The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), through the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Voluntary Public School Choice Program, has initiated a pilot program establishing the Arkansas Virtual School (ARVS). General information on the ARVS was previously released through Informational ADE Director’s Memos Number IT-03-004 (10/18/02) and IT-03-005 (12/02/02). School Districts and Open Enrollment Charter Schools may voluntarily participate in the ARVS pilot program. The purpose of this memo is to provide additional information regarding district participation as it relates to special populations.
• Participating districts will receive full state and federal funding for each student enrolled in their district and the ARVS.
• The ARVS will forward enrollment packets to districts for enrolled ARVS students during the week of January 20-24, 2003.
• The enrollment packets will include information on how participating districts are to enter student data in the Arkansas Public School Computer Network (APSCN).
• The ARVS enrollment packets should include information regarding the participation of its students in the following types of services/programs: special education services consistent with an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Title I program; Services Plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; English as a Second Language (ESL) program; or Gifted and Talented program.
• Participating districts will be responsible for providing special education services to ARVS students identified as having a disability in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), consistent with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student.
• Participating districts will be responsible for contacting the parents of ARVS students or the student’s previous school to obtain Special Education IEP files and Section 504 Services Plans.
• The district will be responsible for initiating and conducting any special education conferences that may be required to determine the appropriateness of the student’s participation in the ARVS as it relates to the provision of services called for in the IEP, and to identify any accommodations and modifications to be implemented in the ARVS educational setting.
• Districts must notify ARVS staff of all IEP meetings for its enrolled students with disabilities.
• ARVS staff (i.e. Director of Special Education and Teacher) will serve as active members of all IEP teams serving ARVS students in determining the appropriateness of the student’s participation in the ARVS program, curriculum and instructional modifications and accommodations, and monitoring the implementation of the IEP.
• Parents will be responsible for providing the student’s transportation to and from the district for receipt of special education and related services provided by the district, unless otherwise determined by the IEP Team and specified in the student’s IEP.
For additional information on implementing special education services for students with disabilities enrolled in the ARVS program, contact:
Dr. Mike Crowley, Administrator
Monitoring/Program Effectiveness
Special Education
Arkansas Department of Education
1401 West Capitol, Suite 450
Little Rock, AR 72201-2936
Voice: 501-682-4225
Fax: 501-682-5168
mcrowley@arkedu.k12.ar.us
Additional information regarding participation in the ARVS pilot program by any district is available by contacting:
Randall Greenway, Head of School
Arkansas Virtual School
2800 Cantrell Road, Suite 101
Little Rock, AR 72202
Voice: 501-644-4225
Fax: 501-644-4226
rgreenway@arvs.org