2. ASCEND Online teachers are expected to have weekly contact with students. Teachers should attempt to have audio/visual contact at least 3 times per course.

3. ASCEND Online teachers should view a wide range of student work, including assignments, projects, quizzes and tests throughout the course.

GENERAL EXAM SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURE

• Penalties for irregularities and discrepancies are spelled out in the orientation, and on the online course sites. These problems include but are not limited to; improper student access to the exam; sharing answers through any means, including but not limited to, consulting improper textbooks, email, text messages, a camera phone, and the internet; use of cell phones and any other electronic or communication devices; and other student disruptions.

• When testing irregularities occur, ASCEND Online School may decline to grade the exam or may cancel the exam or course grade. When it is appropriate, ASCEND Online may give students the opportunity to test again as soon as possible. At any time, ASCEND Online reserves the right to request a proctored or supervised exam. Supervised Proctored Exams

• In some cases, proctored exams are given to verify, not change marks. As long as your mark is within the required limit of your course mark, your course mark will not change after taking a proctored exam. If your exam is not within the limit, then it will change based on the following scale:

• Within 10% difference - no change in your mark

• More than 25% difference - your mark will be averaged between course work and the proctored exam mark.

Zoom/Skype Verification

• Teachers can randomly ask students to do web Zoom/Skype conversation exams. This allows the teacher to randomly ask questions to the student while they are taking an exam. Questions can be specific to check on the student’s ability to know and verify what they are writing.

• Due to the nature of an online learning environment and the teachers desire to determine if work is being done independently, teachers reserve the right to host “assessment conversations” - that is, to go over assignments with you over Zoom/Skype voice. If the teacher has any occasion to doubt that work is the students own work - i.e. a student cannot speak to it confidently, or there are evident gaps between work handed in and the students ability to speak about it – students will receive an “adjusted” (usually 5-20%) course score; or if the teacher senses an inability to defend the student work more broadly, the student can be failed. If after a special web-cam assessment, student ability is found to be 10%+ lower than their course average, teachers may impose the exam score as your grade ceiling. Test Policy

• All tests must be completed on your own without the use of any of your note materials, any textbook or internet resource. The help of a tutor, friend, parent or any other person is NOT permitted whatsoever on any tests.

• All tests and assignments are open to be verified by Zoom/Skype “pop quizzes”. These are an informal verification quiz, and the teacher has the right to change the grade of any assignment or test based on such quizzes. They will be conversational in nature, discussing the topics and types of questions from the related test.

Assignment Design

• Requiring that students show all of their work, not just answers-only.

• Include questions that require an original answer, something that cannot just be googled, non-factual, higher order response required. If it is copied, it will stick out.

• Teachers check the assignment properties to see if multiple students saved or edited work on the same computer or sent from the same IP address. Knowledge Verification Tutorials

• Students must meet with their teacher live, online with voice and web cam to work through various subject specific problems together so the teacher can personally verify the mastery level of the student.

• Picture ID is a must.

Member Checking

• Insisting on a recent head shot in student’s Moodle profile.

• Reviewing IP address accesses and times to check for irregularities.

• Keeping detailed notes in Excel for each student to build a profile of who they are.

• Samples of writing required in the first lesson to determine their English language proficiency. Is the student consistent in their LA abilities throughout the course?

Course Design

• Regular Brain Checks, testing student knowledge along the way.

• More original answer-type responses that require higher thinking and that cannot simply be googled to get the answer.

• Larger random automated tests.

• Miscellaneous

• Checking how long it took to complete automated tasks.

• How long a word file was open, last saved by.

• Checking IP addresses in student logs.

• Keeping a physical record of student work to flip through when formatting and word choice appears similar. Is the student reusing work from another student?

• Having the administration check previous grades of ‘high achievers’ to see if this is consistent with past performance.

• Regular teacher communication about how students are cheating, who has been caught, strategies on how to prevent it and detect it.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION TO ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Penalties may include, but are not limited to:

• Requiring a student to retake or complete a different test or assignment

• Requiring a student to write a supervised or invigilated exam

• Giving a student a 0 on a test or assignment

• Placing a student on academic probation

• Withdrawing a student from the course

• Withdrawing a student from the school

Irregularities and violations may include, but are not limited to:

• Violating any part of the exam security policy or procedures

• Obtaining improper access to, or information about, an exam

• Using prohibited aids

• Copying from another student or a published work

• Giving or receiving assistance with another person during the exam

• Attempting to take an exam for someone else

Course Challenge Policy

Category: Courses

Policy: Course Challenge Policy 105

Approved date: February 2019

Revised date: April 2021

Course Challenge Policy

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The BC Ministry of Education allows students in BC the opportunity to challenge high school courses for credit. Taken from the BC Graduation Program Policy Guide, Dec. 2018:

“With some exceptions, all students can undertake a free challenge process to assess their prior learning for any ministry-developed Graduation Program course.

Students can challenge a course if they are currently enrolled in the school district, registered as a home schooler, or enrolled in the distributed learning school where the challenge is being requested. Students may not challenge a course they have previously passed, completed, or been granted equivalency credit for.

Prior to engaging in a challenge process, schools will review any documentation of prior learning presented by the student to determine if credit can be awarded through equivalency.

The challenge process must assess students on all course learning standards of Grades 11 and 12 courses, and on the Curricular Competencies, and Content of Grade 10 courses. Examples of challenge assessment strategies include hands-on demonstrations, oral performances, interviews, written examinations, or presentations of a collection of work.

Awarding credit through challenge will be based on the same standards used for students who have taken the course through enrolment. A challenge is considered successful when a student has achieved at least a grade of C- and 50 percent.”

Category: Courses

Policy: Course Challenge Policy 105

Approved date: February 2019

Revised date: April 2021

PROCEDURE

The following is the Course Challenge Procedure for ASCEND Online:

Students who have evidence of undocumented prior learning should adhere to the following procedures when applying to challenge a BC ministry authorized course or a B/AA course offered by ASCEND Online:

1. Apply to the principal, vice-principal, or Academic Advisor for approval to challenge a specific ministry authorized course or ASCEND Online Board Authority Authorized (BAA) course

2. Confirm that the course has not been completed in a previous enrollment either with ASCEND Online or another BC school or district.

3. Demonstrate readiness to challenge a specific course by: • Providing recommendation from a teacher

• Providing evidence that prior learning has occurred to a reviewing teacher.

The reviewing teacher will provide in writing to the student a list of the evidence that will be required to determine if the student has met the learning outcomes for the course and at what level of competency they have been met.

Category: Courses

Policy: Course Challenge Policy 105

Approved date: February 2019

Revised date: April 2021

The reviewing teacher may request that the student:

• Provide a portfolio of work

• Complete a written test

• Demonstrate learning through “hands on” activities

• Deliver an oral presentation

• Is available for an interview

• Any combination of the above

The teacher will then:

1. Allow the student sufficient time to accumulate the evidence and inform the student of the date when the evidence must be presented.

2. Assess the evidence to determine whether the student has met the learning outcomes for the course.

3. Assign a letter grade and percentage based on the same standards the teacher would use when teaching the course.

4. Inform the principal, student, and parent in writing, of the results of the assessment.

5. Document the results of the pre-challenge equivalency review and place a copy of the review in the student’s file. Successful course challenges will be noted on the student’s report card and transferred to the Ministry of Education Transcript of Courses and Marks

Category: Courses

Policy: Course Challenge Policy 105

Approved date: February 2019

Revised date: April 2021

Application for Challenge

Date of Application: ______________________________

Course Challenged:____________________________________________________________ Student Last Name: ______________________________

First Name: _________________________________

Student PEN Number: _____________________________ (can be obtained from the school) Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: __________________________ Telephone: __________________________________ Current Grade Level: ____________________ Birthdate: _________________ Sex: M◻ F◻ I have talked to the following teachers/school personnel about challenging this course: ___________________________________________________________________________________

• I have reviewed and am able to demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes designated for the course challenge.

• I realize that a variety of assessment procedures will be used.

• I recognize that the full course must be challenged for credit.

• I confirm that I have not completed the course in a previous enrolment with this or another school. • I understand that the results of the challenge process will be added to my student file as a part of my student record.

• I understand that acceptance of my application to challenge this course is not a guarantee of success in the challenge exam.

__________________________________ __________________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

______________________________________ _______________________________________ Vice Principal Signature Principal Signature (verifying approval)

Email the completed Application for Course Challenge to Krista Brautigam at kbrautigam@ascendonline.ca.

Equivalency and External Credit Policy

Approved: January 2020

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Equivalency:

Courses taught outside the British Columbia school system that substantially match the curricular competencies of Ministry Authorized or Board Authority Authorized Grade 10, 11 or 12 courses are eligible for credit through equivalency. For example, a student who completes a course in Alberta may receive credit for a comparable course in British Columbia through equivalency. ASCEND online will award credit through equivalency following the procedures: For the purpose of determining equivalency, comparison of courses may be based on factors such as the following:

• comparison of learning standards

• comparison of general subject matter

• comparison of depth or breadth of coverage of subject matter

• comparison of assessment methods, instruments, and standards.

PROCEDURE

To be deemed equivalent, sufficient content should have been covered to enable the student to be successful in further learning in the content area. For a Grade 11 or 12 course, there should be a match of approximately 80 percent or more of learning standards.

In order to receive credits through equivalency, students must provide the appropriate documentation as proof of successful completion of the course. For reporting and transcript purposes, ASCEND online will assign a letter grade and percentage to all credits awarded through equivalency. If the student’s documents show only a letter grade or level, ASCEND Online may choose to assign a percentage, based on the mid- point of the matching British Columbia letter grade range. ASCEND Online may use “Transfer Standing” (TS) if it is not possible to determine a letter grade and a percentage from the documentation.

External Credits:

All students enrolled with ASCEND Online are entitled to receive credit if they have earned a Ministry-approved credential. The Ministry of Education of British Columbia has sole authority to review and approve external credentials and assessments. The current list of these approved courses can be found on the Ministry’s online Course Registry. There is no limit to the number of credits a student may earn by using external credentials.

Credit restrictions: There may be credit restrictions between credentials where the external courses or programs are deemed to be equivalent. The current list of these credit restrictions can be found on the Ministry’s online Course Registry. Students cannot receive double credit for credentials deemed equivalent.

Independent Directed Studies Policy

Revised: May 2024

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

In conjunction with British Columbia’s Ministry of Education, ASCEND Online offers students the chance to pursue curriculum in more detail, by focusing on the learning outcomes of a course that they’re not taking. In doing so, ASCEND Online – through Independent Directed Studies – will grant credit towards graduation for learning that has been assessed and matches or exceeds provincial, national or international standards.

For graduation purposes, credits for Independent Directed Studies may only be used to satisfy the elective requirements. As a reminder, students must complete 16 credits of electives, along with 64 credits of required courses, in order to graduate from ASCEND Online. Grade 12 credits may count toward the minimum of 16 Grade 12 credits required for graduation.

Independent Directed Studies must be based on the learning outcomes of Ministry- Developed or Board/Authority Authorized Grade 10, 11 or 12 courses.

PROCEDURE

Student Requirements: To participate in this method of learning, students must:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work independently.

2. Complete an IDS Proposal Form and submit it to an ASCEND Online Academic Advisor and/or Vice Principal.

3. With their teacher, draft an Independent Directed Study plan that includes: i. a process for ongoing facilitation and assessment. ii. criteria for determining successful completion. iii. a credit value (1, 2, 3 or 4 credits) for the proposed IDS.

Proposal: A student who is interested in pursuing an IDS must draft a plan and submit it to the High School Academic Advisor of ASCEND Online. The Academic Advisor will consult with a School Based Team (SBT) to determine acceptance of the proposal. The SBT will be comprised of the relevant High School Teacher(s), and any or all of the following: High School Academic Advisor, Principal, Vice- Principal, High School teacher(s), previous K-9 Contact Teacher (to help determine suitability of student requirement #1 above).

Once acceptance of the plan is made by the SBT, the plan is submitted to the principal for final approval.

PROPOSAL FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTED STUDY:

Date of Application: ______________________________

Curriculum area to be addressed: _________________________________________________

Student Last Name: ______________________________

First Name: _________________________________

Student PEN Number: _____________________________ (can be obtained from the school)

Mailing Address:

Postal Code: __________________________ Telephone: __________________________________

Current Grade Level: ____________________ Birthdate: _________________ Sex: M¨ F¨

I have talked to the following teachers/school personnel about proposing an IDS course:

• I have drafted a plan for my proposed IDS and am attaching it to this proposal request.

• I understand that I will work with my assigned teacher for ongoing facilitation and assessment of my IDS.

• I have demonstrated in the past, and am prepared to continue to be, an independent learner.

__________________________________ _________________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature)

__________________________________ _________________________________ Academic Advisor Signature Principal Signature (verifying approval)

Name of teacher to oversee the course (to be assigned by the Academic Advisor):

Remember to attach a detailed IDS plan to this proposal (next page)

IDS Plan *note: please contact High School Academic Advisor, Krista Brautigam (kbrautigam@ascendonline.ca) if you require assistance completing this plan

Subject area:

Big Idea(s) to be explored:

Curricular content (topics):

Curricular competencies:

Assessment methods to be used:

Resources to be used:

Other information:

Assessment and Resubmission Policy

Purpose of this policy:

(1) to outline protocol and guidelines for resubmission.

(2) to address the assessment flexibility of each subject area.

Assessment:

Students will not be assessed for a standard until the teacher is confident that achievement of the standard is within their reach, or until the final deadline for assessment. The need for further assessment can be minimized when teachers:

• give students adequate practice opportunities.

• ensure students understand performance criteria.

• discuss exemplars of successful work with students.

• receive student feedback.

Resubmission:

ASCEND Online can offer resubmission when a student is not able to achieve a grade, only if a student corrects errors or omissions in their work within a short period of time. Resubmission will take place before the teacher gives any feedback on the work done. If further teaching and/or instruction have occurred after the first assessment opportunity, resubmission is not possible. Resubmission will be closely supervised and evaluated to manage authenticity, and will be offered only when a teacher judges that a student is capable of correcting him or herself. Details regarding application and utility are subject-specific; thus, it is the responsibility of each subject’s teacher to particular criteria laid out in course outlines. If a student desires to re-take a final examination, ASCEND will levy a $75 fee to initiate this process. Teachers will then be required to produce a secondary exam for a student, which will feature new questions for the same topics.

Frequency of resubmission:

For the purpose of ensuring student proficiency and understanding in each subject, ASCEND Online will offer a maximum of one further opportunity for assessment of a standard within an academic year. A further assessment opportunity occurs when a

new, quality-assured assessment is provided for students after their first opportunity and after further learning has taken place. While a maximum of one further opportunity for assessment is available, it does not mean one must be offered. It is up to the teacher’s discretion as to whether or not a further opportunity will be offered for any standard. If the teacher deems it appropriate, students should be advised from the outset that there is a single opportunity to be assessed against that standard.

Results resubmission or re-examination:

Upon completion of a resubmission or re-examination, a student will be awarded the highest grade he or she has achieved over both opportunities. If a student achieves a lower grade on a resubmission, ASCEND Online will use the higher grade achieved on a student’s first attempt.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism (Violation of Academic Integrity) Policy

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

ASCEND Online students are expected to act with “academic integrity” in all aspects of their education. In general, “academic integrity” means students always do their own work and submit assignments that contain their own ideas. When referencing work and ideas from other sources, these contributions must be properly cited using an established and approved format. Plagiarism and “cheating” are violations of academic integrity and can have serious consequences.

DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES

The BC For High School website says:

There are rules about academic integrity and cheating. Breaking these rules has serious consequences.

Here are some examples of breaking the rules:

– Copying from a fellow student’s work or test, or allowing them to copy your work;

– Plagiarism: using someone else’s words or ideas without acknowledging they are not your own;

– Handing in another student’s work as your own;

– Handing in material downloaded from the Internet. 1

CREDIT AND CITATION

Credit must always be given to the author(s) of work that is not one’s own. In written assignments, this usually takes the form of a proper citation. The proper use of citations gives due credit to the original author(s) of the material being used and allows the reader to locate and view the original work that is being referenced.

There are a number of acceptable citation formats and styles (APA, MLA, etc.). Be sure to check with your teacher regarding the best format to use in your work.

CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIARISM OR OTHER VIOLATIONS OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

If a teacher suspects that a student has violated this academic integrity policy, they will contact the student to discuss the concern. Subsequently, if it is deemed that a violation has occurred, any or all of the following may occur:

1. A “0” may be assigned to the assignment, project or test. 2. The student may be asked to redo the assignment, project or test or complete one that is similar. 3. The student’s parent(s) may be notified. 4. The school administration may be notified and/or consulted. 5. A discipline report may go in the student file. 6. The student may receive a “0” for the course.

In cases where a student has violated academic integrity, the student’s teacher will use their professional judgement in determining an appropriate consequence and will consider such factors as intention, form, previous violations, the extent of the academic dishonesty, and the student discipline record. Giving a student a “0” for the course requires the consultation and approval by the principal.

In all cases, the overall intent of this policy is to promote and ensure the highest possible level of academic integrity among ASCEND Online students at all times.

[^1]

[^1]: BC For High School, bcforhighschool.gov.bc.ca/en/tile/academic-integrity-plagiarism-and-cheating/.

Grade Promotion and Benchmarks Policy

The source document is available here. A copy with permission to reproduce is needed to display its full text in this policy library.

Home Fire Escape and Earthquake Plans

Fire Escape

• Create a home fire escape plan showing 2 ways out of every room. Practise your plan with your entire family by having a home fire drill at least twice a year.

• Choose a Family Meeting Place a safe distance away from your home. All family members should be taught to report to the family meeting place after leaving the house.

• Call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or have one person go to a neighbour’s house to contact 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Earthquake plan

• Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON with all members of your household.

• Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection. During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on.

• move as little as possible and try to protect your head and torso.

• if you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, and cover your head.

-stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit

For more information on emergency preparedness please check this link from the government:

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

Thank you for making fire and earthquake safety priorities in your home!

ASCEND Online Code of Conduct

Respect, Responsibility, and Reverence in the Virtual Classroom

At our online K-12 Catholic school, we are committed to fostering an environment

of respect, responsibility, and reverence for all members of our community. As a

faith-based educational institution, we hold ourselves to high moral and ethical

standards. This code of conduct outlines the expectations we have for students,

parents, teachers, and staff while participating in our virtual learning community.

I. Respect for Self and Others

Respect for Authority: Students shall show respect for teachers, administrators,

and staff at all times and follow their guidance and instructions.

Respect for Others: Students, parents, teachers, and staff shall treat all other

members of the ASCEND Online school community with kindness, empathy, and

respect, refraining from bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

Respect for Diversity: We celebrate diversity and inclusion. Discrimination or

prejudice based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other characteristic

will not be tolerated.

Respect for Privacy: Students, parents, teachers, and staff shall respect the

privacy and personal information of others, following all school and diocesan

policies regarding privacy. Everyone shall refrain from sharing personal information

without consent. ASCEND Online also complies with all PIPA (Personal Information

Protection Act) laws.

II. Academic Integrity

Honesty in Work: Students shall complete their assignments and assessments

with honesty, refraining from plagiarism or cheating in any form, including the

unacknowledged use of AI generated work.

Respect for Copyright: Students shall respect copyright laws and properly cite

sources when using external materials in their work.

III. Technology and Digital Citizenship

Responsible Use of Technology: Students, teachers, and staff shall use school-

provided technology responsibly, adhering to the school's Acceptable Use Policy.

Cyberbullying Prevention: Students, parents, teachers, and staff shall not engage

in cyberbullying or any harmful online behavior. Report any instances of

cyberbullying to school authorities.

IV. Active Engagement

Participation: Students are encouraged to actively engage in online class

discussions, activities, and assignments, contributing to a positive and collaborative

learning environment.

Punctuality: Students shall attend virtual classes and meetings punctually and

complete assignments within established deadlines.

V. Reverence and Faith

Respect for Religious Beliefs: Students, parents, teachers, and staff shall

respect the religious beliefs and practices of others, even if they differ from

their own. ASCEND Online is a Catholic school and all members of the ASCEND

Online community shall support and acknowledge that Catholic Church teachings

and beliefs permeate all aspects of our school.

Participation in Religious Activities: Students are invited to participate in all

religious activities and classes and shall do so in a respectful manner, even if their

own faith differs.

VI. Parental Involvement

Parental Support: Parents are encouraged to support their children's learning,

maintain open communication with teachers, and ensure their children's adherence to this code of conduct.

VII. Reporting Violations

Reporting Violations: All members of the school community are responsible for

reporting violations of this code of conduct to appropriate school authorities.

ASCEND Online is dedicated to preventing retaliation against persons who make a

complaint about policy violations or breaches of policy. Those who raise concerns or

file complaints can do so without fear of negative consequences or retaliation from

any individuals involved in the alleged breach of policy. Such a commitment is

important in promoting a safe and supportive environment for everyone at ASCEND

Online.

VIII. Consequences

Consequences for Violations: Violations of this code of conduct may result in

disciplinary actions, including but not limited to warnings, suspensions, or expulsion,

as determined by the school administration.

By participating in our online K-12 Catholic school community, all members agree to

abide by this code of conduct. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and faith-

filled environment where every student can thrive academically, spiritually, and

emotionally.