This provision requires Iowa’s director to establish an online learning program model and sets rules for private-provider courses, grading, accreditation, and a ban on enrollment rebates.
1. Online learning program model established. The director shall establish an online learning program model that provides for the following: a. Online access to high-quality content, instructional materials, and blended learning. b. Coursework customized to the needs of the student using online content. c. A means for a student to demonstrate competency in completed online coursework. d. High-quality online instruction taught by teachers licensed under subchapter VII, part 3. e. Online content and instruction evaluated on the basis of student learning outcomes. f. Use of funds available for online learning for program development, implementation, and innovation. g. Infrastructure that supports online learning. h. Online administration of online course assessments. i. Criteria for school districts or schools to use when choosing providers of online learning to meet the online learning requirements specified in rules adopted pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 32. 2. Private providers. a. At the discretion of the school board or authorities in charge of an accredited nonpublic school, after consideration of circumstances created by necessity, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, courses developed by private providers may be utilized by the school district or school in implementing a high-quality online learning program. Courses obtained from private providers shall be taught by teachers licensed under subchapter VII, part 3. b. A school district may provide courses developed by private providers and delivered primarily over the internet to pupils who are participating in open enrollment under section 282.18. However, if a student’s participation in open enrollment to receive educational instruction and course content delivered primarily over the internet results in the termination of enrollment in the receiving district, the receiving district shall, within thirty days of the termination, notify the district of residence of the termination and the date of the termination. c. Courses provided by private providers to a school district or accredited nonpublic school in accordance with this section shall meet the Iowa core and core content requirements and standards, as well as national standards of quality for online courses issued by an internationally recognized association for kindergarten through grade twelve online learning, and be approved in accordance with section 256.9, subsection 55. 3. Grading. Grades in online courses shall be based, at a minimum, on whether a student mastered the subject, demonstrated competency, and met the standards established by the school district. Grades shall be conferred only by teachers licensed under subchapter VII, part 3. 4. Accreditation criteria. All online courses and programs shall meet existing accreditation standards. 5. Prohibited activities. A rebate for tuition or fees paid or any other dividend or bonus moneys for enrollment of a child shall not be offered or provided directly or indirectly by a school district, school, or private provider to the parent or guardian of a pupil who enrolls in a school district or school to receive educational instruction and course content delivered primarily over the internet. 2012 Acts, ch 1119, §19; 2018 Acts, ch 1119, §9 – 11; 2018 Acts, ch 1163, §12; 2020 Acts, ch 1107, §6; 2021 Acts, ch 80, §134, 135; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §2550 – 2552 Referred to in §256.7, 257.31, 279.10, 282.18