(K–12 Districts)

The Sikeston R-6 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 methods of instruction outside the traditional classroom setting when doing so would assist students toward graduation or provide postsecondary and vocational preparation. The district may also utilize diverse instruction options for homebound students, students under long-term suspension or other students the district determines to be in need of alternative instructional arrangements.

Instruction options may include off-campus instruction, virtual instruction or other instructional experiences outside the regular classroom setting. Before ofering nontraditional instruction options, staff must verify that such options are eligible for state aid, align with state and federal requirements and are consistent with the instructional goals of the district. Staff must also ensure that adequate supervision is provided, that students are under the guidance and direction of certified teachers and that the district is insured for the program.

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 programs.

Virtual Instruction

The district may offer instruction through district-sponsored virtual courses and will approve students to take virtual courses through the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP) in accordance with policy IGCD and law.

Dual Enrollment in Postsecondary Courses

The district may enter into an agreement with a Missouri public community college or public or private four-year college or university to offer students postsecondary courses on the postsecondary school's campus or virtually through the postsecondary school. Students will receive both high school and college credit. 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 or virtually through the postsecondary school. Students will receive both high school and college credit.

Academic/Curriculum-Based Service Learning

The district may offer academic/curriculum-based service learning that allows students to engage in community service with the opportunity to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.

Off-Campus Learning Opportunities

The district may award credit for additional off-campus learning experiences that have been approved by the district and meet the requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Such programs may include off-campus academic programs, career exploration programs, cooperative career education programs, work experiences for students with disabilities, the School Flex Program, and instruction in a sheltered workshop setting. The district will obtain written approval from DESE, when required, prior to implementing an off-campus program.

The district may offer credit for these off-campus opportunities in accordance with DESE requirements. The amount and type of credit awarded will depend on the hours spent in the activity and the extent to which those activities are consistent with the student's individual career and academic plan (ICAP).

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. Have an ICAP that meets DESE's
2. Attend the district a minimum of two instructional hours per school
3. Pursue a timely graduation through an enrollment in district-required classes in order to meet graduation
4. Provide evidence of college or technical/career education enrollment and attendance or proof of employment and labor that is aligned with the student's ICAP developed in conjunction with the
5. Refrain from being expelled or suspended while participating in the
6. Maintain a 95 percent attendance

A student participating in the School Flex Program will be considered a full-time student of the district and will receive academic credit for his or her off-campus education or employment.