Academic Instructional Model

The PAVCS instructional model is designed to develop the student’s true academic potential. We believe that not only the students, but parents and teacher alike are key components to the instruction. PAVCS provides many opportunities for the learner and helps chart the course of their educational journey through the use of:

• Personalized Learning Plans for each student
• Parent-Teacher-Student Partnerships
• Monthly Parent Learning Opportunities
• Synchronous and Asynchronous learning experiences
• The effective use of the Blackboard learning management system
• The Diamond Model Partnership
• Effective Elluminate learning opportunities
• Unprecedented one-on-one teacher support
• Portfolio Assignments

At PAVCS, we provide:

• Superior Curriculum from K12 Inc.
  Developed by leading educational experts, our curriculum draws on proven learning methods to ensure that Pennsylvania state standards are met and exceeded in every lesson.
• Complete Computer System
  To access the online school, a computer system is loaned at no cost including reimbursement for Internet access.
• Extensive Instructional Materials
  From textbooks and workbooks to art supplies, science equipment, maps, and more, you’ll have everything you need to support your child.
• Comprehensive Tools
  We provide a wide range of tools to help you enroll your child at the right level, schedule and track lessons, and ensure that lessons have been mastered before moving forward.
• Caring Support Network
  PAVCS keeps the lines open to our staff, teachers and parents through events, direct phone, e-mail, online message boards, and other means to provide support and answer questions when you need it.

Regular Education

The PAVCS educational experience begins with the effective use of placement testing to determine a student’s level in the realm of math and language arts. Students are placed at their developmental skill level for math and language arts so as to meet the needs of the student.

Elementary School Program (K-4^th) includes:

• One-on-one phonics’ instruction
• Unprecedented one-on-one teacher support
• Classic literature
• Step-by-step writing process
• Math journals
• Scientific process, hands-on science labs
• Chronological history approach
• Art and music appreciation and methods
• Portfolio Assignments
• One-on-one teacher conferences
• Optional instructional Elluminate Sessions
• Utilization of the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) with all students especially with our K-2 school students.
• Generalist 5th grade program which helps begin the transition to the Middle School years.

Intermediate School Program (5^th-6^th) includes:

• Structured to help prepare students for middle school
• Unprecedented one-on-one teacher support
• Classic literature
• Step-by-step writing process
• Math journals
• Scientific process, hands-on science labs
• Chronological history approach
• Art and music appreciation and methods
• Graded Portfolio Assignments
• One-on-one teacher conferences
• Instructional Group Elluminate Sessions with a focus on state standards
• Tutoring sessions
• Homeroom sessions to provide opportunities for socialization
• Guidance group Elluminate sessions

Middle School Program (7^th-8^th) includes:

• Generalist 6th grade teachers
• Subject Specific 7th and 8th grade teachers
• Portfolio Assignments for each academic course
• Teacher Assigned Grading
• Instructional Elluminate Sessions
• Email correspondence with teacher
• Conference Calls
• Teacher Office Hours to assist students

High School Program (9^th-12^th) includes:

• High-quality, challenging courses with integrated assessments
• High standards of accountability and performance
• Student-centered classes directed by state-certified teachers who are experts in their subject areas
• Students will be intimately involved in determining the direction they take through high school
• Students meet or exceed Pennsylvania graduation requirements
• Courses are aligned to state standards and employ varying levels of teacher pacing and support

The manner in which the High School Student does school depends on the level of interaction with the teacher a student needs:

• Teacher-Led Highly Synchronous
  Students attend mandatory live real-time lessons several times each week via our online Elluminate program.
• Teacher-Led Highly Asynchronous
  Students complete work on their own according to teacher-provided course pathways. Live lessons and office hours are available, but not mandatory.
• Self-Directed
  Assignments are completed according to a student’s own daily schedule. Teachers verify progress and validate learning through regular assessments and project submissions. Students still follow the core pathway, but can progress at a faster pace, as long as they meet minimum monthly progress goals.

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Special Education

Special Education at the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School
The Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School is proud to provide a special education program in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines.

Learn More About Special Education
The Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School provides a free appropriate public education to all PAVCS students. For those who require it, we deliver special education and related services for PAVCS students at no cost to the parent or guardian.

NCLB and IDEA Statement
The Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004 and Pennsylvania Regulations mandate that every charter school in the state develop a system to identify children with disabilities who are enrolled in the school. PAVCS will locate, identify, and evaluate children who enroll in PAVCS in accordance with all federal regulations and state standards. In addition PAVCS shall provide an eligible child and his/her parent/guardian with safeguards, as required by applicable law.

PAVCS is committed to the full implementation of applicable provisions of NCLB and IDEA. To that end, we believe special education students can achieve high standards when given the supports necessary for success as outlined by their IEP.

Under Section 504, of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and under the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, some school age children with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria may nevertheless be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities and activities. Children are entitled to such protections, adaptations and accommodations if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

Any child that you suspect has a disability should be referred to the PAVCS Director of Special Education at 610-275-8500 x121.

See our annual public notice

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Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School • One West Main Street, Suite 400 • Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: 610-275-8500 • Toll Free: 1-866-PAVCS-K12 • Fax: 610-275-1719 • E-Mail: info@pavcsk12.org • Sitemap