5508 Internet-Based Instruction
DEFINITIONS
A. Virtual: Instruction provided electronically utilizing the internet and computers as the primary tools for delivery, evaluation, and feedback. This may include, but not limited to, video and audio, live instructor interactions, and other district approved means and mediums. Virtual instruction may be either synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded).
B. Blended: Course instruction that includes both internet-based instruction and live, in-person interaction. The majority of the instruction is delivered through internet-based means and mediums. Students will be required to attend in-person instruction on a consistent basis as determined by the instructor and based on course requirements and student progress. Blended Learning courses are offered to students enrolled at Union High School.
C. Distance Learning: In the event of an emergency declared by a federal or state government entity that impacts the operation of public schools in Oklahoma, a localized emergency such as a weather-related school closure or a localized public health emergency, or upon an action taken by the State Board of Education declaring such an emergency that leads to the temporary emergency closure of school campuses or otherwise significantly impacts the operation of public schools in Oklahoma as determined by the State Board of Education, the District may implement its distance learning plan which provides for distance learning that is accessible to all students. See Board Policy 5511.
D. Credit Recovery/Summer School: Programs offered through digital means and mediums but are not part of the Virtual Education program.
VIRTUAL EDUCATION GUIDELINES
A. To be eligible for virtual education a student must be enrolled at Union Public Schools. Enrollment for virtual education must occur prior to or within 15 days of the start of the fall or spring semester. Enrollment in virtual is a semester commitment; a student cannot return to in-person learning during the semester. All enrollments in virtual education must be approved by the appropriate site administrator. Any exception to enrollment must be approved by the Executive Director of Elementary or Secondary Education.
B. Enrollment in virtual education is optional and may require student/family provided resources in order to participate. This includes, but not limited to, reliable high-speed internet access at home. The district shall provide an appropriate device for virtual education (e.g. laptop). Please see Board Policy 1601 for acceptable use and requirements for using district own devices.
C. Any student on an IEP or 504 is eligible to participate in virtual education to the extent that the IEP/504 team determines virtual education to be a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and the availability of appropriate virtual coursework.
D. An English Learner (EL) student is eligible to participate in virtual education to the extent the EL team determines it is an appropriate placement and the availability of appropriate virtual coursework.
E. Union Board Policy 5025 gives specific instruction for virtual attendance guidelines. The policy will be applied to all virtual instruction at any grade level.
F. Virtual instruction shall be provided using district approved means and mediums.
G. All existing requirements related to student progression, retention, grading policies, and class rank shall remain in effect for virtual education students.
H. Not all advanced coursework is available or appropriate for virtual education. In order to take certain advanced courses a student may be required to attend an in-person class.
I. All policies regarding student conduct will be enforced for students enrolled in virtual education. This includes all digital communication and interactions through the district approved means and mediums.
J. Parents must agree in writing to all policies and procedures related to virtual education prior to students being accepted.
INSTRUCTION
A. All instructors who facilitate virtual education are responsible for lesson planning, attendance, grading, and synchronous or asynchronous instructional opportunities. Instructors will be responsible for parent communication regarding student progress.
B. Students enrolled in virtual education must participate in all district and state required testing. Testing may require in-person attendance for the proctoring of district and state mandated tests.
C. Any student in virtual education who consistently fails to participate, does not meet minimum attendance requirements, or regularly violates the rules, policies, or procedures for virtual education may be removed from virtual education by administration and returned to in-person education.
Adopted 8/12/02
Revised 12/8/03
Revised 12/13/04
Revised 12/10/07
Revised 11/8/10
Revised 8/8/11
Revised 12/14/15
Revised 12/11/17
Revised 12/9/19
Revised 12/14/2020
Revised 12/13/21
Revised 12/12/22