ONLINE LEARNING

Background

The District is committed to providing high-quality Online Learning opportunities for both school-aged and adult learners. The Online Learning program will serve students within the District and beyond its borders, contingent upon Ministry of Education and Child Care funding and regulations.
A high-quality Online Learning program requires district staff, administrators and teachers to remain current in their knowledge of the operational and regulatory requirements for Online Learning in BC. Educators engaged in Online Learning must also be committed to expanding their curricular and pedagogical expertise to support student engagement and success in an Online Learning environment.
Courses and programs offered through Online Learning will follow best practices and current pedagogical approaches to ensure  students receive an excellent educational experience.

Procedures

1.  All or part of a student’s educational program may be provided by means of Online Learning.
   1. An Online Learning program will support full time students from K-12 as well as students in grades 8 through 12 who remain registered in another school and who wish to enroll in one or more courses to augment their learning.
2. Program Structure
   1. The Online Learning program will be offered primarily through the South Island Distance Education School (SIDES), a BC Provincial Online Learning School (POLS).
   2. Some Online Learning courses offered by the District may be taught from within In-person schools, either as stand-alone courses or in partnership with SIDES. 
   3. SIDES will offer course curriculum primarily through online/web-based courses.
   4.  In order to ensure best practice standards, course/ program content and delivery will be developed and revised within Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements.
3. Access to Online Learning
   1. School-aged students who are ordinarily resident in BC may register for Online Learning courses/ programs at SIDES at no charge.
   2. Adult non-graduated students who are ordinarily resident in BC may register for Online Learning courses that lead to graduation at SIDES at no charge.
   3. Adult students who have already graduated from secondary school may register for Online Learning courses at SIDES. Some courses will be offered to such students at no charge to the student pursuant to Ministry of Education and Child Care permission.
4. Registration and Enrolment
   1. Registration and enrolment in the Online Learning program (at SIDES) will occur at the school level.
   2. Students will be informed of the attributes and technological requirements that are suited to success in the Online Learning model of instruction.
   3.  Students will be accepted into Online Learning as capacity permits.
   4.  Students may register for individual Online Learning courses or for complete Online Learning programs, as allowed by the Ministry of Education and Child Care
   5. Students who are full-time at SIDES and who require learning support services will be screened and accommodated according to Ministry of Education and Child Care ‘s Online Learning Policy.
5. Cross-enrollment and dual-enrollment with in-person schools
   1. As per Ministry of Education and Child Care regulations, students who are enrolled at an In-person school in grades 8 through 12 (either within the District or outside of the District) may enroll in courses in the Online Learning program at SIDES. Students who enroll in courses at SIDES and whose School of Record is within the District are called “dual-enrolled” and students who enroll in courses at SIDES and whose School of Record is outside of the District are called “cross-enrolled.” Admission of dual-enrolled students in grades 8 and 9 is typically done in consultation with administration at the student’s School of Record, and SIDES administration may decline an application for dual-enrollment in grades 8 and 9.
   2. For students for whom SIDES is not the School of Record, SIDES will, upon request, communicate course progress and results to the School of Record and to the student’s parents/guardians, as required by the School Act. 
   3. SIDES will collaborate with the School of Record to support students in Online Learning, as long as adequate resources (staffing, timetable flexibility, and space) are available.
6. Students with Unique Abilities and Online Learning
   1. When a student with unique abilities is enrolled full‑time at SIDES, and SIDES is the School of Record, the student may be considered for a designation based on Ministry of Education and Child Care criteria and the supports available through SIDES. If a student is determined eligible, they will be assigned a SIDES Case Manager - a teacher who will support the student’s learning program and develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The Case Manager will also provide additional support where possible, which may include online or in-person support with an Educational Assistant.
   2.  When a student with unique needs is enrolled full‑time at SIDES, and SIDES is the School of Record, SIDES will develop a plan to meet the needs associated with the student’s designation, with the exception of custodial care, personal care, and behaviour management while the student is learning at home. SIDES will offer opportunities for teacher–student engagement and student interaction. These may include onsite activities at a SIDES campus or locally organized field trips.