• Download this document

The Board shall allow video-based, internet-based, and online courses as a means to fulfill academic requirements. Such opportunities will be implemented under the provisions set forth in Policy Instruction 131.3, Extended Learning Opportunities. 

If the course is to be taken for credit, then Policy 131.2, Alternative Credit Options, will apply.  Only students approved by the school principal shall be eligible to receive credit for distance education/online courses.

The written approval of the building principal is required before a district student enrolls in an online or virtual course that is intended to become part of their educational program. Students applying for permission to take an online course must complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an online learning environment. 

Approved courses must align with state and local standards, be delivered by staff licensed in the state where the course originates from, and contain provisions for feedback and monitoring of student progress. The district will require a syllabus, including prerequisites, specific learning goals/activities, student evaluation criteria, and teacher responsibilities to be submitted for review before the course are approved as part of the student's educational program.

Any online courses taken in the summer shall be under the same conditions as during the school year. 

The principal will assign a teacher to monitor student progress, grading of assignments, and testing.  One teacher shall supervise no more than ten students participating in online/virtual courses. 

Approved online/virtual courses must comply with all federal and state statutes pertaining to student privacy and to public broadcasting of audio and video. Confidentiality of Student Record Information will be maintained throughout the process. This includes information shared between school district representatives and the virtual school or online teacher, information shared between the school district or online teacher with students and parents, and information shared between school district representatives, the virtual school or online teacher with others.

The school district will provide safeguards for students participating in online instruction activities, and Policy Instruction 142 and Safety 121, Internet/Internet Acceptable Use, will apply. 

Students earning credit for distance education courses shall participate in all assessments required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program.  Credit courses will require students to meet similar academic standards as required by the District.

Credit for the course is not recognized until an official record of the final grade has been approved by principal or designee with input from the online teacher.

Students who violate any part of the policy or engage in any other activity that school authorities consider inappropriate are subject to disciplinary action consistent with Board policies and the student handbook.

Policy Cross Reference:  Instruction 131.1, 131.2, 142 and Safety 121

Legal References:

NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(12), Policy Development NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.22, Distance Education NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.27(q),  High School Curriculum, Credits, Graduation Requirements, and Co curricular Program

First Reading:  3/11/09

Second Reading and Adoption by BOSC:  4/8/09