Instructional Models
How Will I Learn? HVA’s Instructional Model
Three Choices to Meet Students’ Needs
Highline Virtual Academy is a great choice for students who thrive in independent, online learning. Flexibility and self-pacing are two components of the academy’s learning model and will be embedded in each of our models.
Starting in the 2023-24 school year we will have three instructional models at HVA. Each model will offer English Language Arts (ELA) and Math on a year-long schedule with the rest of a student’s classes on a semester schedule. Students will take four classes at a time.
All models are in person for the first week of school and a couple of days at the start of each quarter. All models will also have the opportunity to participate in-person, in project- based learning.
Independent students are expected to have one weekly 1:1 check in with their advisor and do at least one class every 6 weeks. Students set their own structures and schedules for learning. This model is a good choice for students who want an independent, asynchronous online experience. Add: This model uses Edgenuity as the curriculum. See details on the Independent model page.
How it Works:
Blended Model 1
Students will be defaulted into Blended Pathway 1.
Blended Model 1 is open to all students in grades 6–12. It features more teacher-directed learning. Teachers in Blended Model 1 provide synchronous group instruction, which students are expected to attend. All students in Blended Model 1 will have a monthly learning plan that will be built with their Advisory teacher. Students will also have a monthly progress conference with their Advisory teacher where they share what they have learned, reflect on how the previous month went, and look ahead to the next month.
Students could move to Self Directed Model 2 if they show qualities of a self directed learner as outlined below. If students are not meeting expectations a change of learning plan will be implemented.
Self Directed model 2
Self Directed students are expected to meet daily in Advisory, attend one weekly synchronous class on as identified and have one weekly 1:1 check-in with their advisor, but otherwise set their own structures and schedules for learning. This program is a good choice for students who are self-motivated and/or find in-class pacing too slow. It is also a good option for working students, students who are caregivers, and student athletes and performers whose training, competition, and rehearsal schedules makes attending daily content classes challenging. To remain in Model 2, students must maintain passing grades in all courses and meet minimum attendance requirements as outlined above. If students are not meeting expectations a change of learning plan will take place and they will go into Blended Model 1.
INDEPENDENT MODEL 3
Independent students are expected to have one weekly 1:1 check in with their advisor and do at least one class every 6 weeks. Students set their own structures and schedules for learning. This program is a good choice for students who want an independent, asynchronous online experience.
Check-ins for Connection and Success: ALL MODELS
Daily Group Advisory: Daily advisory provides an opportunity for students to connect with their peers and teacher(s), is a structured time for teachers to share school information and opportunities, engage in social emotional learning activities, teach tips and tricks for academic success, and celebrate cultural diversity throughout the school year.
Weekly 1:1 Check Ins: Our weekly 1:1 check-in allows for advisors to check in with students on their learning plan which includes opportunities to celebrate successes and identify supports as needed.
Monthly Progress Conferences: All students will have a monthly progress meeting with their Advisory teacher. Students will share what they have learned, reflect on how the previous month went, and look ahead to the next month. This might be a time that an intervention or change to learning plan would be put into place.