Get Adobe ReaderA note about viewing streaming video

MOVIP GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Frequently Asked Questions

TEACHER QUESTIONS

SCHOOL DISTRICT/PRIVATE SCHOOL QUESTIONS 

STUDENT QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

TEACHER QUESTIONS

SCHOOL DISTRICT/PRIVATE SCHOOL QUESTIONS 

STUDENT QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is the Missouri Virtual Instructional Program (MoVIP)?

MoVIP offers online courses for students statewide.  Students can take an entire course from any Internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MoVIP is a K-12 program.

MoVIP enables all schools to offer Missouri students equal access to a wider range of coursework, more flexibility in scheduling, and learning online is neither time nor place dependent.

Who can enroll?

All Missouri public, private and home school students are entitled to apply for enrollment.

How will the MoVIP classes be structured?

MoVIP students are guided through their courses by Missouri certified teachers.  Courses will be delivered over the Internet.  To assure student success with virtual learning, a variety of web-based, technology resources (streaming audio and video, computer animations, email, newsgroups, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and digital portfolios) are provided.  Teachers communicate with students and parents on a regular basis via phone, email, online chats, instant messaging, and discussion forums.

Who Administers the MoVIP Online Program?

 The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the State Board of Education oversee administration and quality assurance activities such as related content and delivery of courses.

Is there a cost for courses?

There is no cost to the student or district if there are state-funded seats available and the student is not full-time with a Missouri public school.  The public school student can be a part-time student with the school district and take courses with MOVIP not to exceed a full load of courses with their school district.  (e.g. if 7 hours is what your school district considers a full load, then you can take any combination of MOVIP and school district courses to equal but not exceed 7 semester courses.)

 

Can students pay to take MOVIP classes?

Yes.  A tuition paid program is available for any student taking MOVIP courses that did not receive state-funding or for any courses not eligible for state-funding. 

The tuition cost for an elementary student is $375 per semester course.  The cost for a secondary student is $357 per semester course

How long are the courses?

For secondary students, the average course will take 18-20 weeks to complete.  For the elementary student the courses are based more on a regular school year with two semesters.

 Why do we need MoVIP?

Other states are using online courses to:

Will MoVIP issue students diplomas?

MoVIP is not a school and does NOT offer a complete high school diploma program online.  The credit earned by a MoVIP course is entered on the student’s transcript at the local school district by the site facilitator.   Non-public students will receive the credit that can be forwarded to the appropriate agency.

What are the advantages for school districts?  

Interest in online education is exploding, and reflecting the need for flexibility that our fast-paced lives often demands.  Online education is growing in popularity because it offers learning choices that are effective, flexible and accessible.  Students can take online courses from the convenience of their own homes.  These classes can expand offerings, resolve scheduling conflicts and meet other needs. 

MoVIP uncomplicates the process of adding virtual courses to a district’s curriculum.  It takes care of the details, providing the content, platform, online teachers, technical support, training, server and much more.

How do I keep updated on the development of this program?

The website is the best way to stay apprised of issues and new for the MOVIP program.  Always feel free to contact the Virtual School office at DESE 573-526-4219.

How many students will be permitted to enroll in MoVIP for the 2008-2009 school year?

The number of state-funded seats free is determined by the Missouri Legislature.  This year’s appropriation will provide approximately 15,500 semester classes.  The actual number of students that will be served is unknown due to the flexibility that students can be either part-time or full-time.  As of the end of June, approximately 60% of the state funded seats for the 2008-2009 school year have been requested. 

In addition, MoVIP will still offer courses for tuition, paid for by parents, school districts, or private schools. 

What is the MoVIP tuition pay program?

Senate Bill 912 states that “Nothing in Senate Bill 912 shall prohibit students from enrolling in additional courses under a separate agreement that includes terms for paying tuition or course fees.”  State funding will determine the number of courses that MoVIP will be able to offer free to Missouri students.  Once the budget limit for MoVIP is met with state funds, the tuition program will allow another option for students interested in participating.  This would also apply to summer school.  DESE does not want to restrict the students’ ability to obtain MoVIP services.  Tuition students residing in Missouri will pay for their own courses will receive the same services of state paid students participating in MoVIP.  Tuition self-paid participation is discretionary on the part of students and parents.  Tuition paid seats will be unlimited.

How will students be selected for MoVIP for the 2008-2009 school year? 

 Registration for the 2008-2009 school year opened up in March and continues.  Selection is first come; first serve until all 15,500 enrollments are taken.  As of the end of June, approximately 60% of the seats had been requested.   

What courses will be offered for 2008-2009? 

 A complete list of courses can be found on our website.  For the 08-09 school year, the secondary program (grades 6-12), for the first time, will be offering courses for middle school students (grades 6-8).

In addition to the new middle school program, MOVIP is offering over 20 additional courses to the high school program.  In the area of foreign language, French and Mandarin Chinese have been added.  Some of the other electives added include psychology, sociology, driver’s education, and ACT prep.

The elementary program (grades K-5) will launch a program for academically gifted students in grades 3-5.  Additional elective courses including sign language and home life will be offered for the elementary grades as well.

 

What is the elementary gifted program? 

 The Missouri Legislature established a state law in 1973 authorizing the State Board of Education to establish standards for special programs for gifted students. Through these standards, approximately half of Missouri’s 523 school districts currently operate a gifted program.  MoVIP will be offering a gifted program for grades 3-5 that will function under the established standards for gifted education including having certified gifted instructors. For additional information about the standards as well as the screening process required, go to the following link:

Will MoVIP provide equipment for students?

No equipment will be provided. 

What type of equipment will be required of students to participate either at home or school?

The following computer configurations are recommended:

Personal computers (PC)

  • Pentium II (233 Mhz)
  • Windows 98
  • 256 MB RAM with 100 MB available hard drive space
  • 12 x CD-ROM
  • 56k modem
  • Display setting 800 x 600 resolution
  • Sound card
  • Internet Explorer 5.5 Service pace 2 or a compatible browser that supports the same functionality as Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2

MacIntosh (Mac) Computer

  • Power Mac G3 Processor
  • OSX
  • 256 MB RAM with 100 MB of available hard drive space
  • 12 x CD-ROM
  • 56kb modem
  • Display setting 800 x 600 resolution
  • Sound Card
  • Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2 or a compatible browser that supports the same functionality as Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2

Can a student drop out if they find that the virtual environment is not suitable for their learning style?

 Yes.  For state-funded classes there is a 14 day grace period for any student who wants to withdraw from the course(s).  This enrollment will NOT be entered on the student’s transcript.

Can a student be removed from a MoVIP class?

 Yes.  Any student fails to submit any assignments and/or has a 0% grade at the end of the 14 grace period will automatically be withdrawn by DESE. This withdrawal will not be reflected on their transcript. 

If a student is inactive for a 21 day period (not submitting any work for 21 consecutive days), the student will be removed from the course as well.  MoVIP staff will notify students to encourage their participation.  Students removed from a course for inactivity will be considered a dropped student and will have “dropped” entered on the student’s transcript.  Students with documented medical or other issues resulting in non-activity can request an extension.

What if a student drops after the 14 day grace period and/or is dropped for 21 day inactivity?

 These students will be considered a dropped student and “dropped” will be entered on their transcript.

Can a student re-enroll in a class if they have been dropped from the class?

Students will only be allowed to re-enroll in the same MOVIP class once during one academic year.  Students who have dropped out of more than 2 MoVIP classes in an academic year will have to obtain special permission from the admissions officer to enroll in any additional MoVIP classes.

Will MoVIP be available for summer school?

Yes.  However, Senate Bill 912 does not provide any state funded courses for summer school; therefore the summer program is tuition only.

Will students receive grades? 

Yes.  At the completion of a semester course, the student, school district, or private school will receive the percentage of successful course work for each course.  Each district will then assign a letter grade for their student(s) based on the grading scale.  This accommodates the various grading scales utilized throughout Missouri.  Local policies regarding weighting and grading scales are applied to the score MoVIP provides. 

Can a student take Advanced Placement (AP) courses?

Yes.  MoVIP offers nine Advanced Placement courses that are certified by College Board and taught by AP certified teachers.  MoVIP will NOT be responsible for administering the AP exam at the end of the course.  Local school officials can assist the student with that process.

There are only 175 of the 524 public school districts in the state of Missouri that offer AP courses, MoVIP will be a great equalizer in accessing these higher level classes. 

Is dual credit available for MoVIP classes?

No.  MoVIP does not currently plan to participate in a dual credit program. 

What tests will be required of MoVIP Students?
Senate Bill 912 states that MoVIP “will comply with all state laws and regulations applicable to school districts, including but not limited to the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), Annual Performance Report (APR), Teacher Certification, and Curriculum Standards.” 

This bill requires that all students (public, non-public and home schooled) enrolled in a MOVIP course must participate in MAP testing through MoVIP.  MAP testing generally occurs during the months of April and May.  Please pay close attention to our web site for specific information about testing requirements, locations, times, dates, etc.

Missouri’s MAP program will also be requiring an End of Course Exam (EOC) starting in the 2008-2009 school year.  MoVIP students will be required to take the EOC exam for Algebra I, English II and Biology during the 08-09 school year. 

TEACHER QUESTIONS

What types of certifications are required for MoVIP teachers?

All teachers are required to have Missouri certification in their subject area as well as a background check required by Missouri law. Teachers will be hired by Northwest Missouri State University for the secondary program and Connections Academy for the elementary program.  Previous online experience or professional training in online delivery will be expected.

How do I apply to be a MoVIP teacher?

If you are interested in becoming a MOVIP teacher, go to www.dese.mo.gov/movip and click the link “Teaching for MOVIP” on the left side in the navigation buttons.  Be sure to include your resume.

SCHOOL DISTRICT/PRIVATE SCHOOL QUESTIONS 

 

What will be expected of public and private school districts?

If a public or private school has a student participating in the MoVIP program, DESE will ask the school/district to provide a name of a site facilitator/liaison.  This person will be MOVIP’s contact persons and would be expected to assist the student or the virtual teacher as issues arise.  Selected Site Facilitators can then access student information and course progress through the Web applications login page.

Can a district pay for MoVIP courses through the tuition model and still collect full state aid for the student?

If the student is enrolled in the school district and the district elects to deliver the course virtually as opposed to face to face and pays the tuition to MoVIP, the district would still receive 100% of the state weighted aid locally.  The student(s) would then need to be under the supervision of a certificated staff member.

If a student is taking a MoVIP class funded through the state, but is actually working on the class during the school day in a school, can the district claim full state aide for the student?

No.  That would be considered double payment since MoVIP is providing the instruction.  As per Senate Bill 912, the district would only receive 15% of its state aid per weighted ADA for the virtual class.

Will school districts need to revise some of their own policies and procedures to accommodate the MoVIP initiative?

Possibly.  Districts should review the State Board Rule for MoVIP as well as the 2010 High School Graduation Handbook for DESE.  This will assist districts with development of their own policies and procedures. 

Where can I get a copy of the State Board Rules for MoVIP?

The State Board Rule for MoVIP is 5 CSR 50-500.010 and can be located at:

Can homebound students take advantage of MOVIP?

Yes.  Homebound students, including those who are expelled or Out of School Suspension (OSS) and those homebound for medical reasons are using MOVIP for course delivery.  A school district can use this option in place of sending a teacher to the student’s home for 5 hours per week.

Can a middle school student take high school-level courses?

Yes.  Academically advanced students in elementary and middle school/junior high will be allowed to take high school-level courses.  Local policies will determine if the credits will be counted toward meeting the subject-area requirements for graduation.

STUDENT QUESTIONS

Will I have a real teacher?

Yes.  A highly qualified Missouri certified teacher will be your instructor for the course(s).  You can communicate with them via instant messenger, email, and phone.  Remember, they could be located anywhere. 

What type of students can benefit from using MoVIP?

Students confronted with the following scenarios:

What type of student is usually successful in learning online?

Students who choose to participate in online courses will need to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online.  The following attributes can contribute to a student’s success:  Self-motivation, independent learning, computer literate, efficient time manager, effective written communication skills, and personal commitment.  Students should not expect that there will be less to do than in the regular classroom since each course must adhere to the Missouri standard and grade level expectations for the area of instruction.  For success in the virtual classroom, it is VITAL that students login on a DAILY basis and submit assignments.

What skills do I need to succeed in an online class?

Students need adequate keyboarding skills and good written skills.  Experience using email and a web browser is highly recommended.  Students also need to be self-motivated.  Falling behind in an online course makes it very difficult to succeed.  Keep in close contact with your instructor and login several times a week to keep up.

Will I be completely on my own?

No.  Although you will have more responsibility for time management and independent study than you do in a traditional course, you will have a Missouri Certified Teacher who will be available to you during their office hours during the week.  This is not a correspondence class but rather an interactive program involving communication between students, teachers and parents.

How do online classes work?  Do I have to be online at a certain time?

No, you typically don’t have to be online at a certain time, there will be deadlines and due dates that your instructor will ask of you to meet just as in a traditional class.  All class work and assignments are accessible for the entire semester course from the first day you log in.  This allows for instruction at your own pace.  Class discussion takes places in a discussion area where comments are displayed and left up throughout the course.  To participate, go to the threaded discussion area in the online classroom, read the items listed, and add your comments.  Make sure that you participate in these discussions regularly.  Participation in online discussions is important.  Take it seriously; in most courses the quality of your “class participation” will be factored into your final grade.

How will I receive credit?

When you have completed your online course MoVIP provides a percentage to your school.  Local grading scales and weighting policies will be applied by your school before they award credit.  MoVIP has not adopted a grading scale. 

 

What if I have trouble logging into the online classes?

Secondary (6-12) 888-864-6778

Elementary (K-5) 800-382-6010