Getting Started
Getting Started with ACCESS
ACCESS Virtual Learning partners with local school systems to provide students with high-quality online courses aligned with the Alabama Course of Study. Courses are taught by Alabama-certified teachers through an asynchronous learning model, allowing students to work from their school campus or another school-approved location.
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If you are a student interested in enrolling in ACCESS Virtual Learning courses, or a parent interested in enrolling your child, please contact your school counselor or administrator. All ACCESS course enrollments must be submitted through the student’s school.
If you are a school official looking to partner your school or district with ACCESS Virtual Learning, please get in touch with us for more information. We would love to share with you how ACCESS courses can expand and enrich academic opportunities for your students!
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ACCESS Virtual Learning courses are designed to align with a variety of school schedules, including traditional, block, quarter, and semester terms. Summer course offerings are also available based on demand.
In select circumstances, ACCESS accepts transfer and late enrollments. Please refer to the ACCESS Academic Calendar for important enrollment deadlines and course start and end dates.
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Students enrolled in ACCESS Virtual Learning courses are required to have a school-based facilitator. Facilitators play an important role in student success by serving as the connection between the school, students, and ACCESS teachers.
Schools should select facilitators who will actively monitor student progress, communicate regularly with students and stakeholders, maintain testing integrity, stay organized with pacing guides and course deadlines, and support students in understanding ACCESS policies and expectations. Facilitators are also required to complete ACCESS facilitator training provided through regional ACCESS support centers.
As an on-site support person, facilitators help students navigate the online learning environment and assist with tasks related to technology, the Schoology learning management system, and course participation. Facilitators do not have to be certified teachers, and many schools successfully use paraprofessionals in this role.
To learn more about becoming a facilitator or getting started with ACCESS, school administrators, school counselors, or designated facilitators should email the Support Center at mcaccesshelp@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
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Schools with students enrolled in ACCESS Virtual Learning courses are required to submit the current Assurance Agreement and Credit Recovery Assurance forms each school year.
Schools are also required to keep their ACCESS students’ signed Student Acknowledgement and Photographic Materials Permission Forms on file and share them with the ACCESS Support Center upon request.
Schools must also submit Plans for Special Population students enrolled in ACCESS courses. Student IEP, 504, and EL Plans have to be uploaded to ACCESS through PowerSchool Special Programs. Depending on the LEA, this process may be completed at either the local school or district level.
Click this link to view the directions for sending IEP, 504, and EL Plans to ACCESS via PoserSchool Special Programs.
If your LEA does not currently have 504 or EL plans in Special Programs, these documents will need to be added to Special Programs before they are sent to ALSDE. Click this link for the directions on completing this process.
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ACCESS Virtual Learning uses the Schoology learning management system (LMS) to deliver all online courses.
For assistance with navigating Schoology or accessing course materials, students should contact their ACCESS Support Center or their school-assigned facilitator. Students can also obtain their ACCESS login credentials from their school facilitator or counselor.
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Student Orientation is built into the beginning of every ACCESS Virtual Learning course and must be completed for each course a student takes. Students will not be able to access course materials until all orientation activities have been completed.
The orientation introduces students to essential online learning tools and expectations, including how to navigate Schoology, communicate with teachers, submit assignments, and successfully participate in an online learning environment.
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Schools and school systems are responsible for providing the technology and instructional resources necessary for students participating in ACCESS Virtual Learning courses. This includes computers, Internet access, required software, textbooks, and any additional equipment needed for virtual learning.
Local schools are also responsible for providing technology support and ensuring that all required course software is accessible to students. In addition, schools must establish local policies and provide on-site classroom facilitators to support students.
Headphones with microphones are highly recommended to support communication, participation, and other interactive online learning activities.