More Options FacultyParentsStudents 215.723.6061 MENU FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) Program Overview Support Register for SAVA Souderton Area School District / Schools / Souderton Area Virtual Academy (SAVA) / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Please see the questions and answers below for more information about Souderton Area Virtual Academy (SAVA). Is SAVA the same thing as the online option offered for students during the 2020-2021 school year? No. SAVA is Souderton Area School District's Virtual Academy and has separate curricular resources and user experience than the Online Academy that was offered this school year due to COVID-19. Why choose SAVA over online cyber charter schools? SAVA offers access to the benefits of your home school community, as well as readily accessible sports, extracurricular activities, school supports, and an SASD diploma. What curriculum is used in SAVA? A variety of curriculum content providers are utilized to create the content of SAVA courses. A variety of content providers are utilized to create the resources of SAVA courses that align with the Souderton Area School District in-person curriculum and the PA Core Standards. Will SAVA students need to participate in state standardized assessments? Students in grades 3-8 are required to take the PSSA exams in Math, ELA and Science (grades 4 and 8). Students are also required to complete the Algebra, Literature and Biology Keystones upon completion of trigger courses. All PSSA and Keystone assessments will occur in a face-to-face setting. What curriculum is used in SAVA? A variety of curriculum content providers are utilized to create the content of SAVA courses. A variety of content providers are utilized to create the resources of SAVA courses that align with the Souderton Area School District in-person curriculum and the PA Core Standards. What does attendance look like in SAVA? Attendance is taken during synchronous (live) sessions and also determined by time logged, activity completion, and student pacing through course content. If a student enrolls in SAVA, when can he/she return to in-person schooling in the district? Transitioning from SAVA to in-person schooling is encouraged at the natural breaks in instruction by level - for example, quarter, trimester, semester. Can my SAVA student participate in Souderton Area School District activities, such as sports? Yes, each SAVA student will have the opportunity to utilize the district's sports and extracurricular options. Who are the teachers in SAVA? The majority of teachers in SAVA are teachers outside of Souderton Area School District. All SAVA teachers are certified to teach their courses in Pennsylvania and are specifically trained to teach fully online courses. How does SAVA serve students with IEPs, GIEPs, 504s, or students that are English language learners? As a team, we will meet and discuss how to best meet the needs of each child in the virtual learning environment. Many options, accommodations, and modifications can be offered in the virtual environment to serve the needs of students with exceptionalities. How much does SAVA cost? SAVA is offered at no cost to families and is part of the options that Souderton Area School District offers to all students. What technology and support will I receive as a SAVA student? SAVA students will receive a device and charger like any other district student. They will also receive access to all necessary software. Technology support is provided through the district and can be accessed through our technology department. What is the blend of synchronous (live) instruction versus asynchronous (recorded) instruction on a typical SAVA school day? The blend of instruction varies by course and level. What are the class times in SAVA? While synchronous (live) instruction is conducted during normal school hours (i.e. between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM), the SAVA virtual learning option provides the flexibility of students participating in asynchronous (recorded) instruction outside of the regular school day. What home supports are necessary to help SAVA students be successful? At the elementary level (and to some extent at middle and high school), an adult at home will need to partner with the school district to provide support for students. This is a best practice across any effective cyber program. 760 Lower Road, Souderton, PA 18964 | Phone 215.723.6061 | Fax 215.723.8897 SOUDERTON AREA School District Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2021 Intrado Corporation. All rights reserved.