ACCESS Policies
ACCESS Policies
This digital manual outlines ACCESS Virtual Learning policies and procedures and serves as a comprehensive resource for LEAs. It defines the roles of participating staff—including administrators, counselors, facilitators, teachers—and provides clear guidelines for students enrolled in ACCESS courses.
For more ACCESS information, please consult the Alabama State Department of Education’s ACCESS Virtual Learning webpage.
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ACCESS empowers Alabama administrators to expand educational opportunities by providing students with equal access to high-quality instruction and a diverse range of courses, no matter where they are.
We are pleased you have joined the growing number of Alabama high schools participating in ACCESS, bringing a wide range of Advanced Placement, Career Tech, core, and elective courses to students across the state. Your participation will open doors of opportunity for your students and help make the goals of ACCESS a reality.
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School counselors play an important role in helping students access the wide range of high-quality virtual courses available through ACCESS, expanding academic opportunities and supporting future success across Alabama.
With offerings that include Advanced Placement, Career Tech, core subjects, and electives, ACCESS is committed to providing equitable access to rigorous instruction for students statewide.
We are excited that your school is joining the growing number of ACCESS participants, and we appreciate your guidance in helping students make the most of these opportunities and stay on track toward their academic goals.
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ACCESS Virtual Learning teachers are part of a dedicated community of educators committed to student success, innovative instructional practices, and expanding learning opportunities for students across Alabama.
The ACCESS Policy Manual outlines teacher responsibilities and provides guidance for delivering high-quality web-based instruction (WBI). All ACCESS teachers are expected to review and follow ACCESS policies, understand student requirements, and adhere to all applicable procedures and expectations for their courses.
In addition, ACCESS teachers are required to do the following each year:
- Attend all monthly online faculty meetings
- Participate in the annual summer Teacher Day professional development event by attending in person or completing the required online Teacher Day modules
- Join and actively monitor the Schoology groups:
- Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Madison City (CAST-MC)
- Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Alabama State Department of Education (CAST-ALSDE)
We appreciate your commitment to supporting student achievement and providing high-quality online learning experiences for students throughout Alabama.
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Facilitators play a vital role in student success by serving as on-site supervisors for the virtual classroom and the primary connection between students, schools, and ACCESS teachers. Facilitators support daily course operations, monitor student progress, communicate with stakeholders, and help ensure students remain on pace and engaged in their courses. Their contributions have a significant impact on both student achievement and the success of the ACCESS program at their school. To ensure a successful program experience, facilitators must understand all ACCESS policies and communicate them effectively to their ACCESS students and stakeholders.
To get started, facilitators must first complete the online training and certification process. To register for the course, go to PowerSchool Professional Learning, sign in to your account, and search for Course #330545, or click this link: Annual Facilitator Certification for the 2025-26 School Year.
Facilitators are also expected to join and actively monitor the MC Facilitators group in Schoology. This group serves as a primary source for important announcements, policy updates, reminders, and resources. It also provides access to links for the bi-monthly live online facilitator meetings, as well as presentation materials and recordings for facilitators who are unable to attend the live sessions.
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As an ACCESS Virtual Learning student, you have the flexibility to explore different learning styles, manage scheduling conflicts, recover credits, enroll in Advanced Placement or otherwise unavailable courses, and develop valuable technology skills.
This manual is designed to answer common questions for you and your parents or guardians about the ACCESS Virtual Learning program. It outlines general program policies as well as key guidelines to support you as you register for courses, complete assignments and exams, and use the resources needed for success.