Mastery Based Spanish Courses
VirtualSC will pilot the use of two Mastery-Based Spanish courses in the 2018-19 school year. The following courses will be included in the pilot: Spanish 1 CP and Spanish 2 CP. Please read the FAQ's below for more information on our Mastery-Based Spanish courses.
Q: What does Mastery-Based mean in a VirtualSC Spanish course?
A: Mastery Based Spanish means that students will be required to show mastery (defined as a 75 or higher) on each activity that they complete. Students may move through the course as soon as they show mastery. Students will be given multiple attempts to meet mastery requirements. Teachers will provide students with pacing guides that give suggested due dates for completing assignments; however, students may work ahead in the course. Prior to beginning coursework, students who have a goal of completing the course within one semester will be provided with an accelerated pacing guide.
Q: Will I still have to participate in Live Sessions?
A: Students will participate in Live Sessions in every other lesson, or multiple times a unit. On-pace students will attend regular weekly scheduled sessions based on the course pacing guide they are following.
Q: How will I participate in Live Sessions if I want to move ahead of the pacing guide?
A: Students working ahead of the pacing guide may contact their Language Coach to request a flex-session Live Session for the unit they are working in. Contact information for the teacher and Language Coach will be provided at the start of the course.
Q: Can I also request an on-demand Live Session if I missed one due to extenuating circumstance?
A: Students that miss a scheduled weekly Live Session may contact their Language Coach to discuss the option of a flex-session make up Live Session. Contact information for the teacher and Language Coach will be provided at the start of the course.
Q: How long will the Mastery-Based Spanish courses last (Semester? Yearlong?)
A: Students will receive pacing guides that show year-long pacing. However, they may move through the course more quickly as long as they are showing mastery. An accelerated pacing guide may be requested by the student at the start of the course.
Q: Why do I have more than one teacher for my Mastery-Based Spanish course?
A: Mastery-Based courses require teachers to ensure that constant feedback is provided to a student in order to assist them with mastery and the ability to move forward in the course as quickly as they are able to handle. Due to this fact, VirtualSC assigns two teachers to each of the Mastery-Based Spanish courses in a team-based approach. Students enrolled in a Mastery-Based Spanish course will receive instructions on how and when to interact with each teacher in the course.
Q: If I finish the Mastery-Based Spanish course early, can I take the final exam early?
A: Yes, if you have mastered all units and have teacher approval, you may take your exam before the regular exam week. Please note that you must contact your School Counselor if you need to take the final exam early, as they will assist you in making arrangements for an exam proctor.
Q: What is the benefit of these courses being Mastery-Based?
A: The Mastery-Based structure allows students to move through a course at a pace that is comfortable for them. Students will be provided with additional help and support if they do not meet mastery on the first attempt. Mastery-Based courses also ensure that students complete a course with a specific level of Spanish proficiency and performance.