May 19, 2013

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Student Requirements

The successful student views online courses as a convenient way to learn – not an easier way.
  • Self-disciplined – you do not need to rely on your parents or teachers to keep you on-task and involved in the class.
  • Independent learners who can direct their own learning with some guidance and support.
  • Acceptable written communication skills.
  • At least an 8th grade reading comprehension level.
  • Be able to work online 5 days a week, 4 hours per day.
  • Basic to above average computer skills.
  • Have access to a personal computer and internet service 24 hours a day.
  • Have Guardian, Parent, or Mentor support.
  • Willing to ask questions immediately if a problem occurs with either technology or the course content.
  • Complete at least 10% of assignments each week for one or two classes.
  • Complete assignments in the order they are given and on time.
  • Respond to e-mails sent by the teacher, your advisor, the counselor or the school.
  • Stay on pace in all courses.

Other Requirements

  1. New students must participate in our New Student Orientation program.
  2. Students must participate in all School, District and Colorado State Assessments including MAPS, CSAP, ACT, etc.
  3. Attendance must be kept, but students have flexibility in scheduling time – 4 hours per day, 5 days a week minimum.
  4. Frequent communication between parent, student, teacher and school is encouraged with at least weekly student and monthly parent face-to-face meetings to set goals and discuss progress.

Course Progress Expectations

  1. Students may be terminated for not keeping pace with assignments. Attendance is measured by submission of assignments and activities, communication with the teacher, discussion threads and any other teacher directed activities and interaction with online lessons.
  2. If a student fails to be actively involved in a course for 10 consecutive days without cause and prior teacher communication, the student can be terminated as indicated in the policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria:

Students are eligible for admission if the assessment and verification shows that DOHS is able to meet the student’s emotional, social, physical and academic needs based on the the following criteria. Applicants scoring less 20pts. may be placed on a waiting list or referred to another program that may better meet their individual needs.

Section 1 Application

Score

Quality (Followed directions, submitted completed application)
4 – Followed directions, complete and readable
3 – Incomplete, missing 1-2 items, parts not signed, difficult to read
2 – Missing 3 or more items, parts not signed, messy
1 – Incomplete, thrown together, sloppy

 
Section 2 Interview

Score

Participation (Student ownership, with parent support)
5 – Student answered questions and showed interest – student has ownership of school choice.
4 – Student answered questions with parent involvement – shared decision
3 – Parent answered questions with student involvement – parent may have more ownership of choice.
2 – Parent answered most of the questions with little student involvement – parent making decision
1 – Student interviewed without adult participation or support

 
Section 3 Academic Achievement

Score

Achievement (2.00 GPA or better, on track to graduate)
5 – 2.5 GPA overall or better, on track to graduate
4 – 2.0 GPA, on track to graduate
3 – 2.0 GPA overall, not on track to graduate
2 – Below 2.0 GPA, on track to graduate
1 – Below 2.0 GPA, not on track to graduate

 
Section 4 Assessment

Score

Readiness (Demonstrates ability to be successful online)
5 – Essay = 5, or better, MAPS Score higher than grade level mean
4 – Essay = 4, MAPS Score at grade level mean
3 – Essay = 3, MAPS Score below grade level within range
2 – Essay = 2, MAPS Score 1 grade level below 9th grade
1 – Essay = 1, MAPS Score at 2 levels or more below 9th grade

 
Section 5 Personal Needs

Score

Need (Flexibility, opportunity and choice)
5 – Health, extra curricular, travel or family needs
4 – New to state or unable to enroll in another school due to timing
3 – Student looking for alternative option to regular school w/potential for success
2 – Student returning to school after dropping out or for other reasons
1 – Student referred due to attendance, discipline or legal requirements

 
Section 6 Status

Score

Preference Status (DPS student on track to graduate)
5 – DPS student, on track to graduate, Junior or Senior class
4 – Out of district student, on track to graduate
3 – No more than 1 semester behind to graduate
2 – More than 1 semester behind
1 – 1 year behind with potential for success

 

Overall Score