Guidelines for the online learner
Basic rules and regulations have been established for online studies through the Minnesota Statute 124D.095 Online Learning Option Act. Their descriptions are below.
Student’s rights
- Participate in any approved online learning program.
- Enroll full-time in a comprehensive OLL school through open enrollment, charter school enrollment or through an agreement between school boards.
- Enroll in supplemental OLL courses during a single school year to a maximum of 50% of the student’s full schedule of courses per term at the enrolling district.
- Enroll in supplemental courses above 50% if the enrolling district grants permission or if an agreement is made between schools for instructional services. Students may enroll in more than a full course load (i.e., 1.0 ADM) for a fee.
- Additional courses for a fee.
- Have the same access to computer hardware and software as other students enrolled in the district.
- Complete coursework at a grade level that’s different from the current grade.
Student’s responsibilities
- Declare district of enrollment (OLL district/charter, other public district/charter, or nonpublic).
- Notify the online learning provider of their intent to enroll within 10 days of acceptance.
- Sign statement of assurance that they have reviewed and understand expectations of OLL enrollment.
- Enroll in supplemental OLL courses no later than the midpoint of the enrolling district’s term.
- Adjust class schedule at enrolling district (reduce instructional contact) for supplemental OLL enrollment.
- Complete the course(s).
Online Learning (OLL) program’s rights
- Provide up to 50% of instruction through OLL per term for supplemental online learning students.
- May limit participation by board resolution.
- Charge the family tuition for OLL courses provided above 12 semester courses, or the equivalent, for supplemental students.
Online Learning (OLL) program’s responsibilities
- Within 10 days acceptance, notify student & enrolling district of the course, credits, start date of instruction and confirm the course meets the student’s graduation requirements at their enrolling district.
- Assist students whose family qualifies for the education tax credit to acquire computer hardware or software for OLL.
- Instruct no more than 40 students in an OLL course.
- Assist student with informing enrolling district of OLL participation and course completion.
- Request MARSS student numbers from prior enrolling district or resident district
- Provide a comprehensive course of instruction for students enrolled in the district/charter school.
Enrolling school’s rights
- Reduce an OLL participant’s instruction in proportion to the OLL courses taken from other than the enrolling district.
- Challenge the validity of an OLL course.
- Request OLL course information from OLL Program.
Enrolling school’s responsibilities
- Not prohibit a student from applying to enroll in OLL
- Award credit for completed coursework
- Allow students to participate in extracurricular activities
- Make available information about OLL to all interested people
Minnesota Department of Education’s rights
- Collect $250 per OLL application
- Collect $50 per course challenge to facilitate the process
Minnesota Department of Education’s responsibilities
- Certify OLL providers
- Develop, publish and maintain a list of approved providers
- Review challenges to the validity of a course
- Calculate and pay aid to approved programs
- Provide staff support to the OLL Advisory Council
Source: Minnesota Department of Education
Page last updated in April 2008.
K-12 Online Learning
