- Ector County Independent School District
- ECISD Virtual Academy
ECISD Virtual Academy
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We know students are best able to learn and grow in school, and we have put in place comprehensive safety measures for every campus. And while we recommend as many students as possible participate in on-campus learning due to the benefits, we understand parent and student concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to our traditional classroom opportunities, ECISD is offering a Virtual Academy option to qualifying students.
The deadline to enroll in the ECISD Virtual Academy is December 15th at 12pm. The ECISD Virtual Academy will begin on January 4th.
Your child can be successful in virtual learning when:
- The student has good organizational skills and often completes assignments on time.
- The student is motivated and is a self-directed learner.
- The student can attend virtual learning every day, for most of the day.
- The student is a willing reader who can engage with age-appropriate text independently.
- The student knows how to review directions, check their work, communicate with the teacher, and ask for support.
- The student usually accomplishes everything that is expected that day.
- The student has keyboarding skills and feels comfortable using email, web browsers, video conferencing tools, search engines, and word-processing software (age appropriate).
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Who Qualifies for the Virtual Academy?
Students qualify for remote instructions if they meet the following criteria:
- Achieved satisfactory achievement or higher on each STAAR assessment administered.
- Had a number of unexcused absences that is 10% or fewer.
- Earned a 70 or higher in math, science, social studies, English/reading
The Virtual Academy is for students PreK- 12th grade. Students of any age who qualify for homebound services as medically fragile are eligible as well. We strongly encourage all students currently attending school in-person with safety protocols to continue in-person as we know this is the BEST option for academic improvement and social and emotional support.
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Reasons a Student May Not Qualify for the ECISD Virtual Academy
Students who did not perform well in virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year, will not be allowed to participate in the ECISD Virtual Academy during the 20221-2022 school year. Students who failed a STAAR or EOC exam are not eligible to attend the ECISD Virtual Academy. Students cannot have more than 10 or more unexcused absences.
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Registering Students in the Virtual Academy
Parents/guardians who are interested in the Virtual Academy option should complete the digital Virtual Academy Parent Application, then if applicable the ECISD Virtual Academy Commitment Form. Families needing assistance can call 432-456-8492.
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A family/ student participating in the Virtual Academy must commit to the following
- Attend virtual instruction daily with no more than two unexcused absences for scheduled synchronous instruction
- Strive to maintain an ongoing grade average of 70% or higher
- Follow the ECISD Student Code of Conduct at all times
- Work independently
- Provide in-home support from an adult to maintain high levels of engagement and have an active Parent Portal account
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What Learning Will Look Like
- Instruction will be conducted through live streaming and independent work/online modules.
- A student will have a certified teacher, we are working with an outside provider and ECISD teachers will not participate in the ECISD Virtual Academy.
- A student that chooses a virtual learning option will remain virtual the entire semester.
Behavior Expectations
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Students are expected to respect the privacy of the class. Students are not allowed to video or audio record classes, nor are they allowed to take a screenshot of the teacher or a classmate.
Students should maintain awareness of the Zoom camera during class. The teacher and classmates can see all facial expressions and behavior.
Students should not broadcast their screen or use the chat feature without permission of the teacher.
Students should practice good social etiquette. Don't interrupt. Make "eye contact" with the person speaking on the screen. Practice active listening.
Students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty. Struggling students should work with a partner or ask the teacher for guidance when needed.
Students should practice empathy. Any insight gained from another students' private life out to produce empathy, and understanding of the individual and her or his unique situation and experience. It should never be used as a tool to mock, harass, bully, or disparage. Such comments or behavior are grounds for disciplinary response.
Students should not use the cell phone without permission of the teacher.
FAQ
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What are the family commitments and understanding for virtual academy?
- Parents understand that students must login to the virtual class each day. Students will be required to login with the teacher multiple times during the school day.
- Middle School students under the age of 12 will be enrolled in a physical education course and a discovery of foreign language course as their only elective.
- Parents must commit to creating and monitoring their Parent Portal account and attend parent/teacher virtual conferences, as requested by the teacher or school administration.
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Will my child keep their spot at their previously assigned school if they return for in-person instruction?
Students who attend a choice school will have to re-apply for a spot. Students may attend their home campus if they want to return to in- person instruction.
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If my child is in the Virtual Academy, can they switch to in-person learning at any time?
A student that chooses a virtual learning option will remain virtual the entire semester.
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Will students in the Virtual Academy take assessments such as the MAP/STAAR?
Virtual students will have all the expectations of an in-person learner including, diagnostic assessments, MAP, benchmark assessments, and EOC and STAAR exams. Exams will required in person participation.
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Can my student who is receiving special education services participate in the Virtual Academy?
Yes. Students who choose the virtual option will continue to receive special education and related services as determined appropriate by the student’s IEP team. Students with a 504 Plan will continue to receive appropriate accommodations per the student’s 504 plan.
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Can students enrolled in the Virtual Academy participate in extracurricular activities or clubs at the campus?
Students in Virtual Learning are enrolled in their home campus. They may participate in extracurricular activities.