P6172.6

Instruction

Distance Education

Virtual/Online Courses

The Board of Education believes that distance education through virtual/online courses is an opportunity for enrichment for Portland High School students. Online learning has a distinct advantage in that it does not require students to be physically present in the same location as the instructor or other students. Distance education courses are part of Portland's educational program delivery system to increase accessibility and flexibility in the delivery of instruction. In addition to regular classroom-based instruction, students in the district may earn credit through distance education provided by virtual/online courses.

Virtual schools are educational organizations that offer courses at various grade levels through Internet or web-based methods. Virtual schools allow students to take courses not currently offered at Portland High School and, as such, enrich existing curriculum.

Online courses offered via organizations such as Virtual High School shall not result in a reduction of the current number of electives offered at Portland High School, nor shall it result in the reduction in force of any existing staff.

Portland High School students may earn a maximum of four (4) units of academic credit towards graduation requirements by completing approved online courses. Such credits will count as graded general elective credit and will not meet distribution requirements unless one or more of the following conditions exist:

One or more of the following conditions must exist for students to register for an online or virtual course:

1.  The course or its equivalent is not offered at Portland High School. (In the event of an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would have a negative impact on a student's academic sequence or ability to complete proscribed graduation requirements, the administration may approve the taking of an online course the equivalent of which is offered at Portland High School.)

2.  The course could serve as a supplement to extended homebound instruction.

3.  The district has expelled the student from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued.

4.  The Principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents/guardians, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment for a portion of his/her academic program.

As determined by BOE/school policy, students taking a virtual course will do the following:

·  Adhere to the District code of conduct to include rules of behavior and consequences for violations.

·  Adhere to attendance requirements of the District.

·  Adhere to the District's Internet policy.

·  Adhere to Portland High School's policy on withdrawing from a course.

The school must receive an official record of the final grade before awarding credit toward graduation.

The site-coordinator is responsible for monitoring student progress in a virtual course.

(cf. 6141.323 - Computers: Acceptable Use of the Internet)

(cf. 6141.1 - Independent Study)

(cf. 6146 - Graduation Requirements)

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures.

Policy adopted:  May 17, 2016

Policy reviewed and approved:  January 22, 2019

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Portland, Connecticut