Missouri Course Access Program Information
Below is the Kauffman School's Missouri Course Access Program information, excerpted from pages 82-84 of our Student and Family Handbook (Revised August 2020).
The Kauffman School makes every attempt to meet the curricular needs of all of its students by offering a wide range of course offerings and opportunities through in-classroom personalized instruction.
Missouri law also provides the opportunity for online learning through the Missouri Course Access Program (“MOCAP”). MOCAP courses are delivered over the internet by Missouri certified teachers and are designed to offer Missouri students courses when there are no qualified teachers to teach in-person courses, and to allow students to take courses not offered at the local school. MOCAP is not a school and does not offer a complete high school diploma program. Enrollment of a Kauffman School student in MOCAP must be approved by the Kauffman School.
Student Skills Necessary for Success in Virtual Courses and Other Considerations
In evaluating whether it is in the best educational interest of a student to participate in MOCAP, the Kauffman School will consider the following:
- Alignment of the virtual course(s) with the Kauffman School curriculum.
- Consideration of whether the Kauffman School’s educational philosophy and its definition of a Kauffman School graduate, both defined in the Kauffman School’s Student and Family Handbook, are likely to be realized for the student or may be inhibited if the student were to enroll in a virtual course.
- Consideration of whether the virtual coursework prepares students to be intellectually curious, economically independent, and confidently self-directed.
- Consideration of whether the virtual coursework promotes critical thinking and prepares
the students for the academic and social rigors of college. - Consideration of whether the request to enroll in virtual coursework aligns with the intention of MOCAP to offer Missouri students courses not offered at the Kauffman School.
- Demonstrated time-management skills that indicate the student is capable of
independently submitting assignments and completing course requirements. - Demonstrated persistence in overcoming obstacles and willingness to seek assistance when needed.
- Demonstrated verbal or written communication skills that will enable the student to succeed in an environment where the instructor may not be physically present to support the student’s understanding.
- Student has the necessary computer or technical skills to succeed in a virtual course.
- Student has access to technology resources to participate in a virtual course.
- Student’s previous level of success/struggles in previous virtual coursework.
Enrollment in Virtual Courses
Interested students and families shall first contact the school’s principal or designee to make an appointment to discuss the enrollment process. Enrollment in virtual courses takes place at the same time enrollment takes place for other Kauffman School courses, with approval for enrollment outside of standard enrollment cycles rarely occurring and only occurring in extreme circumstances when the considerations noted above are satisfied. After this initial meeting, the student and the student’s parents/guardians will be required to submit the request - including the coursework in which the student wishes to virtually enroll, the requested dates of enrollment, the rationale for the request, and evidence of the above-noted considerations – in writing. The student will not be enrolled if the principal or designee, in consultation with the student's parents/guardians, and relevant staff, determines that it is not in the best educational interest of the student to enroll in the virtual course.
Interested students and families shall first contact the school’s principal or designee to make an appointment to discuss the enrollment process. Enrollment in virtual courses takes place at the same time enrollment takes place for other Kauffman School courses, with approval for enrollment outside of standard enrollment cycles rarely occurring and only occurring in extreme circumstances when the considerations noted above are satisfied. After this initial meeting, the student and the student’s parents/guardians will be required to submit the request - including the coursework in which the student wishes to virtually enroll, the requested dates of enrollment, the rationale for the request, and evidence of the above-noted considerations – in writing. The student will not be enrolled if the principal or designee, in consultation with the student's parents/guardians, and relevant staff, determines that it is not in the best educational interest of the student to enroll in the virtual course.
If a student is approved by the Kauffman School for enrollment in MOCAP, the Kauffman School will pay the costs of a virtual course. If a student or his or her parents/guardians pay the costs for a virtual course, the student or parents/guardians must meet with the principal or designee prior to enrollment to ensure that the course is consistent with the student's academic and personal goals. The Kauffman School is not required to provide students access to or pay for courses beyond the equivalent of full- time enrollment.
The Kauffman School will provide supervision for students who take virtual courses in Kauffman School facilities, but will not provide supervision for students taking virtual courses offsite. Students taking courses virtually are subject to Kauffman School policies, procedures and rules applicable to students enrolled in traditional courses including, but not limited to, the Kauffman School’s discipline code and prohibitions on academic dishonesty, discrimination, harassment, bullying and cyberbullying.
Appeal
If the principal or designee determines that it is not in a student's best educational interest to take a virtual course, the student and the parents/guardians will be notified in writing, provided an explanation for the decision and informed that the student or parents/guardians may appeal the decision to the Chief Executive Officer. However, if the student is receiving special education services, the student's IEP team will make the final decision regarding student enrollment in a virtual course in accordance with federal law, and the decision must be appealed through the special education process rather than through the Board.
If the student or parent/guardian appeals to the Chief Executive Officer, such appeal must be in writing and shall be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days of notification of the determination made by the principal or designee. The Chief Executive Officer shall provide his/her recommendation to uphold or overrule the determination of the principal or designee within seven (7) days of his/her receipt of the written appeal. If the student or parent/guardian is not in agreement with the decision rendered by the Chief Executive Officer, they may appeal to the Kauffman School Board (“Board”).
If the student or parent/guardian appeals to the Board, the principal or designee will provide the Board written reasons for denying the student's enrollment, and the student or 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 minutes. In addition, the student, parents/guardians 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 closed session. The Board will consider the information presented and release a written decision within 30 calendar days of the meeting. The student or parents/guardians may appeal the decision to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”). The appeal to DESE must be filed within seven days of the Board's final decision.
Related Resources
Link to SB 603: http://www.senate.mo.gov/18info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=69472003
Link to DESE's MOCAP Information Page: https://mocap.mo.gov/about.html