Teaching & Learning - Virtual Instruction Program

Virtual Instruction Program

(Online High School)


	Welcome Information technology is promoting fundamental changes in how we teach and learn. Learning through online coursework is enhancing students' educational opportunities. In response to a growing need for alternate educational opportunities, Bend-La Pine Schools has supported the development of the Virtual Instruction Program (VIP). VIP offers a variety of high school courses for credit including Advanced Placement opportunities. Students can earn most, if not all, credits for a high school diploma through this online high school. Mission Provide a superior educational experience in a dynamic, technology-based learning environment presenting today's students with an engaging alternative to classroom learning. Purpose The Virtual Instruction Program provides an online alternative to the traditional classroom to address gaps in course offerings, enrich curriculum, give students greater flexibility in scheduling and assist underserved students in our district. The Virtual Instruction Program is a program of the Bend-La Pine Schools. We are committed to providing flexible learning opportunities for a variety of students with diverse educational needs using proven guidelines. Students are held to timelines, weekly progress checks and electronic communication. The Virtual Instruction Program provides: Complete course offerings for high school Mentor-based support system Remote licensed teachers for each course Standard-based curriculum Open class hours for individual instruction/help Wireless classroom/computer lab Onsite Summer credit recovery program for students that need to retake a failed course(s). The summer program has a limited number of available seats and is for credit retrieval ONLY (not accelerating or catching up).		The VIP voicemail system will have the most current enrollment information and office hours. A current list of available courses may be obtained by sending an email request for the VIP Coordinators. Please contact VIP with questions . Office Number: (541) 355-1040 Office Fax: (541) 355-1030 Leigha Gaynair VIP Coordinator/Mentor Teacher leigha.traceygaynair@bend.k12.or.us Teri Manselle VIP Coordinator/Mentor Teacher teri.manselle@bend.k12.or.us Location: Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center 520 NW Wall Street Room 232 Bend, Oregon 97701



	Enrollment Process All students must be enrolled in their district high school and be authorized for VIP by their counselor. An authorization form must be completed by the counselor. With counselor authorization, students may take additional courses with VIP even if they have a full schedule. Please be advised that the online courses are difficult and will add (on average) five to eight hours of study per week per course. Online courses are taken in .5 credit increments. If a student needs a full credit, then they will enroll in the first half of the course, finish. Then enroll in the second half of the course. This allows students to take only half a course if that is all they need and simplifies issues if they are only capable of completing half of a course. Students take one course at a time and can take as many courses as they are able back to back within the school year's VIP schedule. Prior to final enrollment, the student must complete an online orientation course in order to be eligible. This requirement ensures that all students are prepared for the online experience. At the initial meeting, the mentor will finalize the enrollment process and give students instructions on how to complete the orientation course. ONLY upon completion of the orientation course will students be enrolled in their selected courses. Students work with the VIP Coordinators in a mentor relationship. Industry studies strongly support the need for this additional support and monitoring for student success online.		Eligibility Students must be enrolled in a Bend-La Pine district school Students may take additional coursework with VIP even if they have a full schedule Student must complete an online orientation course prior to final enrollment Students must be able and willing to follow the VIP guidelines, which were created in compliance with national and state education standards, state ADM requirements, "seat time" requirements, and Bend-La Pine Schools' curriculum equivalency policy.
	Virtual Instruction Program students are encouraged to attend open class each week for help with their online courses. We provide open class to support online students with a regularly scheduled time and place to work and ask questions. Call for most current times. Attending open class greatly increases success!


	FAQ's

How does online high school work?

The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) provides high school curriculum in a flexible online environment. All assignments, quizzes, test and projects are completed online. Each student has an online teacher for each course, with whom he/she communicates with via e-mail. Students are still held to a "schedule" of completing assignments and testing. A mentor is provided to track student progress and serves as a liaison with counselors, teachers, students and parents. Final grades are reported to the student's permanent record (transcript) at their district school.

Who can be a VIP student?

The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) is an alternative education program of the Bend-La Pine Schools. Only Bend-La Pine students are eligible to take online courses with VIP. In addition, home-schooled students within the district boundaries are able to register with the district and become VIP students.

Are online courses easier?

No. Online courses are created at or above grade level and align with state and national standards. Even though online courses are flexible in the sense that a student is able to work on their assignments outside of a classroom schedule, they must complete assignments and tests on time, which means following a weekly schedule in most cases. For example, students are not able to "attend" an online course and do no work for several weeks. Students are expected to make weekly progress in their online courses.

What skills are necessary to be successful?

Online learning is, by nature, a more self-directed form of education. Students should possess strong critical thinking and problem solving skills and the ability to follow directions. In addition, students must be proactive about their learning. Online students will need to create their own study schedule, be responsible for contacting their teachers if they have questions, and meeting with their mentor when required.

Since virtual learning is visual, it is strongly recommended that students considering this form of study have good reading and reading comprehension skills. Virtual students should also have the necessary technology skills required. Online education is not for every student.