§ 16-22.1-5. Regulations for virtual learning. With the direction and approval of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, the commissioner for elementary and secondary education shall develop and promulgate regulations for Rhode Island school districts and other educational organizations that are using or intend to use virtual courses and other online learning opportunities with K-12 students and adult learners. The regulations shall include:

(1) Objective, standard criteria that ensures virtual courses and content for K-12 students are aligned with state content standards, meet or exceed the requirements of the state's basic education program, fulfill high school graduation requirements, and promote articulation with public higher education institutions in the state;

(2) Objective, standard criteria for school districts to use to select quality providers of virtual courses and online content, which may include local school districts, not-for-profit and for-profit postsecondary institutions, and other organizations;

(3) Objective, standard criteria that ensures teachers of virtual courses and other online learning activities are appropriately trained and qualified and meet certification requirements set forth by the commissioner of education;

(4) Objective, standard criteria that ensures that local policies shall not limit student access to quality online learning opportunities;

(5) Objective, standard criteria that school districts can use to ensure that all learners in Rhode Island have access to high quality, rigorous, and relevant virtual courses and other online learning activities;

(6) Objective, standard procedures that school districts shall use to report and verify the attendance and participation of a student enrolled in a virtual course;

(7) Standard accountability provisions that ensure school districts monitor students enrolled in virtual courses and other online learning activities and when appropriate, report on student progress and performance using grade-appropriate and content-appropriate assessments;

(8) Objective, standard criteria that ensures that RIDE participates in statewide efforts to support virtual learning education with a focus on student access to quality online learning opportunities and ensuring efficiencies gained by coordinating resources;

(9) Any other requirements or limitations for virtual courses in Rhode Island.

History of Section. (P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.)