The Texas Virtual School Network - Frequently Asked Questions

TxVSN Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Texas Virtual School Network?

During the 80th Texas Legislative Session, Senate Bill 1788 established a state virtual school network to provide online courses for Texas students. The legislation also set forth the operational, course evaluation, and professional development requirements. Region 10 Education Service Center, in collaboration with Harris County Department of Education, serves as TxVSN Central Operations to coordinate course registration and student enrollments, to ensure the eligibility of virtual school providers, provide an online catalog of approved courses, and to coordinate reporting requirements. Region 4 Education Service Center conducts the review of electronic courses to be offered in the TxVSN catalog. In addition, a cadre of professional development providers has been identified to train educators to deliver online instruction through the TxVSN.

The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) first offered courses to students in Texas districts and open enrollment charter schools beginning January 2009. The inaugural course catalog offered courses for grades 9-12 that were reviewed to ensure 100% alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills as well as the iNACOL National Standards of Quality for Online Courses. All courses offered through the TxVSN are provided by public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, institutions of higher education, or education service centers. All high school courses are taught by an instructor that is Texas-certified in the course subject area and grade level that have completed a TxVSN approved professional development on effective online instruction.

The TxVSN provides courses to supplement the instructional programs of public school districts and open enrollment charter schools. Through regular review of student needs schools may determine that TxVSN online courses provide useful instructional options for some students. To participate in the TxVSN a district is required to complete an annual TxVSN agreement and provides designated “TxVSN site coordinators” to identify students with academic needs and learning styles appropriate for online learning. The district’s TxVSN Site Coordinators register and approve all student course enrollments.

Recently the 81st Texas Legislature provided funding for electronic courses provided by the TxVSN in House Bill 3646. All funding is contingent upon successful course completion by the high school student.

2. What happened with Senate Bill 955 and House Bill 1479 and the Texas Virtual School Network?

Language from SB 955 and HB 1479 was integrated into House Bill 3646, the School Finance Bill. HB 3646 has sections that added and amended TEC Chapter 30A “State Virtual School Network”.

3. Where can I find HB 3646?

HB 3646 is available on the Texas Legislature Online website at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/.
Enter HB 3646 in the Search Legislation box and click the Go button.

4. Is the state virtual school network the same as the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN)?

Yes

5. Are state virtual school "provider districts" entitled to an allotment of $400 and "receiver districts" $80?

Yes. Section 56 of HB 3646 created a "state virtual school allotment" by amending Subchapter C, Chapter 42, Education Code.
Funding for courses taken through the state virtual school (TxVSN) may be available if the following conditions and criteria are in place:
For each student who successfully completes an electronic course that:

satisfies a curriculum requirement for graduation adopted under Section 28.025 and is provided through the state virtual school network (TxVSN) ,
is part of the student’s normal course load. The agency will be proposing rule to define a normal course load as seven credits based on a seven period day.
the school district or open-enrollment charter school that provided the course is entitled to an allotment of $400; and the school district or open-enrollment charter school in which the student is enrolled is entitled to an allotment of $80 to reimburse the district or school for associated administrative costs---- and ideally to mentor the student through the successful completion of the online course

It should be noted that while there is an appropriation to fund the state virtual school (TxVSN) allotment, there is not an unlimited appropriation, so equitable enrollment priorities will be established.

6. How is successful course completion defined?

A final grade of 70 or higher as assigned by the course provider district and that required course activities and assignments are complete by the student.

7. What if a student is successfully completes most of a course with a passing grade, but not the all the activities and assignments in the entire course? Will the state virtual school (TxVSN) allotment apply?

The allotment only applies if all required activities and assignments in the course are completed.

8. If my district participated in the Texas Virtual School Network last year, is that same agreement okay or must a new agreement be completed for this school year?

All agreements for provider districts and receiver districts are undergoing a revision process as a result of HB 3646. It will be necessary to complete new agreement and other processes to participate. Districts and open enrollment charters will be notified of new processes in the link located at the bottom of the “To the Administrator Addressed – Texas Virtual School Network” posted on September 2, 2009.

9. For purposes of allotment funding, is a course one semester (example: English I A) or two semesters (example: English I and B)?

For purpose of the state virtual school (TxVSN) allotment, a “course” is defined as one semester. For example: English I A is treated as a single course and English I B is treated as a single course.

10. How is a “normal course load” defined?

In general "normal course load" means the number of classes or credit hours generally required to be taken by a student to generate the full amount of funding provided for a student in average daily attendance for the fall and spring semester. However, to add clarification to the definition in HB 3646, the Texas Education Agency will be proposing rule to define a normal course load as seven credits based on a seven period day.

11. If a student wants to take a course that is a graduation requirement but outside the normal course load, is that course eligible for the state virtual school allotment?

Yes, but when the TxVSN site coordinator registers the student, he/she must indicate that the course is over the normal course load of seven credits over a seven period day.

12. Will districts who provide TxVSN approved courses to their own students receive both the provider district funds (up to $400.00) and the receiver district funds ($80.00) if their students successfully complete the course?

Districts that provide TxVSN approved courses are not allowed to receive provider or receiver district funds to serve their own students. The state provides FSP funds for a district to serve students in its attendance zone. The intent of the TxVSN (state virtual school) allotment is for a provider district to serve students from other districts. So if a district already has online courses available for its students, then it should serve those students outside the TxVSN and the allotment does not apply.

13. Are the funds provided to districts for TxVSN courses in addition to all other state ADA funding or is there any reduction in state funding for students who successfully complete?

TheTxVSN (state virtual school) allotment for successful completion of a TxVSN course is over and above a "receiver districts" state FSP funding.

14. Will districts receiving courses pay the course provider district then receive a reimbursement out of the TxVSN allotment if the student is successful?

Both the provider district and receiver district will report successful completions to the Texas Education Agency and then receive funding.

15. Will dual credit courses be eligible for TxVSN (state virtual school) allotment payments?

Yes, if the comparable high school course satisfies a curriculum requirement for graduation adopted under Section 28.025 and is provided through the state virtual school network (TxVSN).
It should be noted that the district or open enrollment charter school must ensure the student’s eligibility for dual credit, have an articulation agreement with the college or university, and facilitate application to and enrollment with the college or university.

16. If a student is taking an TxVSN online course for summer school will the allotment pay for the successfully completed course?

The allotment is not available for summer school. The receiving district must pay for the courses. The TxVSN (state virtual school) may only accept course payment from a district or open enrollment charter school.

For information specific to Summer 2010 courses see http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/taa/stanprog020910.html

17. How many TxVSN courses can a student take during the SUMMER?

A student can only take two TxVSN courses during the SUMMER. The SUMMER SEMESTER has been divided into SUMMER I and SUMMER II sessions to assist students needing to take the “A” semester course in SUMMER session I and the “B” course semester in the SUMMER session II. They cannot take two courses each session due to the rigor of TxVSN courses and the abbreviated time available during the summer. We want our students to be successful!

Dual Credit

1. Do students taking dual credit courses through the TxVSN have to meet the same eligibility requirements as student taking face-to-face-dual credit courses?

Yes. The students must also be good candidates for the online learning environment. The TxVSN provides a tool to assist participating districts in determining student readiness for online learning.

2. If a student is taking two face-to-face dual credit courses this semester, may he/she take additional online dual credit courses from the TxVSN at the same time?

No, student s may take only two dual credit courses per semester regardless of the face-to-face or online environment.

3. Can freshman or sophomores take dual credit courses though the TxVSN?

Dual credit courses are available to junior and senior students that are college ready as well as ready for online learning.

4. Are all dual credit courses offered through the TxVSN tuition-free?

No. While the TxVSN itself has no fees associated with participation, the student or district may have to pay tuition. Any tuition and materials fees are noted in the TxVSN catalog listing for the course.

5. My district’s service area college is not listed in the TxVSN catalog. Why not?

During the 2009-2010 school year, the Texas Virtual School Network began a limited pilot of dual credit courses. This pilot was to assist the Texas Education Agency and the TxVSN to determine the most efficient way to integrate higher education and TxVSN systems and requirements. Additional courses and providers will be added.

6. Is the state virtual school allotment available for dual credit courses?

Yes, the Commissioner made state virtual school allotment available for dual credit courses offered through the TxVSN. Participating school district must register student through the TxVSN, but also complete the higher education institution’s application and enrollment process.

7. What is the state virtual school allotment?

House Bill 3646 of the 81st Texas Legislature created the state virtual school allotment. When a student successfully completes a TxVSN course that satisfies a curriculum requirement for graduation adopted under Section 28.025, then the course provider is entitled to an allotment of $400; and the school district or open-enrollment charter school in which the student is enrolled is entitled to an allotment of $80 to reimburse the district or school for associated administrative costs.

8. Is the state virtual school allotment available for face-to-face dual credit courses?

No. the state virtual school allotment is available only for online courses offered through the TxVSN.

9. Are the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills covered in the dual credit courses in the TxVSN catalog.

Yes. The catalog notes the high school course TEKS used to review the dual credit course.

10. Are the dual credit course in the TxVSN catalog aligned to the National Standards of Quality for Online Courses?

Yes.

State Virtual School Allotment Payments to Receiver Districts

1. How does a TxVSN Receiver District get the state virtual school allotment funds for its students?

Each semester course providers report successful completions to the TxVSN Central Operations. The number of successful completions per district is reported to the Texas Education Agency Finance Division. Funds are then electronically deposited in the district’s account by TEA Finance. The funding will have a “TxVSN payment” description line tagged to the amount.

2. How much is state virtual school allotment funding for TxVSN Receiver Districts?

The district receives $80 per student per successful course completion.

3. My district is a TxVSN Receiver District. Does my district need to report successful completions to the TxVSN?

No. The course provider reports successful completions to the TxVSN.

4. Does my district or open enrollment charter school have to pay for the TxVSN courses and then get reimbursed by the TEA with stat e virtual school allotment funds?

No.

5. My district did not register our high school students through the TxVSN for an online course. Can it get state virtual school allotment funding for those online courses?

No. Students must be registered through the TxVSN in order for an online course as well as successfully complete the course to be eligible for state virtual school allotment funding.

6. I want my campus to receive the state virtual school allotment payment, not the district.

The state virtual school allotment payment is paid to the school district or open enrollment charter school. Individual campuses should work with their local district or charter budget department how funding could be distributed.

Students not Enrolled in a District

1. Does "un-enrolled student” mean home school students and private school students?

Yes. It refers to all K-12 students not currently enrolled in their home district or open-enrollment charter district.

Enrollment and Process

2. May a student, who is not enrolled in a Texas school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student, enroll in online courses through the TxVSN?

Yes; however, the student:

may not, in any semester, enroll in more than two electronic courses offered through TxVSN;
is not considered to be a public school student*;
must obtain access to a course provided through the TXVSN through the school district or open-enrollment charter school attendance zone in which the student resides;
is not entitled to enroll in a course offered by a school district or open-enrollment charter school other than an online course provided through the TxVSN; and
is not entitled to any right, privilege, activities, or services available to a student enrolled in a public school, other than the right to receive the appropriate unit of credit for completing an electronic course.

After verifying that the un-enrolled student is eligible to attend high school, the attendance zone school district or open enrollment charter school must (§30A.107)

register the student for the online course through the TxVSN system
collect course cost fees from the student and pay the TxVSN when invoiced
provide the appropriate unit of credit for completing the course to the student.

3. Must the student who resides in this state, and is not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student, enroll with the school district or open enrollment charter school in order to receive courses through TxVSN?

No. However, they must obtain access to a course provided through the TXVSN through the school district or open-enrollment charter school attendance zone in which the student resides.

4. If a school district or open enrollment charter school is not participating in the TxVSN, may it decline to register a student who resides in this state and is not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student in courses provided through the TXVSN?

No. Texas Education Code Chapter 30A directs that unrolled students access the TxVSN course through their attendance zone school district. Districts and open enrollment charters schools should complete the TxVSN participation process in order, in case a request is received from an un-enrolled student in its attendance zone school district. It is suggested that local procedures be readily available on the district or school website and other relevant publications.

5. May students who have been expelled from their district or open enrollment charter school access TxVSN courses using the “resides in this state and is not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school” definition?

If Expulsion (TEC §37.007) is without placement in another educational setting as a result of a formal expulsion hearing [TEC §37.009(f)], then the student would not be eligible for online courses through the TxVSN.

6. If a district or open enrollment charter school must provide registration assistance for an un-enrolled student wanting access to the TxVSN catalog, should the district complete the TxVSN participation process (annual agreement, needs assessment, etc)?

Yes, it is recommended that all district or open enrollment charter school do so in order to minimize any delay in processing course requests.

7. How does a district or open enrollment charter school verify that a student resides in its attendance zone?

The annual Student Attendance Accounting Handbook provides recommendations for districts on ways to document residency. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/school.finance/handbook

8. May a school district or open enrollment charter school set up appointments or specific “TxVSN registration windows” to assist students who reside in this state and are not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school to register for online courses through the TxVSN?

Yes. Enrollment windows or appointments must be congruent with the enrollment windows offered by the TxVSN and allow reasonable opportunity for the students to register within TxVSN course provider deadlines.

Fees, Funding, Materials, and Services

9. May a school district or open-enrollment charter school charge a course fee for enrollment in a course provided through the TxVSN to a student who resides in this state and is not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student?

Yes, the Texas Education Code Chapter 30A states that a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall charge a fee (course cost) to the un-enrolled student. The amount of the fee charged may not exceed the cost of providing each course or $400 per course, whichever is less.

10. Can the un-enrolled student pay the TxVSN directly?

No. The TxVSN may only accept payments from Texas public school districts and open enrollment charter schools.

11. If an un-enrolled student accesses TxVSN courses during the fall or spring semester will the district receive allotment funds if the student successfully completes the course?

No, as these students are not enrolled in the district, the allotment is not available. The course cost and any associated fees (dual credit tuition, books) must be paid by the un-enrolled student.

12. May a school district or open enrollment charter school assess an administrative fee over and above the course cost?

Yes, a school district may charge a nominal fee.

13. Must a school district or open enrollment charter school provide a student, who resides in this state and is not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student, with access to equipment needed to access the course through the TxVSN?

No.

14. If an online course through the TxVSN requires district or open enrollment charter school to provide materials for its enrolled students, is it also responsible for obtaining those materials for an un-enrolled student?

No.

15. Must the un-enrolled student’s attendance zone public school district and open enrollment charter school provide a mentor to check on the student’s progress?

No. After registering the student and collecting payment, the un-enrolled student is not entitled to any right, privilege, activities, or services available to a student enrolled in a public school, other than the right to receive the appropriate unit of credit for completing an electronic course.

16. Must the un-enrolled student’s attendance zone public school district and open enrollment charter school proctor examinations for the student taking a course through the TxVSN?

If you have additional questions please send an email to the TxVN central mailbox at txvsncentral@txvsn.org or call the help desk at 1.866.938.9876

last changed 8/30/2010