The District shall provide current secondary students with a potential virtual option that represents quality educational instruction. Virtual Learning is instruction provided via electronic means, utilizing the internet and computers as the primary tools for the delivery of instruction, evaluation, and interaction. Instructional delivery may include video or audio, online instructor interaction using District-approved means and mediums (platforms, software, social media, instructional television, video telecourses, or other resources requiring the internet and computer technology). Virtual instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. Virtual instruction shall align with the Oklahoma Academic Standards. Participation in virtual coursework is approved at the site level on a student-by-student basis. 

Impact on Existing Policies, Rules, and Services

Virtual learning is a continuation of the District’s instructional program. Therefore, the rules and responsibilities of students, their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and District personnel, unless otherwise expressly stated in this policy, are the same as if students were present at school during the instructional day. All existing board policies addressing acceptable use and privacy shall remain in effect. 

Attendance and Grading

Students must continue to meet all state-mandated compulsory attendance requirements and are not exempt from state truancy laws, except to the extent permitted or required by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). Attendance and participation shall be measured by means appropriate in a virtual learning environment which may include, but are not limited to, District-approved platforms. Students participating in virtual learning will not be considered absent from school if they are not physically present at school but are completing work through a District-approved virtual online program.

Following guidance from the OSDE all existing requirements related to student progression, including retention, promotion, and grade assignment shall remain in effect as if virtual learning had not replaced in-person instruction. Traditional letter grades shall continue to be issued in conformance with the District’s grading scale. 

Communication with Students and Parents

Instructors are expected to communicate regularly with students and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) through District-approved platforms. 

Privacy Laws and FERPA

In all cases of virtual learning, District personnel shall conform to FERPA requirements and other applicable privacy laws and District policies. The recording of classrooms (virtual or otherwise) and/or students by district personnel, students, or their legal guardian(s) is strictly prohibited. Under all circumstances, the provision of FERPA applies to student data held or accessed by any public school or its contractors or agents, including any contracted provider of virtual instruction or other distance learning media.

Approved by the Board of Education September 2024