6148 - Policy and administrative regulations regarding credit for online courses

The Newtown Board of Education (“Board”), in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 10-221a, sanctions the receipt of online course credit to be used toward high school graduation requirements, in accordance with this policy.

I. CREDIT FOR ONLINE COURSES

A. Pre-approval of Courses

To receive credit for online courses to be used toward high school graduation requirements, for courses that are not part of the Connecticut State Department of Education’s remote learning model, students must, prior to registering for the course, receive approval from the high school principal or designee. The decision of the principal or designee with regard to online course credit approval is final. Pre-approval for online course credit may be granted if the requirements set forth below are met.

B. Requirements for Online Coursework

1. The workload required by the online course is equivalent to that of a similar course taught in a traditional classroom setting;

2. The content of the online course is rigorous and aligned with curriculum guidelines approved by the State Board of Education, where appropriate;

3. The course engages students and has interactive components, which may include, but are not limited to, required interactions between students and their teachers, participation in online demonstrations, discussion boards or virtual labs;

4. The program of instruction for such online coursework is planned, ongoing and systematic;

5. The courses are:

a. taught by teachers who are certified in Connecticut or another state and have received training on teaching in an online environment, or

b. offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or regionally accredited; and

6. The principal has determined, in the principal’s professional judgment, that, given the student’s academic and disciplinary history, the student is appropriately suited to engage in online coursework.

C. Additional Requirements

Only students in grades 9-12 are eligible to receive credit toward high school graduation by taking online courses. Students who have been pre-approved shall receive such credit upon completing the online course and obtaining a passing grade.

Any expense incurred for taking an online course identified by the student and/or parent to supplement the District’s curricular offerings shall be the responsibility of the student/parent and shall not be the responsibility of the Board.

Legal References

Public Act No. 22-80, “An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services in Schools”

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-4w

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-221a

Connecticut State Department of Education, Standards for Remote Learning Grades 9-12 (February 2022), available at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Remote-Learning-Commission/CT-Standards-for-Remote-Learning-Grades-9-12-FINAL.pdf.

The Administration believes that education through online courses or through university or college courses is an alternative and effective means of instruction for students. A virtual school is hereby defined as an educational organization that offers courses at various grade levels through Internet or web-based methods. These schools can offer courses to enhance, supplement or enrich the existing curriculum and can also provide an alternative means of instruction. Interactive distance learning does not require the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor or other students.

Online courses will be part of the District’s educational program delivery system to increase accessibility and flexibility in the delivery of instruction. In addition to regular classroom-based instruction, students in the District may earn credit through distance education provided by online courses.

In order to earn credits in meeting the requirements for high school graduation through the successful completion of online coursework, the District, in compliance with C.G.S. 10-221a (17) shall ensure, at a minimum, that

(a) the workload required by the online course is equivalent to that of a similar course taught in a traditional District classroom setting,

(b) the content is rigorous and aligned with curriculum guidelines approved by the State Board of Education, where appropriate,

(c) the course engages students and has interactive components, which may include, but are not limited to, required interactions between students and their teachers, participation in on-line demonstrations, discussion boards or virtual labs,

(d) the online course does not replicate a course already offered at the high school and

(e) the courses are

(1) taught by teachers who are certified in the state or another state and have received training on teaching in an on-line environment, or

(2) offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Department of Higher Education or regionally accredited.

The Administration recognizes students may benefit from online courses or post-secondary courses to assist students in obtaining credits necessary to earn a diploma, to maintain academic standing or to provide enrichment for those who might require special courses. The Administration shall establish an online credit recovery program for those students who are identified as being in danger of failing to graduate. These students, once identified by certified personnel, may be allowed to complete online District-approved coursework toward meeting high school graduation requirements. The high school shall designate, from among existing staff, an online learning coordinator to administer and coordinate the online credit recovery program.

The District will not use online courses as the sole medium for instruction in any required subject area for students in grades K-8.

The District will integrate online courses as part of the regular instruction provided by a certified teacher for grades K-12.

High school students may earn academic credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses delivered through institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Department of Higher Education or regionally accredited, or recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education as having appropriate academic standards.

Credit from an accredited online course or a university/college course may be earned only in the following circumstances:

1. The course is not offered at the District’s high school.

2. The high school does offer the course, but the student is unable to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict.

3. The course will serve as an alternative or a supplement to extended homebound instruction.

4. The District has expelled the student from the regular school setting, and the student has been offered an alternative educational opportunity.

5. The Principal, with agreement from the student’s teachers and parents or guardians, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

6. Students taking such courses must be enrolled in the District and are able to take the courses during the regular school day at the school site, over the summer, or at home for students on homebound instruction.

7. A student has failed a course and wishes to recover credits in that course area.

8. The student’s Planning and Placement Team (PPT) or Section 504 Team has determined it to be an appropriate means of instruction.

The Administration established the following procedures for students applying for permission to take an online course:

● Complete prerequisites and provide teacher and/or counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an online college learning environment.

● Obtain the written approval of the Principal or his/her designee before a student enrolls in an online course.

● Adhere to the District code of conduct to include rules of behavior and consequences for violations.

● Adhere to attendance requirements of the District.

The school must receive an official record of the final grade before awarding credit toward graduation. Only approved courses shall be posted on student transcripts.



Administrative Regulations Adopted: December 17, 2024