Current through September 18, 2024
A. Learners in
Rhode Island are assured access to quality instruction and learning
opportunities through these Virtual Learning Education Regulations as well as,
the Rhode Island Basic Education Program, the Council Secondary Regulations,
Regulations of the Council Governing Career and Technical Education in Rhode
Island, the Rhode Island Teaching Standards and the Education Evaluation
Program. The Council Regulations for Virtual Learning Education will complement
and enhance existing regulations by promoting students access to quality online
learning opportunities as part of each student's pathway.
B. Nationally recognized, research-based
standards and best policy and practices will form the basis of RIDE developed
guidance to LEAs and other educational organizations to ensure the quality of
online content, instruction and programming. RIDE shall regularly review and
revise guidance documents as necessary to reflect promising practices and
technology advances and innovations.
5.5.1
Content
A. Online content is the high quality
academic material delivered through technology. It is what students learn and
ranges from new engaging, interactive software to classic literature delivered
through video lectures and games. All content whether online or in print must
be aligned to common state standards, national and/or technical standards and
reflect the guaranteed and viable curriculum available for all students. Online
content shall also reflect the scope, rigor, and depth of quality content
available through more traditional means. Online content shall be evaluated for
effectiveness and LEAs seeking to adopt online content should require data on
the effectiveness of that content including information such as student
completion and achievement. Locally developed content must be aligned to state
adopted standards and should follow nationally recognized standards for quality
online content.
5.5.2
Instruction
A. To ensure that
learners have access to quality online instruction, teachers or instructors who
teach directly in online courses, as well as those who support students in a
blended learning environment, shall be appropriately trained and/or certified
as described in this section.
B.
Certification
1. In order to ensure that
appropriately qualified or certified instructors are providing online
credit-bearing coursework, instructors shall meet one of the following
requirements:
a. K-12 teachers providing
online instruction directly to students in an online environment shall be
content certified in the state from which they are providing the online
content; or
b. K-12 site-based
teachers who are responsible for supervising students participating in
credit-bearing online coursework that is not provided directly by an online
instructor shall have appropriate Rhode Island content certification;
or
c. Instructors providing
instruction for dual enrollment courses, which are identified as credit-bearing
courses, shall be appropriately qualified from an accredited post-secondary
institution.
2.
Supplemental online materials adopted as part of LEA or school curricula or
course materials do not require special certification or qualifications for the
teacher or instructor using such online instructional material. Teachers using
such supplemental materials, as one of many sources of materials or activities
to support their curricula, shall be appropriately content certified for all
Rhode Island site-based teachers.
D. Training
1. To ensure that teachers are effective in
supporting student success in online learning opportunities, whether through a
blended learning model or a completely online model, teachers must be
knowledgeable in online instructional strategies and pedagogy. Technology and
online resources provide tools to support teachers in developing engaging,
relevant and customized learning opportunities. Training and professional
development opportunities focused on effective online instructional strategies
and pedagogy through a coordinated K-12 and higher education effort are
critical to better prepare teachers to support students in online learning
environments. Virtual Learning Education guidance documents will provide
educators and administrators with national models of teacher training and
preparation programs that are effective in preparing teachers for online
learning.
5.5.3
Programming
It is expected that LEAs will embrace new technologies and
virtual learning opportunities to develop innovative blended learning models.
As LEAs develop online learning programs, they shall utilize nationally
recognized best practices such as those included in RIDE Virtual Learning
Education guidance. Development of effective programs will include at a minimum
descriptions of online program leadership, instruction, content, student
support services and evaluation for effectiveness. Program design
considerations must be made to ensure equity and access.
