The Salem R-80 School District strives to provide a diverse range of courses to meet student needs
and interests. In addition to traditional course options, the district encourages staff to seek
nontraditional methods of instruction to assist students toward graduation and vocational preparation.
Staff are particularly encouraged to seek nontraditional alternatives to provide a wider range of
courses for students. In addition, the district may utilize diverse instruction options for homebound
students, students under long-term suspension or other students the district determines to be in need
of alternative programming.
Nontraditional instruction may include off-campus instruction, virtual instruction or other
instructional experiences outside the regular classroom setting. Before arranging for course credit
for nontraditional instruction, staff must verify that such instruction is eligible for state aid and is
consistent with the instructional goals of the district.
Unless otherwise required by law, participation in nontraditional instruction programs is a privilege.
Students who do not succeed in alternative instructional environments may be transferred to other
programs, including the district's standard program. Students are subject to district discipline while
participating in nontraditional courses. Unless otherwise required by law or approved by the
superintendent or designee, students who fail to complete a course, drop out without district
permission or are expelled from a course will not be allowed to take another nontraditional course
at district expense.
Virtual Instruction
The district may offer virtual courses to enrolled students through district staff or by contracting
through a vendor. In addition, the district may pay for a student to enroll in courses provided by the
Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP), or other providers approved by the Board.
In order for the district to enroll a student in virtual instruction under this policy, the student must
currently be enrolled in the district and remain enrolled in the district throughout the course until
credit is earned. A district counselor must approve the course as academically appropriate for the
student and must determine that the course will not hinder the student’s progress toward graduation
with his or her class. All grades and credits earned through district-sponsored virtual instruction will
be accepted as if earned within the district. The district will collect state funding to the extent
possible for resident students enrolled in virtual instruction.
Dual Enrollment
In addition to offering dual credit courses, the district may enter into an agreement with a Missouri
public community college or university to offer students postsecondary courses on the postsecondary
school's campus at the district's expense. Students will receive both high school and college credit.
Missouri Senior Cadets Program
Eligible high school students may mentor students in grades K-8 and earn one (1) hour of elective
class credit toward graduation. The student may also receive college tuition reimbursement, in
accordance with law.
Mentoring activities must be approved by the student's principal and counselor. Credit will be issued
once a student has served a minimum of ten (10) hours per week during the school year. An eligible
student must:
1. Be a high school senior.
2. Be a Missouri resident.
3. Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
4. Plan to attend college.
School Flex Program
The district may participate in a program that allows a student to be employed or attend an off-campus college or a technical/career program while still being considered a full-time student of the
school district. The program is only open to juniors and seniors who have approval from the
principal and their parents/guardians. To participate in the program, the student must:
1. Attend the district a minimum of two (2) instructional hours per school day.
2. Pursue a timely graduation.
3. Provide evidence of college or technical/career education enrollment and attendance or proof
of employment and labor that is aligned with the student's career academic plan developed
by the district.
4. Refrain from being expelled or suspended while participating in the program.
5. Pursue course and credit requirements for a diploma.
6. Maintain a 95 percent attendance rate.
A student under this program will be considered a full-time student of the district.
Other Off-Campus Programs
The district may offer the following off-campus learning experiences to juniors and seniors:
1. Academic Programs – The district may offer academic courses that include an off-campus,
applied knowledge component. Students will receive elective credit for the course, and no
more than two (2) units of credit may be awarded in any school year. Students may not
receive payment for their off-campus experience and must be supervised by an appropriately
certificated staff member.
2. Career Exploration Programs – The district may offer programs to assist students in career
exploration by exposing them to a variety of occupations practiced at the job site. The
program will have a related instructional component at the high school and will be
supervised by an appropriately certificated staff member. Students will receive elective
credit, and no more than two (2) units of credit may be awarded each school year. Students
may not be paid for the work performed in association with the program.
3. Cooperative Career Education Programs – The district may design programs to provide
structured, off-campus work experiences in a controlled environment along with related
vocational and academic instruction. The program will have a related instructional
component at the high school and will be supervised by an appropriately certificated staff
member. Students will receive elective credit, and no more than two (2) units of credit may
be awarded during any school year. The student must be considered an employee for the
work performed and receive payment for services provided.
4. Work Experience for Students with Disabilities – The district may organize or participate in
work experience programs for students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
that indicate the need for work experience. These work experiences may occur through a
Cooperative Work Experience Program or a Sheltered Workshop Program. Students may
be paid for their off-campus work and will receive no more than two (2) elective credits per
year.
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Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section
for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for
related information.
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Adopted: 10/17/2007
Last Revised: 06/24/2010
Cross Refs: JEA, Compulsory and Part-Time Attendance
Legal Refs: §§ 160.375, .539, 161.670, 162.1250, 167.223, RSMo.
5 C.S.R. 50-500.010
Salem R-80 School District, Salem, Missouri
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