Accommodations
All students are unique. At Virtual High School, we prioritize recognizing the needs of our students and designing online programs to respond effectively to those needs. Our self-paced model allows students to work at their own pace, ensuring they are able to take the time required to understand key concepts before progressing. Throughout our courses, we have incorporated the following accommodations:
- Most courses offer ReadSpeaker - a tool that reads the text on the page out loud and highlights the words that are being read.
- Instruction is differentiated, providing learning materials via text, video, and interactive activities.
- Where possible, assessments allow students flexibility in the medium or format they use to present their ideas. Students may choose to write a paper, give an oral presentation, or create a visual.
- Students may also use their own assistive technologies that they have access to and are familiar with using.
Individual Education Plan
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a document that outlines a student's strengths, weaknesses, learning needs, and any accommodations that are to be made within a course. If the student has an existing IEP, VHS can implement the accommodations that are listed and applicable in our learning environment. Students will need to submit a copy of their IEP to the appropriate Guidance Coordinator to have accommodations implemented in their courses.
How does an IEP work?
We will communicate the student's strengths, needs, and assessment accommodations identified in the IEP to the teacher, as well as adjust any timed assessment within the course itself. Exam and test accommodations may include but are not limited to providing extra time, allowing scribing of answers or reading of questions for exams, allowing a memory aid for exams, allowing breaks during the exams, and not deducting marks for spelling. The assistance of other persons and the use of specialized equipment may also be allowed in order to accommodate the student's needs.
What if the student does not have an existing Individual Education Plan but requires accommodations?
In special circumstances, a student may require that accommodations be made in a particular course. If a student requires accommodations for reasons not outlined in an existing IEP, the student must submit a note from a consulting physician or other qualified professional. This document should indicate which accommodations are recommended for the student and the reason for the accommodations.
Please contact the guidance department with any inquiries regarding accommodations.