Digital Learning
Under the Students Come First laws, the State Board of Education was tasked with considering an online learning graduation requirement for the Class of 2016 to ensure all students graduate from high school with the skills they need to be successful in postsecondary education and the workforce.
Online learning is becoming more prevalent in postsecondary education and in the workforce. Colleges and universities are asking students to take more courses online, and today’s employers use online or virtual environments for training, communication and ongoing professional development. For example, 30 percent of classes are taken online at the College of Western Idaho. More and more businesses use online learning for professional development and training. Idaho students must be prepared for this type of learning in the same way they must be prepared for math, reading or science. Right now, in Idaho, an estimated 15,000 students are taking online courses through a variety of delivery methods. Every student must master these skills before graduating from high school.
In November, the State Board of Education approved a rule requiring students in the Class of 2016 to take two credits online. The Idaho Legislature approved the rule during the 2012 legislative session. This means two of the 46 credits students are required to take in high school in Idaho will now be delivered online. Students will take these courses at school during the school day to ensure every student has the access and assistance they need. The local school district will determine which courses are delivered online and the format in which courses are delivered – whether it is a synchronous, asynchronous or blended learning model. All are allowed under the State Board rule. If for any reason a student cannot be successful in online learning, the school district can offer the student an alternate route to completing high school graduation requirements.
For more information on the State Board rule, please visit http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/.
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Blended Learning
