Coloma Virtual Pathway (CVP) Program Overview

Purpose

Not all students find success in a traditional learning environment. The Coloma Virtual Pathway is a route for in-district students to reach graduation and ultimately find educational success.

Ideal Learner

This program is for students needing a non-traditional setting due to learning needs, family situations, extended illness, work, or credit deficiency. This student has access to transportation to and from school during normal school hours. Seniors and juniors will have priority for admission into the program. 

Here are some traits of a successful online learner:

• Good Time Management: Can the student create and maintain a study schedule throughout the semester without face-to-face interaction with a teacher?
• Effective Communication: Can the student ask for help, make contact with other students and the instructor online, and describe any problems she/he has with learning materials using email, text messaging, and/or the telephone?
• Independent Study Habits: Can the student study and complete assignments without direct supervision and maintain the self-discipline to stick to a schedule?
• Self-Motivation: Does the student have a strong desire to learn skills, acquire knowledge, and fulfill assignments in online courses because of an educational goal? Can she/he maintain focus on that goal?
• Academic Readiness: Does the student have the basic reading, writing, math, and computer literacy skills to succeed in the class?
• Technologically Prepared: Is the student prepared to use constantly evolving technology to learn? The International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE) published a set of Standards for Students designed to empower student voice and ensure that learning is a student-driven process.

NOTE:  Students should expect and be able to spend five to ten hours a week per course.

Instructional Model

Courses will be delivered through Michigan Virtual’s platform, with work being completed from home. One-on-one academic support will be available one day per week, where students will be required to check in with the program mentor. Students enrolling in the program may only transition back to a traditional in-school program during the semester breaks (August and January).  

Students enrolled in the CVP will be issued a Chromebook to use to complete coursework.  Students will need access to the internet at home, but may use Coloma Community Schools ' Wi-Fi. 

Pacing

Students will be scheduled as full-time students and will complete six .5 credit courses over the course of a semester.  Students will work with the CHS Counselor to schedule necessary courses to graduate from Coloma Community Schools, satisfying CHS graduation requirements.

Application Process

1. NEW STUDENTS:

1. Apply during the enrollment process (Schools of Choice or Resident) with the district’s registrar in the district administration center (468-2424).

2. CURRENT CHS STUDENTS:

1. Students should meet with the CHS counselor to receive a recommendation for the program.
2. Students and parents will complete the Coloma Virtual Path Application and submit it to the high school counseling office.

3. Admittance to the CVP will be based on completion and submission of the 

           contract.

4. Students will be admitted based on the following criteria:
5. Need (credit-deficient, mental health)
6. Application review

Diploma Type

Students enrolled in the CVP will receive a Coloma High School Diploma (22 credits). To earn the CHS diploma, students are required to:

1. Meet the minimum attendance requirements (see below).
2. Meet CHS Graduation Requirements (see below).
3. Participate in all required state testing cycles, including but not limited to: 

           MME/MI Access, PSAT 9/10, and SAT.

4. Maintain an Educational Development Plan (EDP) that promotes post-secondary planning.

Academic/Graduation Requirements

To graduate from high school with a high school diploma, each student must:

1. Complete all District graduation requirements (see Board Policy 5460 and Administrative Guideline 5460 for a complete explanation of the district’s policy).

In order for a student to qualify for a diploma in this District, s/he must have completed the following courses and earned at least 22 credits in grades nine through twelve, including requirements listed below. (Required of all students not under an IEP)

• English (4 credits)
• English 9, English 10, English 11, & English 12 (Advanced Placement English courses may be substituted)
• Mathematics 4 credits
• Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, & Math Elective
• Social Studies 3 credits
• World History, U.S. History, Civics (.5 credit), & Economics (.5 credit)
• Science 3 credits
• Earth Science (.5 credit), Physics Essentials (.5 credit), Biology, and Chemistry or Chemistry Essentials Credits must be earned in one language
• Health/Physical Education 1 credit
• Health (.5 credit) & Physical Education (.5 credit)
• Visual, Performing, Applied Arts, state-approved 1 credit Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program
• World Language (other than English) 2 credits 
• World language (other than English) course content grade-appropriate K-12. One (1) credit of this requirement may be partially or fully fulfilled by completing an approved formal CTE program/curriculum or Visual Performing Arts instruction in addition to the one (1) credit already required in this area.
• 4 credits in addition to the credits outlined above, credits in electives, or career and technology education programs must be completed and awarded.
• Students shall successfully complete an online course or learning experience, or shall have the online learning experience incorporated into each of the required credits of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that they enroll in and pass all required classes to meet graduation requirements. Graduation must be earned by passing all mandated subjects and earning total credits (22) required for a diploma.

CHS students who wish to walk with their senior class or earn a CHS diploma must attend a

minimum of one semester at CHS during their senior year, earn a minimum of two credits, and meet the CHS graduation requirements.

 

Support

Students enrolled in the Coloma Virtual Pathway will receive academic and emotional support at the point of need and on a scheduled basis.

Academic - One-on-one support will be offered to each student by the lead teacher and include:

• required weekly “face-to-face” (in-person or virtual) sessions with the program mentor.

• required in-person session when a student is not meeting academic expectations (passing all classes and “on track” as determined by progress percentage) as determined by the program mentor.
• Virtual support from the Michigan Virtual course instructor/teacher.

Social / Emotional - One-on-one support will be offered by a school social worker at the student’s enrollment into the CVP.  After the first meeting, further sessions will be assessed with input from the student.  Further meetings may include:

• Monthly “face-to-face” (in person or virtual) meetings to review progress.
• Weekly sessions to check in and assess additional resources or support that may be needed.
• A student can request to meet with the social worker at any time during a student’s enrollment in the CVP

Attendance Requirements

1. Each week, a student is to attend his/her session with the program mentor.
2. A student will adhere to the count day period requirements communicated to

           him/her.

3. A student will attend all required meetings and orientations.

Student Behavior Expectations

Students participating in the Coloma Virtual Pathway are students of Coloma High School and will be held to the same expectations as a traditional Coloma student. These behavior expectations and the consequences for non-compliance are outlined in the Coloma High School Handbook.

Involvement in Coloma High School Activities and Extracurriculars

The Coloma Virtual Pathway Program will allow involvement and participation in the graduation ceremony upon the student’s satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements.

Students will be able to attend sporting events, extracurricular activities, and school dances when attending as a guest of a CHS student.

The Coloma Virtual Pathway Program does not offer participation in sports, fine arts, school clubs, homecoming activities, or any other traditional in-school activities.

Contact Information

Craig Fisher, CHS Principal

[email protected]

269-468-2400