Wisconsin Collaborative Online Network

Recommendations for Online Learning Standards and Policies

April 14, 2004

Introduction

Online learning holds promise for providing new educational opportunities to a wide range of students throughout Wisconsin. In order to assure a high standard of education across this new model of instruction, clear policy guidance is necessary. Online learning is subject to the same quality standards, which pertain to traditional instruction. It also has nuances unique to virtual learning. The following policy guidelines are offered to help school districts implement and manage quality on-line learning opportunities for their students.

1. EQUITY IN ACCESS/EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Districts continue compliance with State Statute #118.13 related to fairness issues in admission to virtual education/online instruction opportunities on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap, and economic status.

• District technology infrastructures support access to and delivery of district selected/approved online courses.

• Districts view online learning opportunities as one in an array of instructional options for students and course information is available to students and parents.

• Parents are notified prior to student enrollment in online courses.

2. QUALITY OF ONLINE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

• Either the local or remote online teacher/facilitator is certified in, or has recognized expertise in the subject area of instruction and online pedagogy.

• Teachers, facilitators and presenters of online courses possess necessary skills to provide effective instruction and desired student outcomes.

• A plan is in place and implemented for the evaluation of online teacher/facilitators.

• Teachers, facilitators and presenters of online courses engage in professional development on an on-going basis.

3. COURSE CONTENT

• All online courses are reviewed to ensure quality and alignment to Wisconsin Model Academic Standards.
• Course content quality requirements include:
  • Specific performance standards established for learner outcomes
  • Clearly written course syllabus available for review
  • Engagement of students in learning activities that address various learning styles
  • Adaptation of learning activities to accommodate students with unique and special needs (for example, gifted and talented students, children at risk, students with disabilities, 504).
  • Opportunities exist to engage in abstract thinking and critical reasoning
  • Timely, fair, adequate and appropriate methods and procedures are in place to assess student mastery of content
  • Access to resources exist that enrich the course content

4. DELIVERY OF ONLINE INSTRUCTION

• Appropriate and timely teacher/facilitator-to-student interaction, including feedback about student progress, is an ongoing part of the online experience.

• Where applicable to the learning activity, a plan is implemented for monitoring student-to-student interaction.

5. SUPPORT AND SERVICES :

The following are provided:

• Appropriate local learning support to enhance student success
• Appropriate technical support for students and staff
• Appropriate training specific to online instruction for staff
• Student support services required by statute

6. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EVALUATION

The local district ensures the following:

• Assessment and determination of student proficiency in desired outcomes (to establish grade and/or credit if applicable)
• Assessments aligned with course content and standards.
• Student participation in the Wisconsin State Assessment System.
• Mechanisms in place for verification of the authenticity of student work.
• Local policy that addresses procedures related to enrollment, withdrawal, completion of courses and district requirements.
• Evaluation of program and course effectiveness, including assessments of student learning, student retention and student/staff satisfaction.

7. FUNDING

• A policy is in place governing the coverage of costs of all online coursework, consistent with state statute regarding free and appropriate education.

8. SECURITY & SAFETY

• Necessary steps are taken to provide a secure online environment and ensure confidentiality of online coursework and records.

• Clearly documented “acceptable use” policies are communicated to students, parents and staff.

[Student]    [Teacher]    [Online Schools & Programs]    [Partners]    [Policies & Standards]    [Home]

© WCON (Wisconsin Collaborative Online Network) info@wcon.org