White County School System is excited to continue our Digital Distance Learning (DDL) program for students for the 2024-25 school year. Students who are successful in online learning must be motivated, organized, self-disciplined, and supported. This program is an extension of our middle and high schools and applicant approval for the program is required.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Digital learning is not optimal for every student. Some students do not thrive academically, socially, or emotionally in the digital learning environment. Acceptance into the program will be based on the following:
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Applicants seeking to re-enroll in the DDL program must have passed courses, earned credit, and remained on track with the progress targets during their previous DDL experience.
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High school applicants must be on track to graduate with their cohort.
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Applicants must have a good attendance history.
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Applicants must demonstrate solid academic performance. DDL is not a good option for students that are struggling academically.
PLATFORM AND TIME COMMITMENT
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All students will complete coursework using self-paced online software that is aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
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Students should dedicate time to each course every school day. Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours each school day completing coursework and remain "On Target" with course progress goals.
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A teacher is not assigned to direct each individual course. Parents and students will have access to a staff member designated to assist with platform questions.
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Coursework will be available 24/7; however, it is not expected that students work on weekends or school holidays.
EXPECTATIONS FOR DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS
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Students are expected to commit to the DDL program for an entire semester. It is crucial that families are confident in their decision to enroll in online learning.
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Students must have reliable Internet access. A lack of Internet access will not excuse a student from completing coursework.
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Families should commit to supporting the student by providing a workspace, creating a daily schedule, and monitoring students' progress. Parents and guardians will receive weekly updates via email. Parents and guardians may access the Edgenuity Family Portal to monitor their student’s progress as well.
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Attendance requirements are defined in accordance with a virtual setting. Truancy laws cannot be waived by the system and parents who do not consistently ensure their students meet the attendance guidelines will be subject to the standard truancy consequences.
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Students are expected to abide by the WCSS Code of Conduct while participating in DDL.
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Parents/guardians agree to have their student participate in all required district assessments depending on student's grade level. Such assessments will be outlined at the beginning of the semester.
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Students in the DDL program may participate in after-school extracurricular activities and athletics. Some activities will not be accessible to DDL students depending on when they are held and the nature of the activity.
CALENDAR
March 14 - April 12, 2024: Application Window open for Fall 2024
July 26, 2024: Late application deadline for Fall 2024
August 2, 2024: First day of school for the 2024-2025 school year
August 5-16, 2024: Fall Probation period - Students who are not meeting the progress targets will be removed from DDL and returned to in-person instruction
November 22, 2024: Deadline for current DDL students to notify the Coordinator that they want to return to in-person instruction in the building for Sprint 2025
December 2-13, 2024: Application window open for new enrollees for Spring 2025
December 20, 2024: Last day of Fall semester 2024
January 7, 2025: First day of Spring semester 2025
January 8-21, 2025: Spring Probation period - Students who are not meeting the progress targets will be removed from DDL and returned to in-person instruction.