Parent/Student Information about Texas Virtual School Network

What is Texas Virtual School Network?

• Established by SB1788 in the 80th state legislature
• This bill established a state virtual network, TxVSN, to provide supplemental, online courses for Texas students. Courses are provided by Texas school districts, open enrollment charter schools, Education Service Centers, and institutions of higher education.
• Online courses that students may take via the internet.
• Fees may vary by the course and the providing district; however, the fees may be waived depending on availability of state virtual school allotment funds (scholarships).

Why implement TxVSN?

• Expands course offerings
• Helps to meet different learning styles
• Required by HB 1376

Who can take a TxVSN course?

A student is eligible to enroll in a course provided by the TxVSN only if the student

is younger than 21 years of age on September 1 of the school year

has not graduated from high school

is otherwise eligible to enroll in public school in Texas

How many courses may a student take?

Currently there is not a limit for the number of high school courses in which students can enroll per semester. Since TxVSN courses are very rigorous, it is advised a student not take over two.

Each course must fill a graduation requirement for the student.

What are the student and parent responsibilities?

Student will complete the Smarter Measure Readiness Survey and review results with parent and counselor (student email address required)

Parent will:

Monitor/mentor the student to ensure progress

Communicate with the instructor at regular intervals or as needed

Ensure online access and supplemental materials

How is TxVSN being implemented?

• Current course offerings are limited to courses not affected by End of Course Exams.
• The students who indicated an interest in online learning will be given the Smarter Measure Readiness Assessment from the TxVSN website.  This assessment identifies strengths and weaknesses of students and predicts their success in online learning.
• The Site Coordinator (high school counselor) will review Smarter Measure Survey results with student before enrollment of course. The counselor will also enroll the student in course, facilitate student drops/adds, and receive student’s final grade.

What does the Smarter Readiness Survey Assessment measure?

• Reading recall
• Technology knowledge and competency
• Personal attributes such as time management, self discipline, etc.
• Other parts of the test include typing rate, and learning styles
• Complete assessment results will be available

What things should you and your student consider before enrolling in an online course?

• Playing on a computer vs. learning on a computer
• Student’s learning style
• Student’s self discipline, responsibility, initiative, etc.
• Student’s involvement in school activities, outside school activities, work, social life, etc.
• The amount of time the class will involve
• The level of difficulty for the class—the unknown risk
• All TxVSN courses are currently being offered outside the school day and will not count in the high school GPA and class rank. (Note: However, TxVSN courses will appear on the transcript)
• A student must make a 70 or higher and complete all course assignments and assessments to earn credit for the class
• A student cannot exempt the final exam and must take it in person at a District school campus. 

Who teaches the online classes and how is quality ensured?

• Texas high school teachers from across the state.  Courses are offered through the TxVSN network through a variety of school districts.
• Teachers must be Texas certified in the subject and highly qualified.
• All courses go through a rigorous course review before they are placed in the course catalog.
• All courses must cover all the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

When will the students take the TxVSN classes?

• Currently TxVSN online classes will be completed outside of the normal school day on the student’s own time.  It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assignments/projects and submit them by the due date as set forth by the class instructor.  A course syllabus will be given to all students upon enrollment in the course.
• The student will need access to a computer and high speed internet for the class.

How do we get started?

• Contact your counselor for additional information and enrollment. The parent and the student must complete enrollment forms to participate. You may request these from your counselor or see forms online.
• The student must take the Smarter Measure Assessment to determine readiness for online course work. Student will receive website, username and password from their counselor.
• The student will work with their assigned counselor to complete the enrollment process and to determine course selection. You may visit www.txvsn.org to access the high school course catalog.

Where do I find additional information?

            For more information see your counselor or go to the following websites:

Texas Virtual School Network Website: www.txvsn.org