What curriculum is used in the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy?
The Oskaloosa Virtual Academy partners with state approved Edmentum for the online courseware. This high-quality academic learning is customized by Oskaloosa educators to ensure alignment to prioritized Iowa Core Standards and to align to a trimester time frame. For grades K to 5 the courseware is called Calvert and Edmentum Courseware for grades 6 to 12.
What subjects will my student study?
Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Health/Physical Education are the core courses. See the course catalog for more information.
What are the physical education requirements?
The Iowa Healthy Kids Act requires 30 minutes of physical education each day for students in grades K-5 and 120 minutes per week for students in grades 6-12. The in-home nature of the online school model requires families to assume the primary responsibility for the implementation of physical education activities. Teachers will provide students and families with resources and information concerning the Physical Education and the Healthy Kids Act requirements.
Does the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy provide textbooks and other needed materials?
All learning 'textbooks' are provided through the district provided Edmentum Courseware virtually. The district will also provide a device (Chromebook) to each student enrolled in the program. Other school supplies and internet is the family's responsibility. See the school supplies portion of the website for more information.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
Our program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. For all students there is a combination of self-paced work and scheduled lessons and activities.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
Elementary students will spend portions of each day on the computer but non-computer activities are built into most lessons. At the secondary level, students will spend nearly their entire school day online.
How much time each day should my student spend working on lessons?
Students are expected to spend a rough equivalent of the length of a school day towards their education. How this fits into each family's schedule is flexible except for scheduled meetings. The amount of time each student needs to stay on track in courses will vary by student.
Do you provide instruction for exceptional students?
Yes. We will work with you to provide IEP, 504, EL, and TAG services, as appropriate, for your student. Contact Melanie Hatch, the Director of Student Servies, at hatchm@oskycsd.org for more information.
How do students interact socially?
Students interact socially during scheduled community meetings, class meetings, and other opportunties for virtual and actual fieldtrips (when COVID allows).
Who is eligible to attend Oskaloosa Virtual Academy?
Any student in grades K-12 who resides in Iowa and successfully submits either an open enrollment application before the March 1st deadline or is a resident Oskaloosa student is eligible for enrollment. If a student is entering school for the first time as a kindergarten student, the deadline to enroll is September 15.
How many of my children can I enroll in the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy?
Because the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy serves students in grades K-12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy?
Since the Oskaloosa Virtual Program is a public school, there is no tuition. The academy provides the curriculum and certified teachers. Families will need to provide normal consumable school supplies (such as paper, pencils, scissors, markers, etc). Families are required to provide access to the internet to participate in the program. Assistance is available to those who qualify by filling out a free & reduced lunch application.
What are the technology system requirements for my computer?
Please read through the system requirements for your student's curriculum:
- For K-5 Calvert Learning, here is the link to their system requirements.
- For 6-12 Edmentum, here is the link to their system requirements.
Where do I get help with my district issued device?
District technology staff will help with any district owned related issues. Please complete this student tech ticket to submit a request for assistance.
Where do I get help when having issues with the Edmentum Online Courseware?
When having issues with either the Calvert or Edmentum Courseware online platforms contact Edmentum Support at 800-447-5286 or support@plato.com.
What tests and assessments are required as part of the Virtual Academy?
Students who are enrolled in the Oskaloosa Virtual Academy are required to take the following tests:
- Edmentum Courseware assessments
- Teacher required tests, assessments, or other pieces of required evidence (papers, projects, etc.)
- Iowa State Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)
- English Language Arts (reading, language, and writing) grades 3 to 11
- Math grades 3 to 11
- Science grades 5, 8, and 10
- FASTBridge Assessments in Reading and Math for grades K to 8
Do I have to participate in state testing?
All Oskaloosa Virtual Academy students must be willing to participate in all areas of the program including state testing following all state on-site proctoring requirements.
