Oregon Virtual School District OARS- Version 2 for Review 

State Board of Education reviews Draft rules on September 22, 2006.  Please post initial comments by September 19, 2006. Final Adoption will come before the Board for consideration in October.

581.020.0500 OVSD Definition

The Oregon Virtual School District shall undertake efforts for a sustainable framework for K-12 virtual learning that enhances student achievement by providing resources with guidelines for delivery.  Resources may include, but are not limited to, digital instructional content, complete courses, materials for teacher implementation, online communication systems for instruction and teacher professional development and   training. The OVSD Framework is based on the legislative direction of an equitable opportunity for all students’ access to online resources, without regard to social and economic status. Resources are intended to be available for all School Districts and students for the purpose of enriching student Education.  A sustainable framework includes the components of creating standards while developing online instructional resources. OVSD resources are available to support public education providers to implement online instruction to enhance distance learning and supplement classroom instruction. Participation in the OVSD program is voluntary for Oregon Educational Service Districts, School Districts and Schools. 

581.020.0505 Online School Definition

Public school, public instructional program, or ESD, providing learning opportunities for publicly enrolled students via the Internet or other electronic network.  Instruction should satisfy Oregon content, teaching standards and accreditation rules.  Online programs and schools are governed by their school district guidelines for operations and education delivery. 

581.020.0510 Oregon Teacher

Teaching CORE classes in Oregon requires State licensure as well as teaching in the content area of approval as outlined by NCLB. This applies to all public schools and is defined in OAR 584-005-0005 # 74, OAR 584-005-0005 # 21 and ORS 342.120 for Charter School instruction.  All instructors must be licensed by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission and highly qualified as defined by TSPC. 

581.020.0515 Oregon Classroom Content

Content should be aligned with Oregon’s Common Curriculum Goals, Content Standards, and Essential Learning Skills. Adoption of content for instruction is governed by school Districts subject to Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.OVSD will offer content aligned with state standards.  The use of OVSD resources requires districts to conform to OAR Division 22 Standards for public elementary and secondary schools. 

581.020.0520 Required School District Guidelines for Digital Instruction

Public Providers of online learning using OVSD resources must adopt guidelines in the following areas.  

• Student / Teacher Ratio: Online learning providers are required to have guidelines in place for reasonable student to instructor ratios that allow for regular, individualized interaction with instructors.  
• Student Teacher Interaction: Online learning providers are required to have guidelines in place for reasonable student to instructor communication that allow for, individualized interaction with instructors as needed. Communication includes, but is not limited to, electronic mail, online discussion groups, telephone interaction and face to face discussions between teacher and student. 
• Timeframe for Teacher Response to Student Questions: Online learning providers are required to have guidelines in place for the time and process that teachers will provide prompt response to student inquiries and requests for assistance. 
• Student Standards: Online learning providers are required to have guidelines in place for student conduct and acceptable use of public school resources in the delivery of online instruction.  The administrative implementation is governed by individual school district guidelines.  
• Type of Courses: Courses offered are governed by individual school district guidelines, including, but not limited to, courses meeting requirements for high school diploma, electives as well as supplementary instruction. An example of supplementary instruction could be Advanced Placement preparation instruction. 
• Amount of Credit Allowed: The amount of online instruction, and the corresponding credit, provided to a student is under the jurisdiction of the resident school district.  Districts must accept transfer grades by accredited institutions.   
• Student Eligibility for Courses: When applying towards credit the student’s resident school district sets the eligibility requirements for district purchased online teaching services.  Individual private purchase of courses by an Oregon resident is at the discretion of the parent or guardian and subject to resident school district guidelines for credit towards graduation. Use of Digital Courses and Content are subject to School District guidelines. 
• Teacher Professional Development: Online Learning Providers are required to have policies for Teacher professional development.  Teachers need to have appropriate training for the delivery of online instruction. Providers receiving public support must maintain Oregon teaching licensure for all teachers consistent with TSPC professional development requirements.