Carthage Online 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent/Student Handbook

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Introduction and Purpose 2

What is MOCAP? 2

Profile of a Successful Online Learner 2

Making the Decision 3

Technology 3

Learning Environment 3

Course Considerations 3

Enrollment Procedures 4

Denial Procedures 5

Course Selection and Scheduling 5

Hybrid Scheduling 5

Progress Monitoring and Student Accountability 6

Dropping Online Courses / Returning to Traditional Courses 6

State Testing 7

Graduation Requirements 8

High School and Junior High Athletics and Activities 8

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities 8

Student Responsibilities 9

 

 

Introduction and Purpose

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide for Carthage R-9 students, parents/guardians, counselors, administrators, and staff involved in virtual learning. It explains the district's general expectations for students participating in virtual coursework and provides families with information needed to make an informed decision.

No handbook can anticipate every situation. When a circumstance is not specifically addressed, the district will use applicable law, board policy, administrative procedures, and the student's educational needs to determine appropriate responses.

Carthage R-9 Board Policy 6190 and Regulation 6190 governs virtual learning and MOCAP. 

What is MOCAP?

The Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) provides Missouri students access to virtual coursework. Missouri law also permits local school districts and charter schools to use approved virtual learning providers and to establish local procedures consistent with applicable law.

Carthage R-9 will maintain a district process for students seeking virtual coursework. The district's process will provide an appropriate review of the requested course(s), confirm that the course fits the student's educational plan, and address any applicable district, state, athletic, activities, testing, or graduation requirements.

For students (Grades 7th-12th) to remain enrolled in Carthage R-9 Schools, parents/guardians/students must choose to use the district’s preferred online provider, Edgenuity.   

Students choosing an outside MOCAP provider will transfer out of Carthage Schools and into the district hosting the program. Please visit DESE - MOCAPDESE - MOCAP and search the “Full Time Provider Catalog” for these options. 

Profile of a Successful Online Learner

Virtual instruction requires students to take significant responsibility for managing their learning. Parents and students should be aware that the demands of online courses are equal to or exceed those of traditional face-to-face courses. A student is more likely to be successful when the student has:

• Time management — creates and maintains regular study schedules equivalent to or more rigorous than traditionally seated coursework
• Parent/guardian support — adults provide consistent encouragement and oversight
• Independent study habits — historically completes work without constant face-to-face supervision
• Academic readiness — has the reading, writing, mathematics, and technology skills needed for the course
• Self-motivation — persists when work is difficult or when an adult/teacher is not physically present
• Reliable technology and internet access — Carthage schools are not responsible for ensuring MOCAP students have adequate technology
• Effective communication skills — asks questions, responds to teachers, and communicates promptly.

Students should expect to devote substantial, consistent time to coursework and should follow the course syllabus and district/provider expectations.

Making the Decision

Before approving a virtual course, the student, parent/guardian, counselor, and appropriate district staff should consider. 

Initial Requirements:

• Student must prove residency in the Carthage R-9 School district. 
• Student must have been enrolled full-time in and have attended a public or charter school for at least one semester immediately prior to requesting enrollment in online education. (R6190) 

Technology

• Does the student have reliable internet access?
• Does the student have access to a device and software required by the course?
• Is the student/parent/guardian able to use the provider's learning platform and communication tools?

Learning Environment

• Does the student have a quiet and adequate space to work? 
• Will the student have a consistent time for coursework?
• Can the student work independently and ask for help when needed?

Course Considerations

• Does the requested course fit the student's graduation plan?
• Is the requested course in the student's best academic interest?
• High School students (9th-12th) will be allowed to enroll in online courses at the beginning of each semester and are expected to stay in the online course for the duration of the semester.  Reenrollment will be considered at the close of each semester.

 

Enrollment Procedures

Students requesting district-supported virtual coursework should follow the process established by Carthage R-9 Schools. In order to remain enrolled in Carthage R-9 Schools, parents/guardians/students must choose to use the district’s preferred online provider, Edgenuity.   

Students choosing an outside MOCAP provider will transfer out of Carthage Schools and into the district hosting the program. Please visit DESE - MOCAP and search the “Full-Time Provider Catalog” for these options. 

 

Enrollment Process for Carthage Online Education: 

For Parents

1. Complete all required district enrollment/registration procedures.
2. Eligibility Question 1: Is the student residing in the Carthage school district? 
3. Eligibility Question 2: Was the student enrolled full-time in a public or charter school for at least one semester immediately prior to requesting enrollment in online education? (R6190) 

a. If either answer is no, the student is ineligible for online coursework. 

4. Contact your student’s school to initiate the online enrollment process. State any required EL, IEP, or 504 needs before enrollment when applicable.

 

For Counselors and/or School Administration

5. Counselor and/or school administration will review the request for eligibility, course fit, prerequisites, graduation requirements, and other concerns.
6. Ensure parent/guardian has signed off on Online Education Handbook Agreement.

 

Decisions to switch from seated courses to district-provided online courses should be made within the first 10 days of the semester. 

If denied enrollment in an online program, the district will provide in writing a “good cause” reason for denial based on reasonable determination that the enrollment is not in the student’s best educational interest. (R6190) 

Insofar as it is in the student’s best academic interest, please note that Carthage R-9 faculty and staff will regularly monitor online student progress and reserve the right to return online students to traditionally seated courses if the online setting is not in the best interest of the student. If a student transfers from online courses to the traditional setting, whether by student or school choice, grades from the online coursework will transfer with him/her. If a student is simply dropped for lack of attendance or logging in, the student may receive an F on the transcript.  

 

Denial Procedures

Carthage R-9 Schools reserve the right to approve, deny, or revoke student participation in full-time or part-time virtual education programs—including district-sponsored online coursework and Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) options—based on a determination of the student’s best educational interest. Pursuant to RSM 161.670 and Carthage R-9 Board Policy and Regulation 6190, virtual instruction is an educational delivery model that requires demonstrated student engagement, academic progress, and self-direction.

The District maintains full discretion to deny initial enrollment or require a student to return to in-person instruction if prior virtual performance, attendance, or course completion metrics indicate that online learning is not promoting the student’s academic success. 

If participation is denied or revoked, parents may appeal the decision through the following official appeals process.

 

 

Online Education / MOCAP Denials

Carthage R-9 Schools Appeals Process

 

Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 161.670 and Carthage R-9 Board Policy and Regulation 6190, the district administration reserves the right to review student academic history, current progress, and enrollment criteria to evaluate whether virtual/online instruction aligns with the student’s educational needs. If, after a thorough review by educational staff, it has been determined that virtual/online learning is not in the best educational interest of a student, administration may deny enrollment in online MOCAP programming. 

 

If parents/guardians disagree with the determination, appeals may be made using the following processes:

 

1. Submit, in writing, a written request for an appeal within ten (10) calendar days of receiving this notice. Please submit your written appeal to:

 

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Carthage R-9 School District

710 Lyon Street, Carthage, MO 64836

Email: huntleym@carthagetigers.org; please CC: purintonb@carthagetigers.org

2. Upon receiving the written request, the district will—within ten (10) calendar days—schedule an opportunity for you to present reasons and evidence supporting the appeal. 

 

3. A decision by district administration will be rendered in writing to parents/guardians.

 

4. If the decision is still not agreed upon, an appeal can be made to the Board of Education by writing to the physical or email address listed above within ten (10) calendar days of denial. A hearing in a closed session Board of Education meeting will be held; the Board of Education will issue a written decision within thirty (30) calendar days of the hearing. The decision—and reasons for the decision—will be entered into official board minutes.   

 

5. If the Board upholds the denial, parents/guardians maintain the right to submit an appeal to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This appeal must be made within seven (7) calendar days of the Board of Education’s decision. 

 

Course Selection and Scheduling

Virtual courses will not be selected as isolated courses. Rather, decisions will be made as part of the student's annual grade level requirements, overall educational programming, and persistence to graduation. 

Full-time virtual students will be enrolled in 7 virtual classes per semester at the high school and 6 virtual classes per semester at the junior high (the equivalent of a full-time student) and are expected to keep up with these courses concurrently throughout the duration of enrollment in Online Education. 

Hybrid Scheduling 

Hybrid Scheduling is defined as enrolling in traditionally seated courses through Carthage Schools and virtual (MOCAP) courses simultaneously. 

Choosing a Hybrid Option: 

• Programming - To participate in hybrid scheduling, students must be enrolled in the district’s online provider (Edgenuity); utilizing another provider makes one ineligible for a hybrid option.
• Campus Access - Students may only be on campus only during the class periods in which he or she is enrolled, unless prior approval has been granted and the student is under direct supervision of a staff member.
• Arrival and Departure - The parent/guardian or student is responsible for ensuring the student arrives and leaves campus according to the approved schedule. The student may not remain on campus during an unscheduled period.
• Transportation - The parent/guardian or student is responsible for all transportation connected to the hybrid schedule (see “Campus Access”).
• School Expectations - When on campus for traditionally seated courses or participating in a school program, students remain subject to all school rules, attendance requirements, and the student code of conduct. 
  • Carthage High School Handbook
  • Carthage Junior High Handbook

 

• Hybrid Scheduling Agreements must be on file before hybrid coursework can begin. 
  • Carthage High School Hybrid Scheduling Agreement
  • Carthage Junior High Hybrid Scheduling Agreement

Progress Monitoring and Student Accountability

Students are responsible for making appropriate progress in their virtual courses. Parents/guardians are encouraged to monitor progress using the tools provided by the virtual provider.

• Students should maintain regular communication with the virtual teacher and/or district monitor.
• Parents/guardians should review grades, progress, missing work, course pacing, and be available to communicate with teachers regularly.
• Students may be required to participate in scheduled meetings, check-ins, and testing.
• For the students’ best academic interests, district employees will monitor student progress. Failure to make adequate progress may result in removal from courses, and a return to traditionally seated classes. Requests for transferral to another online MOCAP provider may be denied under Missouri MOCAP law and student’s best interests. 

Dropping Online Courses / Returning to Traditional Courses

Dropping Online Courses: 

Because course changes can affect schedules, final semester grades, credit, staffing, and graduation plans, students should not withdraw from a virtual course without first consulting the counselor and designated online administrator. As with traditionally seated coursework, dropping an online course after the established withdrawal deadline may result in a failing grade (F) being recorded on the student’s transcript.

Returning to Traditional Courses: 

Students have 10 school days from the start of the semester to drop an online course in order to request a return to traditionally seated classes. If a student starts the semester in an online course but requests a transfer within the 10 day window, a transfer to a corresponding seated course will be allowed, based on availability of courses and graduation requirements. Returning to traditionally seated courses within 10 days may require making up necessary classwork from missed days.  

 

Students will be allowed to enroll in online courses at the beginning of each semester and are expected to stay in the online course for the duration of the semester. Reenrollment will be considered at the close of each semester, dependent on success of the previous semester and the academic best interests of the student.

 

Insofar as it is in the students best academic interest, please note that Carthage R-9 faculty and staff will regularly monitor online student progress and reserves the right to return online students to traditionally seated courses if the online setting is not in the best interest of the student. If a student transfers from online courses to the traditional setting, whether by student or school choice, grades from the online coursework will transfer with him/her. If a student is simply dropped for lack of attendance or logging in, the student may receive an F on the transcript.  

If unenrolled from full-time online programming, the district will provide parents/guardians with a written list of available educational options from which to choose and on which the student must promptly begin working. (R6190)

State Testing

Virtual students remain responsible for all required state and district assessments. Families should expect students to participate in College and Career Readiness Exams (high school seniors only), the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP), and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. All testing will be conducted at the local school site in which the student resides.

Students should work with the counselor and virtual-learning administrator to determine which assessments apply to their grade level, coursework, and individual circumstances.

• College and Career Readiness Exam:
  • ACT Workkeys 

• Missouri Assessment Program (MAP): 
  • Communication Arts - All students in grades 3rd-8th. 
  • Math - All students in grades 3rd-8th. 
  • Science - All students in grades 5th and 8th.

• End of Course Exams (EOC): End-of-Course assessments are taken when a student has received instruction on the course-level expectations for an assessment, regardless of grade level (but typically in high school). 
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra II (select students)
  • Biology
  • English II
  • US Government
• Other Graduation Requirements
  • Missouri and US Constitution Exams
  • Missouri CPR Requirement

Graduation Requirements

Virtual coursework may count toward graduation when the course and enrollment have been approved and the student successfully completes the applicable prerequisites and requirements. Students and families should work with school counselors to ensure virtual courses fit the student's graduation plan.

Enrollment in a virtual course does not by itself waive graduation requirements, state assessment requirements, district requirements, or other conditions for receiving a Carthage R-9 diploma. 

High School and Junior High Athletics and Activities

Students desiring eligibility for participation in activities or sports for Carthage R-9 Schools must meet MSHSAA and district eligibility requirements. Virtual coursework can affect eligibility depending on enrollment status, course load, completion dates, etc. 

 

Enrolling in virtual courses may have NCAA or MSHSAA eligibility implications; students should always verify eligibility before enrollment.

 

Students wishing to participate in associated co-curricular activities (i.e., Band, Choir, Theater, Speech and Debate, FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, DECA, HOSA, etc.) are required to enroll in the corresponding traditionally seated course. 

 

Students, parents, and guardians are encouraged to review the MSHSAA handbook for further clarification regarding eligibility. 

 

For specific questions, please contact Carthage Athletics and Activities Directors.

• Carthage Junior High: 417-359-7050
• Carthage High School: 417-359-7020

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Throughout the student’s enrollment in the online course, it is best practice to do the following:

• Review the handbook and the course syllabus with the student.
• Provide or help arrange a suitable learning environment, including appropriate technology.
• Help the student establish a consistent schedule.
• Monitor progress, grades, missing work, and communication.
• Encourage the student to communicate with the teacher when help is needed.
• Respond to district/provider communications.
• Ensure the student participates in required testing, meetings, and other district activities.
• Contact the school promptly when circumstances interfere with the student's ability to participate.

Student Responsibilities

• Complete assigned work by required deadlines.
• Maintain regular participation and progress.
• Communicate with teachers and district staff.
• Use district technology appropriately.
• Complete required state and district assessments.
• Attend required meetings, check-ins, and testing.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Understand that virtual coursework is part of your official educational program and record.

 

Online Education Handbook Agreement

 

The Online Education Handbook is a vital part of our program. Though the handbook does not contain every specific rule or regulation concerning the program, it does have all major policies and general information to help students and their parents better understand this unique program. 

 

If parent/guardian has not already done so, please fill out the information and agreement in the link provided, stating that you have received the Online Education Handbook and understand the responsibilities and expectations set forth within said handbook.