The State of Michigan under Section 21f of the State School Aid Act has launched the choice for parents to request that their student(s), in grades 5-12, be enrolled in no more than two (2) virtual courses in place of a currently scheduled course. Lake Orion Community Schools (LOCS) supports online learning, and as a District, we pride ourselves on forward movement on innovative uses of technology to support learning. Our solid history of meaningful and deep learning that takes place across the district with highly qualified Lake Orion teachers is noteworthy and impressive in terms of our accomplishments and student growth. However, we encourage parents to consider carefully if a 100% online course is ideal for their child given the fact that they will be forfeiting face-to-face teacher classroom instruction and support.
The virtual learning program option is available in our district. Parents should carefully consider the unique qualities of their child when investigating if an online class is right for them. These factors include:
- Can your student create and maintain a study schedule without face-to-face interaction of a teacher?
- Can your student self-advocate seeking help within a virtual setting?
- Does your student possess the independent study habits needed to complete an entire course online without direct supervision?
- Does your student have the reading, writing, math, and computer literacy skills to succeed in a class that is completely online?
Additional information is contained with the Parent Guide to Online Learning | Michigan Virtual
It is important to note that this option is limited to choices available from the online classes that are listed within Michigan's Online Course Catalog.
While all of these classes have been reviewed from each sponsoring local district, these courses may not necessarily meet the rigor of courses for LOCS from a credit or graduation requirement perspective and are, therefore, subject to administrative approval. Additionally, the availability of courses is not guaranteed. Courses may have a class size limit, and should that limit be exceeded, students will be placed into the course on a lottery basis.
Should you request that your child participates in the online class experience please note the following:
- The highly qualified teacher providing content for the course will only be available remotely via email or possibly phone and will NOT be an LOCS employee.
- Students will work independently outside of the traditional classroom setting and will not be present with their current teacher or classmates during the course.
- Students will only be mentored by a Lake Orion staff member.
- Changes to the existing student's schedule could be made.
- The parent and student is responsible to make sure class is acceptable with college admissions office, scholarship program, and NCAA eligibility center (future college athletes).
Enrollment in this program for the school year will follow the established course selection timeline at the secondary level. Parents or students who have questions regarding this program should contact the student's school counselor.