MOCAP Courses

If a principal or designee determines that it is not in a student’s best educational interest to take a MOCAP course, the student/parent/guardian will be notified in writing.  In cases of denial, University Academy shall inform the student and the student’s family of their right to appeal to University Academy’s Board of Directors.  For the appeal to the Board, the principal or designee will provide the Board written reasons for denying the student’s enrollment, and the student/parent/guardian will provide written reasons the student should be allowed to take the course.  Both documents will be retained by the Board and will be incorporated into the Board minutes.  In addition, the student/parent/guardian and the principal or designee will be allowed to present their arguments at a Board meeting. The appeal to the Board shall be held in a closed session.  The members of the Board shall issue their decision in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of the appeal hearing.  The student’s final recourse will be an appeal to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which shall provide a final decision within seven (7) calendar days of the appeal hearing.  

Students with Disabilities

In general, students with disabilities may enroll in virtual courses using the same approval process applicable to other students.  However, in accordance with federal law, if a student receives special education services, the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team may determine that a virtual course is not appropriate for the student even if the course has otherwise been approved.  Any appeal of that decision must be made through the special education process rather than to the superintendent or designee or the Board.

If a student who is receiving accommodations for a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) is enrolled in a virtual course, the student’s Section 504 team will determine whether any additional accommodations are necessary for the student.  

Attendance and Completion

Students who enroll in any virtual courses are expected to actively participate in those courses with the goal of completing the course.  If a student does not actively participate in those courses with the goal of completing the course, University Academy may remove the student from the virtual course and refuse to enroll the student in a virtual course in the future.  Additionally, students are required to meet the rigorous standards established by University Academy in the completion of virtual courses.  If students are not achieving mastery at a level of 80% or higher, they may be removed from that virtual course.  

Students enrolled in virtual courses are expected to complete all course requirements in the time allotted for the course.  Extensions of time to complete a virtual course will be permitted only in situations where completion of the course in the allotted time would be impossible due to factors beyond the control of the student.

Students enrolled in virtual courses will be considered in attendance for state aid purposes in accordance with law.  A completed virtual course shall be counted as no less than 95 percent attendance for purposes of A+ eligibility.

Notice

University Academy will inform students and parents/guardians in handbooks, registration documents, and on the homepage of University Academy’s website of the option to enroll in virtual courses, including courses offered through MOCAP, as required by law.  

End-of-Course (EOC) Examinations

Students are required to take state-required EOC examinations administered by University Academy regardless of whether the course for which the examination is required was taken virtually or in the traditional classroom.  

MOCAP

MOCAP costs will be paid by University Academy in accordance with state law, as long as:

Payment

University Academy will pay MOCAP course providers a monthly pro rata amount based on a student’s completion of assignments and assessments, subject to cost limitations in state law.  University Academy will stop making monthly payments if a student discontinues enrollment.  The superintendent or designee is authorized to negotiate lower course rates with MOCAP course providers, wherever possible.  

Monitoring and Reporting

University Academy will monitor the progress and success of students enrolled in MOCAP courses.  University Academy may remove a student from a course if it does not meet the educational needs of the student, or if they are not achieving at the 80% threshold noted above.  University Academy may terminate access to a course or refuse a student’s enrollment in a MOCAP course if University Academy determines that the course is not meeting the educational needs of the student.  

All concerns regarding the quality or delivery of a MOCAP course will be reported to DESE.  University Academy may consider concerns regarding the quality of a course when making approval decisions for other students.  In addition, University Academy will consider recommendations made by DESE regarding continued or future enrollment in MOCAP courses.  

Transfers

University Academy will accept transfer credits students earned by successfully passing approved MOCAP courses, if the course provider gives University Academy an official record of the completed course and the grade earned.  Students who transfer to University Academy while enrolled in MOCAP courses will be allowed to continue enrollment in those courses even if the course provider is not one used by University Academy.