alternative learning environment.
   Online courses have several advantages which include:
   • Increased course selection: Certain courses may not be available within the district or may not fit into a student’s schedule. For example, students may want Advanced Placement courses, a world language, or other specialized courses currently not available to them.
   • Individualization: Students can work through course content at their own pace and content can be individualized to the unique needs of a student. (Specific course timelines will apply.)
   • Flexibility: Students may want flexibility in the time and/or location of their courses.
   • Learning Style: Some students may thrive in a virtual environment. Different students learn best in different ways. It may provide time for thinking before responding.
   • Physical Restrictions: Students may not be able attend school because of illness or physical disability. This will provide students with the ability to complete coursework in an alternative setting.
2. What is meant by “online” courses?
   Online courses use the internet for complete delivery of course content and instruction. Online courses are taught virtually by certified content-area teachers (not MHS teachers, no face-to-face meetings for instruction). Students interact with the instructor and one another online. Students may access course work anytime, anywhere the internet is available. Students will typically work at his/her own pace but must complete the coursework within a specific timeframe.
    
3. What online and courses are MNS district approved?
   Muskego Norway Schools has a current list of approved courses posted on the district website. These courses are also listed in the Muskego High School Academic Guidebook starting on page 70.
    
4. Are there prerequisites or recommendations for taking an online course?
   A Personalized Online Learning Contract agreement needs to be completed by students and parents.
    
5. Will an online course count towards graduation requirements?
   • Online credit may be earned towards elective credits or toward content-area specific graduation requirements.
   • A credit of .5 will be awarded for successful completion of semester equivalent courses taken as a high school student.
   • Credit will not be awarded until receipt of official grades from online institution. If the online course is being taken outside of the regular school day, official transcripts must be requested by the student/parent/guardian and delivered to the MHS registrar.
6. Will I be given a grade for my online course?
   Students will be given a letter grade for the online class based on the Muskego High School grading scale. Grades will be included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Advanced Placement courses will be given weighted grades. Parents must sign up for progress reports directly from WVS. They will not be sent automatically.
    
7. Will the online course appear on my transcript?
   The online course name, course grade, and credit earned will appear on transcripts during the semester credit was earned.
    
8. What are the rigor expectations of online learning?
   Online courses offer the same level of rigor or higher than courses taken in the traditional setting. Advice and comments from previous online students include, “Don’t procrastinate.” “Reserve large chunks of time to get a big block of work done.” “Spread the work out and start early.” “I liked the independence.” “It made me stretch myself to do it on my own.”
   Please note: Students who are more than 10% behind after the first 2 weeks (14 calendar days), will be dropped automatically. You will receive an email warning 3 days before this deadline of this possibility.
    
9. Will students/families have to pay for the online courses?
   No, but there are three situations to consider:
   1. If the student is taking the online course during his/her school day, the district will pay for the course and all expenses associated with the course, not to exceed the tuition charged for an online course through Wisconsin Virtual School ($325 per student, per semester course). The student must be scheduled for an “online learning” class period.  A certified teacher, Local Educational Guide (LEG), will be provided for organizational and goal setting assistance.
   2. If the student is taking the online course outside of his/her school day, the district will pay for the course and all expenses associated with the course, not to exceed the tuition charged for an online course through Wisconsin Virtual School ($325 per student, per semester course). However, the family will need to secure a certified teacher, Local Educational Guide (LEG), for organizational and goal setting assistance. This may include online courses taken during the summer.
10. How do students request online courses if the course IS on the approved course list?
    Online courses must be requested during the registration window.
    1. To have an online class scheduled during his/her school day: Online courses must be selected during the course selection window using the same process as “traditional” classes.
    2. To take online course(s) outside of the regular school day: Online courses must be requested through a Non-Traditional Programming Form. Contact a school counselor for more information.
11. How do students request an online course if the course is NOT on the approved course list?
    1. Step 1:  Parent/guardian/student complete and submit a Non-traditional Programming Form (NTPF)
       Assistance is available from the school counselor.
       The following information must be attached to the NTPF:
       • Information on the school/university
       • Course description
       • Course syllabus
    2. Step 2:  The request will be evaluated for rigor.
    3. Step 3:  The school counselor will communicate to parent/guardian/student if the request is approved or denied.
12. Can I drop my online course?
    This must be requested within 14 calendar days. After this, students may not drop the course without receiving a “Withdrawal Fail” (WF) on transcript.
     
13. Is there a limit to the number of online courses I can take at one time?
    No. But there should be a discussion involving the student, parent(s), and a school counselor.