Those not doing their work, falling behind told virtual school is no longer an option
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Some parents of students within the Escambia County (Ala.) School system who opted for their children to do virtual learning received a letter within the last week informing them that their child or children is no longer eligible to be a virtual learning student and is required to return to school immediately.
School Superintendent John Knott said the letter was prompted by tracing the students' progress and work through the virtual option and those who were not engaging the program, failing or falling behind would receive the letter. The letter, signed by Knott, District Attendance Administrator Cheryl L. Jones and the school principal, also noted that truancy will be pursued and charges will be filed if the student does not return to school.
He said letters were also sent to parents whose children were considered at risk of not being able to catch up and be successful in the program.
The option of virtual learning was put in place across the state of Alabama and in Escambia County due to COVID-19.
Knott said that the beginning of the school year there were about 1,700 students doing virtual learning. He said after the first nine weeks, more than half came back the classroom and the system currently has a little more than 600 students enrolled in virtual learning. He would not say how many letters were sent out.
Knott said at the end of the first nine weeks, the students' progress on virtual learning studied and found many were not doing the work.
He said prior to a student opting for the virtual learning the student and the parent(s) had to go through an orientation. He also said the state provided the curriculum and platform to deliver the curriculum virtually. Knott also said virtual learning was an option and parents signed an agreement to follow the guidelines.
Knott said the board of education felt offering a virtual option due to the pandemic was in the best interest of the students and the community.
He noted the guidelines, which the parents were required to sign off on, said the parents would provide organization, structure, oversight and assistance to their children; especially the younger students.
"We've got a good many students who have been successful," Knott said. "But when it's based on self-motivation it has to be monitored."
He also said the contract with the parents stated that the parents were responsible to provide reliable Internet access and the state has provided that access.
Knott said during recent tracking the system found some students who had logged into the system for less than 12 minutes in a two-week period.
The letter sent to parents notes that virtual students are required to log in each school day; they are required to maintain appropriate course progression as measured by the completion of weekly assignments, quizzes and/or tests as outlined in the course-pacing guidelines; required to work each day on all of their course work in each of their core courses and subjects; and that schoolwork is expected to take place during regular school hours.
The letter concluded that those who received letters were in non-compliance and are no longer eligible to be a virtual learner and are required to return to school as a traditional learner.
"If you, as a parent, are not in agreement with this decision, you may withdraw your child from the Escambia County Public School System and enroll him or her in a private school or homeschool program," the letter reads. "If you choose not to do that, and your child does not return to school, without a valid excuse, he or she will be counted absent, unexcused. Truancy will be pursued, charges will be filed against you and related legal procedures will be followed."
