Virtual Education FAQ

Brunswick School District

FAQs for “Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program” (MOCAP)

The Brunswick School District meets the curricular and instructional needs of all students by offering a range of course offerings and educational opportunities. In cases where a student’s need is not being met by these offerings and opportunities, Senate Bill 603 (also known as “MOCAP”) provides one possible avenue to address the gap. MOCAP was passed with the intent to:

• Expand the range of course offerings and opportunities for students
• Provide access to courses when there are no qualified teachers to lead the course
• Allow access to courses not available at the local school district

In accordance with Senate Bill 603, students who have been enrolled full time in a public or charter school for at least one semester immediately prior, may enroll part-time or full-time in the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program upon a determination by the district that such enrollment is in the student’s best educational interest.  Enrollment must be approved by the student’s principal of by the Superintendent. A student with a documented medical or psychological condition that prevented the student from attending school during the previous semester shall be exempt from the requirement that a student is enrolled full-time in and attended a public school for at least one semester in order to enroll in Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program courses.

Does this apply to K-12 students?

Yes, but courses and vendors must be approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). To determine if a course is approved, visit the DESE MOCAP web site: https://mocap.mo.gov/

Are students who participate in MOCAP courses considered to be “homeschooled?”

No. In accordance with Senate Bill 603, only registered and enrolled students are eligible to participate in MOCAP through the Brunswick School District. If a student is unenrolled from the Brunswick School District at any time, the student’s Brunswick-sponsored participation in MOCAP courses also ends.

Must MOCAP students live within the Brunswick School District boundaries?

Yes, in order for the Brunswick School District to pay for the costs of approved courses.  Senate Bill 603 requires that the student be enrolled in the district before the district will be responsible for the costs of approved courses.  In order to enroll in the district, a student must reside within the district boundaries or pay tuition to the Brunswick School District in accordance with district policy and law, which is currently established by the Board of Education at $1,000 per student, per year. If a student moves out of the district at any time, or fails to pay tuition in accordance with district policy, the student is unenrolled from the Brunswick School District and Brunswick-sponsored participation in MOCAP courses also ends.

What is the cost?

The cost of approved courses will be paid by the Brunswick School District. However, the district will monitor student progress in the MOCAP courses and if adequate progress is not made, the district retains the option to, in its reasonable discretion, determine that the course(s) is not meeting the student’s educational needs, cancel the course(s) and return the student to in-district courses.

What is the process for a student/family to request a MOCAP course?

Individuals will follow the same school enrollment and registration practices and timelines as they would for face-to-face courses. Students enroll in MOCAP courses the same way they enroll in regular Brunswick courses. To request enrollment for a MOCAP course, please complete the MOCAP enrollment form and take the form to your school counselor. Enrollment for MOCAP courses ends on the third day of the semester; enrollment requests received after the deadline will be for the following semester.

What courses are offered?

You can view the listing of DESE-approved courses in the catalogue at https://mocap.mo.gov/

When can MOCAP courses be taken?

MOCAP courses are available during the regular fall and spring semesters.

On what timeline must MOCAP courses be completed?

MOCAP courses follow the same school calendar as courses completed on the Brunswick campus. Students enrolled in MOCAP courses must complete all course requirements by the end of the semester as stated on the Board-approved district calendar. As stated above, the district will monitor student progress and if adequate progress is not made, the district retains the option to cancel the course and return the student to in-district courses.

Can MOCAP students participate in other school events?

Participation in school events will be determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with district policy and statute. Requests for participation in school events should be made to the building principal.

Will the district provide technology, supervision, or a space to access this online learning?

The intent of MOCAP courses is to expand the options available to students by providing state-approved classes that function outside of the traditional school environment. MOCAP courses are not taught by Brunswick faculty members. The district is not obligated to provide student computers, equipment, or Internet access except for eligible students with a disability in compliance with federal and state law. In most cases, the district will not provide a physical location in the school or adult supervision for students enrolled in MOCAP courses.

Will exceptional learners such as ELL, 504, or IEP students be provided support?

Eligible students with a disability will be provided support as required by federal and state law.

How will this affect MSHSAA and NCAA eligibility?

MSHSAA and NCAA eligibility can be impacted by off-campus coursework. MSHSAA eligibility must be approved by the building administration and district activities director. If the student has any interest in participation in school athletics or activities, the parent should contact the district activities director prior to enrollment in a virtual education program. If the student has questions about potential future impact to NCAA eligibility, the family should contact the student’s counselor prior to enrollment in a MOCAP course.

Could a request for online learning be denied?

Yes, denial is possible if the request is not in the best educational interest of the student. Below are considerations that may support the district’s determination that enrollment is not in the student’s best educational interest, which include, but are not limited to, the fact that the student:

• Has not successfully completed all prerequisite courses.
• Has requested to enroll in a course that does not align with Brunswick School District graduation requirements.
• Has requested to enroll in a course that does not contain sufficient rigor according to the District’s standards.
• Does not have consistent attendance.
• Is already carrying the maximum academic load.
• Has not demonstrated success in previous online courses (if applicable).
• Has not demonstrated readiness for independent coursework.
• Has requested to enroll in a course that has not been demonstrated to align with the Missouri Learning Standards.
• Has requested to enroll in a course with a course vendor that has not demonstrated courses will be taught by a Missouri certified teacher.
• Has requested to enroll in a course with a course vendor that does not have a pattern of successful student completion of the requested vendor course/program.

If denied, is there an appeal process?

An appeal process is provided in accordance with Board policy. In the case of a denial of MOCAP request, individuals will receive written notification of denial and their path to appeal the decision.

Where can I read the text of the law?

http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=161.670&bid=35970&hl=

Is this Board policy?

The Brunswick School District has adopted Board policy in compliance with Senate Bill 603.                                          

Policy relating to MOCAP consists of two documents: Policy and Regulation 6190 Virtual Education.

Additional Questions?

Contact your building administration.