Virtual students falling behind in Fayette County

Nearly three quarters of the high school students enrolled in Fayette County Public Schools’ virtual program are currently on academic probation. Assistant Superintendent Julie Turner told the Board of Education on Sept. 27 that 201 of 282 virtual students, or 71%, have one or more failing grades on their most recent progress reports. Turner said a lack of student engagement remains the primary problem, and parents have been notified of the situation.

Virtual students meet with teachers online in real time twice a week and complete their assignments individually, but Turner said “it takes a lot of self-discipline to stay engaged.” Students in elementary and middle schools will be evaluated later this month regarding any probation status.

Turner said the school system plans to “hold the line” when it comes to requiring students on probation to return to in-person classes if their grades don’t improve. The board will decide by the end of the year if virtual classes will be offered at all for the spring semester.