Counseling Department
Bethel Virtual Academy
Overview
Bethel Virtual Academy is a highly independent, flexible, K-12 online program taught by Bethel School District’s certificated teachers.
Each student has a Student Learning Plan (SLP), is expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and have Weekly Academic Contact (WAC) with their teachers.
Courses are taught asynchronously, meaning,
Advisory
No live Zooms
Instruction
All coursework is
Bethel Virtual Academy is a highly independent, flexible, K-12 online program taught by Bethel School District’s certificated teachers.
Students attending BVA must attend full-time, however students can choose to participate in programs such as Running Start or the Pierce County Skills Center.
Each student has a Student Learning Plan (SLP), is expected to maintain Satisfactory Monthly Academic Progress, and have Weekly Academic Contact (WAC) with their teachers. Students should plan to spend approximately 5.5 hours per day (1 hour per class) to stay on-pace.
For information about the Course Description Book, CTE Pathways, High School Planning, and Registration, see here
For information about Technology including iPads and curriculum, see here
Washington State Laws
What is Weekly Academic Contact?
Weekly Academic Contact (also called WAC) - is attendance
Is WAC required?
Yes. Washington State law requires that all schools, even online schools like BVA, keep attendance
How do I meet WAC?
Most students meet WAC by attending the mandatory Advisory Zoom on Tuesdays at 11 am.
Students who miss Advisory can meet WAC by completing a Google Survey from their Advisor or having a Zoom meeting with a BVA staff member.
What happens if I miss WAC?
There are two types of absences created by missing WAC:
What is a Consecutive Absence?
Missing WAC in back-to-back weeks
Does it reset?
Yes - the consecutive absence count resets the next time the student meets WAC
What happens if I have too many consecutive absences?
15 days - an automated warning letter is sent from the BVA administrator
21 days - the student is withdrawn
Success Commitments
Students who are successful at BVA:
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Create a school space at home
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Attend the (mandatory) Advisory Zoom Tuesdays at 11 am
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Check their email at least twice per day
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Work on schoolwork approximately 5.5 hours per day
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Communicate with teachers
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Attend office hours or schedule 1:1 Zooms with teachers when help is needed
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Guardians of successful students:
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Help create and maintain the school space at home
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Monitor academic progress and class pacing guides
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Communicate with teachers
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Check email at least once a day for BVA communication