Special Education

K-12 Online Learning

Student Information

   • Career and College Planning
   • Choosing a Course
   • Enrollment
   • Keys to Success
   • Certified Courses
   • Frequently Asked Questions

Parent Information

   • Considerations for Parents
   • Supporting Student Success
   • Special Education
   • Internet Safety
   • Rights and Responsibilities

Educator Information

   • Minnesota Facts
   • Rights and Responsibilities
   • Enrollment
   • Special Education
   • Extracurricular Activities
   • Frequently Asked Questions
   • Links and Resources

Implement enrollment in online classes for special education students. Find resources for college-bound students with disabilities.

Enrollment

The flexibility and accessibility of an online learning class may help implement modifications and/or accommodations for students with special learning needs.

Special education students may enroll in online learning to supplement their educational plan or as a comprehensive program. Students who change schools to fully enroll in online learning will be assigned an individualized educational planning (IEP) team at their new school.

Supplementary online courses

Students who enroll in supplementary online learning courses can replace one or more courses at their local school with courses delivered on the web. A counselor can assist the student with completing the Online Learning Program Access Form (30-day notification) to request enrollment in an online learning program. This process involves parents and the student completing section I, the online learning program representative, in consultation with the IEP team, completing section II and then sending the form to your current school.

Comprehensive online programs

Students who chose to enroll full time in an online school or program can open enroll to another district that offers full time online learning or enroll in a cyber charter school. To enroll in another district the student must complete an open enrollment form which will permit enrollment in a school district other than the student’s resident school district. The open enrollment process normally takes place from January through March for the following Fall. School districts may chose to waive the open enrollment deadlines by completing and signing a nonresident district agreement.

Enrollment in an online charter school can occur at any time pending acceptance into the charter school through an application process.

If a special education student enrolls in a comprehensive online school (in another district or with a charter school), they will receive special education services from that district and receive a high school diploma from that school.

Online resources for college-bound students with disabilities

College: You Can DO-IT!
This brief video offers advice from students with disabilities and school staff about how to succeed in college. It is designed for high school students with disabilities preparing for college. The presentation is open-captioned and audio-described so that viewers who are deaf or blind can access the content.

Preparing for College: An Online Tutorial
DO-IT's (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) online tutorial links to online resources for college-bound teens with disabilities. Information about how parents can assist their teens in exploring these resources is included.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Page last updated: May 2007