Resources
There are a number of documents that may be helpful when developing and revising policies for your online learning program. These documents are listed below and were used as input in the creation of this category. In some cases, content or resources have been taken directly from one of these documents as indicated in footnotes throughout the section. The specific references are found in the Footnote section below. If the publication is available online, a link is also provided.
Useful Documents
A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning. This iNACOL publication written by John Watson provides a good overview for people just getting started with online learning.
Access and Equity in Online Classes and Virtual Schools. This iNACOL Research Committee Issues Brief written by Ray Rose and Bob Blomeyer provides important information for understanding this important policy area.
Blended Learning: The Convergence of Online and Face-To-Face Education. This document from the iNACOL Promising Practices Series written by John Watson and Butch Gemin provides information and examples related to this rapidly growing area of online learning.
Examining Communication and Interaction in Online Teaching. The iNACOL Research Committee Issues brief provides information that is helpful for determining student interaction policies.
Funding and Policy Frameworks for Online Learning. This document from the iNACOL Promising Practices Series written by John Watson and Butch Gemin discusses the many factors that impact the policies and funding approaches for your online learning program.
Goals, Guidelines, and Standards for Student Scientific Investigations. This iNACOL publication written by Kemi and Jona & John Adsit provide guidance on how to design online science content so that the scientific inquiry process can be superior to what most students experience in a traditional science classroom.
Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning. This annual publication of the Evergreen Education Group provides the latest information on state-level policy and practice.
Management and Operations of Online Programs. This document from the iNACOL Promising Practices Series written by John Watson and Butch Gemin provide information about all aspects of online learning program operations.
National Standards for Quality Online Programs. Overarching quality standards for online learning programs as a whole.
National Standards of Quality for Online Courses. Quality standards specific to online course content.
National Standards for Quality Online Teaching. Quality standards addressing online teaching and instructional design.
Professional Development for Virtual Schooling and Online Learning. This iNACOL Research Committee Issues Brief by Niki Davis and Ray Rose provides useful information for professional development policies.
20/20 Costs and Funding of Virtual Schools. This document written by Augenblick, Palaich, & Associates for the BellSouth Foundation provides information about factors that impact the cost of state virtual schools and full-time online programs.
Using Online Learning for At-Risk Students and Credit Recovery. This document from the iNACOL Promising Practices Series written by John Watson and Butch Gemin provides information and examples for this specific audience of students.
Footnotes
1Rose, Raymond & Blomeyer, Robert L. (2007). Access and Equity in Online Classes and Virtual Schools. International Association of K-12 Online Learning.
3Section 101 of the copyright law, title 17 of the United States Code.
4National Standards for Quality Online Teaching. (2008). International Association for K-12 Online Learning.