The District shall provide students with distance learning that represents quality educational opportunities and continuity of instruction. This instruction shall be consistent with the District’s vision and mission and include services provided for students who qualify for special education, English learners, and gifted and talented. This policy may be used for scheduled collaboration/distance learning days, inclement weather days, or as needed on a limited basis.

Distance learning instruction can be delivered through district-approved means and mediums that comply with requirements and guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and may or may not include the use of technology. 

When determining appropriate opportunities for distance learning, the District shall strive to bridge any equity gaps between those students with and without the technology and resources necessary to access distance learning. 

Impact on Existing Policies, Rules, and Services

Distance learning is a continuation of the school day and a continuation of the District’s instructional program. Therefore, the rules and responsibilities of students, their 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. Unless specifically noted in this policy, existing provisions of the Student Handbook, “Acceptable Use” policies and agreements, and privacy policies shall remain in effect. For example, students shall attend scheduled online meetings or classes in a timely manner (attendance), prepare for class in advance of the day’s lesson (homework), meaningfully and appropriately participate in instruction (class participation), and shall also adhere to all existing rules concerning behavioral (e.g., bullying, harassment, violations of the Acceptable Use Policy) and academic misconduct (e.g., cheating, unauthorized group work on individual assignments). When students are visible to District personnel or other students, they shall dress in conformance to the school dress code.

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 distance learning will not be considered absent from school if they are not physically present at school but are completing work through a District-approved 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 distance learning, District personnel shall conform to FERPA requirements and other applicable privacy laws and District policies. 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 distance learning media.

Approved by the Board of Education September 2024