Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 200 - Board of Education › Chapter 20 - Council on Elementary and Secondary Education › Subchapter 10 - Academic Standards, Programs and Operations › Part 5 - Virtual Learning in Rhode Island (200-RICR-20-10-5) › Section 200-RICR-20-10-5.4 - Customized learning

Current through June 14, 2024
5.4.1
Personalized learning opportunities
A.
				  Technology can address the issues of relevance and engagement by providing a
				  highly personalized learning experience that builds upon learning styles,
				  interests, and abilities and allows students to work at their own pace. LEAs
				  should incorporate online learning opportunities as part of a comprehensive and
				  personalized learning experience to meet student interests, goals, and
				  needs.
A. Individual Learning Plans
1. The Council Secondary Regulations, the
				  Basic Education Program, and the Council Career and Technical Regulations
				  require each student to engage in the development of learning plans that
				  reflect his or her academic and career goals. Individual Learning Plans (ILP)
				  and the ILP process are designed to help each student reach his or her academic
				  and career goals. Quality online learning allows students to meet these goals
				  through a wide variety of courses, instructional strategies, curriculum, and
				  relevant content. LEAs shall utilize appropriate technology and online learning
				  opportunities to help student achieve their goals and prepare them for success
				  in college and careers. Individual Learning Plans should reflect each student's
				  engagement in virtual learning opportunities.
B. Elements of student control
1. All learners should be given the
				  opportunity to choose a learning experience that supports their learning style
				  and allows them to progress at their own pace. Technology and online learning
				  programs provide students with some control over their learning because they
				  can engage in online content anytime, anywhere and can progress through the
				  content at their own rate. LEA virtual learning policies shall provide some
				  level of flexibility for student choice and shall allow for students to
				  demonstrate achievement in self-paced online coursework based on proficiency
				  level rather than seat time.
C. Online delivery models
1. Digital learning programs can be offered
				  synchronously and/or asynchronously to customize the learning environment that
				  meets learner needs and learning styles. The level of teacher involvement in
				  these programs varies as well; with teachers playing supporting roles in some
				  courses and taking more direct instructional roles in others.
D. Role of teachers
1. The role of teachers and the level of
				  teacher involvement with their students vary depending on the delivery model in
				  use. In the blended learning classroom, the roles of teachers and students are
				  often quite similar to their roles in a traditional classroom. As learning
				  becomes more student-centered, the roles of teachers and students often change
				  and teachers become facilitators of learning and students gain some control and
				  choice over their learning experiences. Instructional technologies and quality
				  online content enable educators to develop customized learning experiences for
				  students.
E. Spectrum of
				  delivery models
1. There are several models
				  for delivery of online learning ranging from blended learning models that
				  integrate online learning with face-to-face instruction in a brick and mortar
				  school to fully online learning experiences. This Part does not limit the use
				  of other models for online learning. LEAs retain the flexibility to choose
				  appropriate online delivery models.
2. Blended learning occurs in a variety of
				  venues and models and may incorporate online content in the form of a lesson, a
				  single course, or an entire curriculum. A blended classroom or course provides
				  flexibility and availability of programming that expands learning beyond the
				  day or school year. In a blended learning environment, teachers facilitate
				  students' learning with direct instruction.
3. Virtual charter schools represent a more
				  extensive online learning experience where students may complete most of their
				  course work online at locations other than a school building. Virtual charter
				  schools may also allow students to complete all required coursework online.
				  Virtual charter schools must adhere to the Council Regulations Governing Rhode
				  Island Public Charter Schools.
4.
				  The intent of this Part is to ensure that all students have access to quality
				  online learning opportunities and to support LEAs in their role of identifying
				  the online learning activities that best meets each student's needs and
				  goals.