Education Commission of the States

Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • Fax: 303.296.8332 • www.ecs.org

Virtual High Schools

Statewide virtual high schools identified in this database are state-led schools created by state legislatures or state-level departmental agencies. Most programs are administered by a state's education department; however, North Dakota's program, for example, is administered by an independent agency, the Division of Independent Study. Virtual high school curriculum offerings provide opportunities for students seeking credit recovery to students hoping to take a more rigorous course load. Regardless of the curriculum focus, however, the curriculum that is used should meet state quality assurance standards to help ensure that students enrolled in virtual courses meet state graduation standards. The virtual high schools serve a variety of functions: some schools focus on providing core curriculum and credit recovery classes, while others are designed to meet the needs of students who want accelerated learning opportunities and/or more rigorous classes (such as Advanced Placement). Likewise, some state programs limit student enrollment to only a few courses per school year, while others give students the opportunity to complete most if not all of their education online.

The virtual high school database is designed to allow state policymakers to consider the rationale behind various virtual school program characteristics, to determine the policies in place in their state and elsewhere and consider policy options used in other states that may benefit students and schools in their own state.

This database includes information on:

1. Have states established a statewide virtual high school? Twenty-eight states have established statewide virtual high schools.

Why does it matter?

Students benefit when they are not limited by a school's offerings.

Students benefit when they have equal access (i.e. statewide) to class offerings.

Students and districts benefit from having a central resource available.

2. May students earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Twenty-five states maintain the local school district as the diploma granting entity. Arizona, North Dakota and Utah allow their virtual schools to grant diplomas.

Why does it matter?

Students benefit when they are held to the same state standards and are assessed at the same level.

Students benefit when they have alternative means to earn credit.

3. Do the virtual high schools have a specific focus? Twenty-two state programs offer core curriculum, five offer supplemental curriculum and 23 offer AP classes as well.

Why does it matter?

Students benefit when they have increased access to accelerated courses.

An initial focus in a limited number of areas simplifies staffing requirements and other start-up costs.

4. Do states provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Sixteen states provide support (monetary and/or technical) for hardware/software.

Why does it matter? Schools and districts benefit when they have an affordable and efficient way to provide services to their students.

5. Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Seven of the states with virtual high schools require access to assistive technology devices.

Why does it matter? Accessibility is required of all public schools. Policies should cover technological access and curriculum adaptations for students who commonly use assistive technologies and/or auxiliary aids.

6. Have states set a cap on the number of courses a student may take? Five states have set a cap on the number of courses a student may take, which range from three to six credits per year.

Why does it matter?

States and districts benefit when they can predict the costs of virtual school programs.

Setting caps requires students to take courses in a traditional classroom setting, and students benefit from engaging with their peers and teachers in the classroom.

Caps do risk limiting student options.

7. Have states set other requirements or limitations? Nineteen states have set specific requirements or limitations in the programs. For example, Hawaii does not offer home school and private school students the opportunity to register during the regular school year.

Why does it matter?

Requirements, such as online training for an on-site facilitator, potentially contribute to a better program structure.

Some requirements, however, risk posing roadblocks to student access and success.

8. Do states use off-the-shelf curriculum or private vendor curriculum? Nine states use off-the-shelf curriculum; eight states develop the curriculum internally.

Why does it matter?

Using established curriculum can create efficiencies.

Any curriculum used should be aligned to and meet state standards.

9. Have states aligned the virtual high school curriculum to the states' academic standards? Twenty-seven states align the virtual high school curriculum to the state’s academic standards.

Why does it matter?

Students benefit whenthey are assured equitable rigor in instruction and curriculum.

States benefit when they ensure they quality of virtual school programs.

10. What is the source of funding? All of the programs but one are funded through state appropriations.

Why does it matter? State support is critical to start-up, and can facilitate the growth and success of the program.

11. Who pays for courses? Fifteen states look to the local district for the funding; nine states fund directly from the state.

Why does it matter?

Students who most need access might not be able to afford it.

Students who fail courses because of personal choices such as lack of attendence benefit from being held accountable for their actions.

12. Cost per course/semester? Costs range from $50 per student per semester to $800 per student per semester.

Why does it matter? Policymakers need to know if the costs and fiscal impact of virtual school programs are sustainable.

13. Do states limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding? Nine states limit enrollment based on available funding.

Why does it matter?

Policymakers need to balance quality and access.

Limits allow policymakers to oversee the enrollment of non-public school students who could potentially add to the overall costs of the program.

14. Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Twenty-two states require teachers to have completed appropriate training for teaching online.

Why does it matter? Students benefit when teachers understand how to be successful in this very different environment.

15. Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Twenty-five states require online teachers to meet the same requirements as classroom teachers.

Why does it matter? Students benefit from quality instruction. While certification does not ensure quality, it establishes a baseline of expectation.

16. Must the virtual high school programs be evaluated? Twenty-two states specify that program evaluation is required.

Why does it matter? Oversight and evaluation of virtual school programs help to ensure quality.

17. Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Twenty-five states require students seeking a diploma to participate in state assessments.

Why does it matter? Online students should be held to the same standards as other public school students.

Methodology: This information was collected from state statutes, rules and regulations, and state education agencies, and will be updated as new policies and programs are enacted.

Last updated: July 30, 2008

Research conducted by Melodye Bush and Michael Colasanti. Please contact Jennifer Dounay Zinth (303.299.3689 or jdounay@ecs.org) with questions or comments about this database.

Alabama

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Alabama Online High School, part of Alabama's ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide)

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Student must take an online course during a regularly scheduled class period. State class size regulations apply to online classes. An onsite mentor must be present.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Half of the curriculum is purchased from established sources and half developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Recommendations 11/01/2004
Diploma: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Specific focus: Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Recommendations 11/01/2004
Support for hardware/software: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Students with disabilities: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Cap on credits: State Board of Education Regulations, Sept. 2007
Other requirements: A Plan for Distance Learning, Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Sept. 2006
Private vendor: A Plan for Distance Learning, Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Sept. 2006
Alignment to state standards: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding (BellSouth Foundation provided a state grant for start-up).

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost to students or districts - state covers all costs.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes

Sources Sources: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes. However, faculty of postsecondary institutions are allowed to teach online courses without state certification if they are faculty at a state postsecondary institution and teaching in their content area.

Sources Sources: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, annual external evaluation

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes, an adult facilitator must be present when state achievement assessments are administered, if used to determine a student's final grade.

Sources
Program evaluation: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.02
Assessment: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.02

Alaska

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

American Samoa

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Arizona

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Arizona Virtual Academy

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Yes

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No information available

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? K¹² Inc. curriculum is used

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources of Information: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Arkansas Virtual High School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) An adult facilitator must be present when student achievement assessments used to determine a student's final grade are administered in a required course.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources
Established statewide: ARK. CODE. ANN. §§ 6-47-201, 6-47-302, 6-47-404
Diploma: ARK. REG. 210.1
Specific focus: ARK. REG. 210.1
Support for hardware/software: ARK. REG. 210.1
Students with disabilities: ARK. CODE. ANN. § 6-47-404
Cap on credits: ARK. REG. 210.1
Other requirements: ARK. REG. 210.1
Private vendor: ARK. REG. 210.1
Alignment to state standards: ARK. REG. 210.1

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes

Sources
Source of funding: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-47-404
Who pays: ARK. REG. 210
Cost per course/semester: ARK. REG. 210.1
Enrollment limited: ARK. REG. 210.1

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-47-404
Teacher requirements: ARK. REGS. 210.1

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Assistive technology: ARK. REGS. 005 19 CARR 010
Program evaluation: ARK. REGS. 210.1
Assessment: ARK. REGS. 210.1

California

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the University of California College Prep Online. New enrollment were suspended in the 2006-2007 school year; however, a new strategic plan will be put into place in Spring 2008 with new courses and new enrollees.

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Teachers must reach out to students who have not shown activity in the course, typically within three school days.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51740-51741, CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51865, Memo from Education Technology Office, Cal. Department of Education 04/30/07; Conversation with school director, 8/16/07.
Specific focus: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51740
Support for hardware/software: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51871
Other requirements: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3
Alignment to state standards: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51865

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $325 per student/per semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources CAL. EDUC. CODE §§ 51740, 51872

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3
Teacher requirements: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3
Assessment: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3

Colorado

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Colorado Online Learning

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, electives and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: Colorado Online Learning

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $200 per student/course/semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Source of funding: Colorado Online Learning

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-30.7-105
Teacher requirements: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-30.7-105

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: COLO. REV. STAT. §§ 22-30.7-109, 22-30.7-110
Assessment: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-33-104.6(3)(d)

Connecticut

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Opening January 2008, Connecticut Virtual Learning Center is a pilot program. Regulations have not been formalized.

In February 2008, the state continues to recruit teachers for the Connecticut Virtual Learning Center. They are specifically looking for teachers certified in earth science, health, U.S. history, civics, English, math, Chinese and forensic science. Dozens of high schools in the state have asked to participate in the program. The pilot program is available at no cost to school districts. The primary focus of the program is twofold: 1) Courses for students at risk of falling behind or failing will be offered in algebra, geometry, English, civics and health; and 2) interesting electives that may not be available at many schools. Curriculum has been approved by the State Department of Education's Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction and will be taught by certified teachers.

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Delaware

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

District of Columbia

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Florida

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Florida Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, honors programs and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Funding received only if course is completed and passed.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37
Specific focus: 2001 FLA. STAT. CH. 170
Students with disabilities: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37
Private vendor: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37
Alignment to state standards: FLA. STAT. § 1003.41

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? Free to state students, but $750 per one-credit regular and honors course for nonresident students.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Assistive technology: FLA. STAT. § 1007.264
Program evaluation: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37

Georgia

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Georgia Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? One semester course during regular school year. Limits on enrollment are based on program resources for classes taken outside the regular school day.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Public school students are given priority.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1
Support for hardware/software: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01
Students with disabilities: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1
Cap on credits: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01
Other requirements: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1
Alignment to state standards: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01, GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes. In addition, Georgia offers but does not require a specific online teaching endorsement.

Sources Teacher training: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 (d)(2)
Teacher requirements: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 (d)(1), GA. CODE ANN. § 505-2-.162

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01
Assessment: GA. CODE ANN. § 505-2-.162 (2)(e)

Guam

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Hawaii

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, Hawaii's Electronic School, E-School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits reported and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Supplementary and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Students are limited to two classes per semester.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Home school and private school students are not offered the opportunity to register during the regular school year.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? No information available

Sources
Sources:   E-School

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? During the regular school year, there is no charge to the student. Summer school sessions are $80 per half credit.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources: Hawaii Dept. of Education's E-School

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? No information available

Sources
Teacher requirements: Hawaii Dept. of Education E-School

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: Hawaii Dept. of Education ESchool

Idaho

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Remediation, dual credit and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No, if need has been determined, the local school district may provide.

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Local school district determines.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Established by local school district.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses may be developed by qualified Idaho teachers who possess the necessary technical background and instructional expertise.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources

Established statewide: IDAHO CODE § 33-5502
Diploma: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Specific focus: IDAHO CODE § 33-5502(3), IDAHO CODE § 33-1020
Support for hardware/software:  Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Students with disabilities: IDAHO CODE § 33-5507.3
Cap on credits:  Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Other requirements:  Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Private vendor: IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.1, IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.3
Alignment to state standards: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? Foundation grant provided start-up. Continued funding through state funding.

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? For courses offered during the school day, the school district pays for the course. For courses outside of the regular school day, the student is responsible.

Cost per course/semester? $50 per semester.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Source of funding: IDAHO CODE §§ 33-1020, 33-5508
Who pays: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Cost per course/semester: Memorandum from IDLA dated 4/26/2006
Enrollment limited: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07
Scholarship funds: 2007 ID S.B. 1237

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes; instructors for dual credit courses must also meet postsecondary requirements.

Sources Teacher training: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504
Teacher requirements: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504(e), IDAPA § 08.04.01.102.03

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, external evaluation every third year.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504(9), IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.5
Assessment:  IDAPA § 08.04.01

Illinois

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Illinois Virtual High School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma is issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Primarily supplemental, some AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No, local school district offers support

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No; however, it is not unusual for the local school districts to establish policy in this area.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) All teachers are assigned a mentor (experienced IVHS teacher) and mentor/instructor interactions are required throughout the year.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Half of the curriculum is developed internally and half is licensed coursework.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: 150 ILL. COMP. STAT. §40
Diploma: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations
Specific focus: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000
Support for hardware/software: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000
Students with disabilities: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000
Cap on credits: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations
Alignment to state standards: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding and federal grants

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $225 per course for semester courses, and $450 per course for full-year courses.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000, 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Sources: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations
Assessment: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations

Indiana

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Iowa

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, Iowa Learning Online. Iowa has not established a program in statute but appears, in practice, to have a statewide program.

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Supplemental courses
Iowa Online AP Academy, run through the University of Iowa, offers AP courses. Both Iowa Learning Online is funded by the state. Iowa Online AP is funded by a federal grant.

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No, local district provides support

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Local school district determines.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Some have been developed by Iowa educators and some have been purchased from outside sources.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Student Curriculum and Access Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? No cost to student for courses developed by Iowa Learning Online. Districts determine the cost of courses that have been developed by districts.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Enrollment is determined by the local school district.

Sources Finance Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes. Teachers who have never taught "at a distance" must participate in staff development opportunities provided through the state's Area Education Agencies.

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher Quality Sources:  Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program Quality/Accountability Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)

Kansas

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Kentucky

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Kentucky Virtual High School has recently been renamed Kentucky Virtual Schools.

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and dual credit offered
Credit recovery
Kentucky Virtual Advanced Placement Academy division of the Kentucky Virtual Schools offers access to a core AP curriculum.

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Local school district determines.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Half is developed internally. APEX and Florida Virtual High School curriculum are used for remainder. National Governors Association awarded Kentucky Virtual High School $100,000 to develop online math courses for remedial students.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Kentucky Virtual Schools Fact Sheet; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district; however, the student pays a fee if the course is taken for credit recovery.

Cost per course/semester? $300 per course

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes. No additional information is available on the requirements for postsecondary instructors.

Sources Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, internal evaluation by the department of education.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 61.982, 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.

Louisiana

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Louisiana Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Supplemental curriculum, AP courses in European and U.S. History

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Yes, since no course fees are charged, Louisiana Virtual High School used a three-phase registration system that initially caps course registrations from any single school.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Teachers must complete an online course in "Online Course Design and Delivery."

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education
Conversation with Sheila Telamo, Leadership and Technology, State Department of Education, June 8, 2007.

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Quality Support Fund grant, and BellSouth grant

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes, Louisiana Virtual High School uses a three-phase registration system that initially caps course registrations from any single school.

Sources Finance: Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: A Review of State-Level Policy and Practice, October 2006

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education

Maine

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Maryland

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issues by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, supplemental courses and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Accredited providers such as APEX, K¹², etc.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: MD. CODE ANN. §§ 7-910, 7-1002

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding and Federal funding under Title ll-D of NCLB

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? Range from $15 to $375 per student/course/semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Finance: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teaching Quality: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, external program evaluation.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program Quality: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002

Massachusetts

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Michigan

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Michigan Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Online learning experience required for high school graduation effective with class of 2011.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Half of the courses are modifications from other developers. Other half are developed internally.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources
Sources: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding and Title II Education Technology Competitive Grant

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $250 to $395 per student/semester; AP courses are $350 a semester.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes, schools can either buy a "seat" in courses or ask parents to purchase a course for a student.

Sources
Finance: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teaching Quality: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, external program evaluation.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program Quality: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577

Minnesota

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Mississippi

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Mississippi Virtual Public School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are leased from Aventa Learning, Class.com and Florida Virtual School.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006, MISS. CODE ANN. § 37-19-7

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? A grant from the BellSouth Foundation augmented by state appropriation.

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? State funded

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Finance: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? No information available.

Sources Teaching Quality: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006, MISS. CODE ANN. § 37-19-7

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, annual evaluation

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program Quality: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006

Missouri

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, Missouri Virtual Instruction Program

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Six credits per year

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Curriculum from a number of vendors is being modified to state standards by Northwestern Missouri State University.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Sources: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State appropriation plus a small portion of Missouri's per-pupil funding.

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? Not yet determined

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes. Student assumes the responsibility for cost if additional courses are desired.

Sources Finance: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teaching Quality: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program Quality: MO. REV. STAT. § 161.670

Montana

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Nebraska

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Sources

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Nevada

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

New Hampshire

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

New Jersey

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

New Mexico

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, a pilot program beginning in the 2007-2008 school year.

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which is student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes, schools must provide accompanying electronic formats for students using assistive technology.

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Student requests to participate in distance learning courses are evaluated by the site coordinator following guidelines established by the local school board.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? No information available.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.2
Support for hardware/software: 2007 S.B 209 § 5(C)
Students with disabilities: N.M. STAT. ANN. § 22-13-27; N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.8(C)
Other requirements: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.8(D)(3)
Alignment to state standards: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.10(B)

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district; however, a home school student who enrolls in less than one-half of the minimum course requirements may pay up to 35% of the cost of each unit.

Cost per course/semester? No information available

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes, New Mexico gives priority to students in need because of geographic location, lack of qualified teachers and/or access to core course instruction.

Sources Source of funding: 2007 S.B. 209 § 6(A)
Who pays: 2007 S.B. 209 § 6(B)
Enrollment limited: 2007 S.B. 209 § 5(F)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher requirements: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.10

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: 2007 S.B. 209 § 5(N)
Assessment: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.9(D)

New York

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

North Carolina

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the North Carolina Virtual Public School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, honors courses, AP courses and credit recovery. Also, there are dual enrollment opportunities through the Learn and Earn Online program.

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No, schools must provide all hardware and software support.

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No information available

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) The reasons to take an online course through NCVPS include, but are not limited to, the following:

students wanting to take courses not available locally

students wanting to take courses whose sections at the local school are already full

students who are home bound or hospital bound due to illness or injury

students who already have a full load and wish to take additional courses

students whose schedule does not permit taking certain courses during the school day

students whose special circumstances cannot be addressed locally

students who want to graduate ahead of schedule from school

suspended students or for those students in need of remediation

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are provided by Apex, Florida Virtual School, Oklahoma State University.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: 2005 S.B. 622 §§ 7.41, 7.42; N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-102.15(f)(1)(a)
Specific focus: NC Virtual Public School course list; Learn and Earn Online
Support for hardware/software: NC Virtual Public School technical requirements
Other requirements: NC Virtual Public School Operational Guidelines (see "student enrollment guidelines")
Private vendor: NC Virtual Public School Third Party Information (see "third party information")
Alignment to state standards: NC Virtual Public School parent information

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? No information available

Cost per course/semester? No information available

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No information available

Sources Source of funding: 2005 NC S.B. 622 § 7.41(d)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training and requirements: NC Virtual Public School "What is Virtual Schooling" fact sheet (see "teacher involvement")

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? No information available

Sources Program evaluation: N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-102.7

North Dakota

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the North Dakota Center for Distance Education

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Yes, students can earn an accredited diploma through the Center for Distance Education. Students must submit a "diploma program application" and a one-time fee of $30.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? Yes, students with special needs must notify the Center for Distance Education's principal. The Center will assess those needs to help better serve the student.

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) All students under the age of 16 must attend their local school districts and must study their distance learning lessons under the supervision of a local supervisor.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? No information available.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-01; North Dakota Center for Distance Education Web site
Diploma: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Diploma Web site
Specific focus: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Course/Enrollment Web site
Students with disabilities: North Center for Distance Education Student Services Web site (see "special needs")
Other requirements: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-01(2)
Private vendor: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Course/Enrollment Web site
Alignment to state standards: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-04

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Student. However, scholarships are available and are awarded to most of those who apply.

Cost per course/semester? $106 per course, plus books and materials

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No information available

Sources Source of funding: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-06
Who pays: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Enrollment Web site; Jon Skaare, State Director, North Dakota Center for Distance Education
Cost per course/semester: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Enrollment Web site

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No information available

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher requirements: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Program Information Web site

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No information available

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? No information available

Ohio

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Oklahoma

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Oregon

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Oregon Virtual School District

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? College preparatory and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Local school district determines.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Enrollment eligibility is determined by local district.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Online providers include OSU K-12 Online, OSU Extended Campus, Oregon Online, etc.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840; Or. Department of Education, Oregon Virtual School District (OVSD) FAQ
Students with disabilities: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0505
Cap on credits: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(6)
Other requirements: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(7)
Private vendor: Or. Department of Education, Oregon Virtual School District Web site (see "instruction providers")
Alignment to state standards: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840(2); OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0515

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? No information available

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Enrollment guidelines are determined by the local district

Sources Source of funding: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.842
Enrollment limited: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(7)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(8)
Teacher requirements: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840(2)

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No information available.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? No information available.

Pennsylvania

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Puerto Rico

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Rhode Island

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

South Carolina

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the South Carolina Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, AP courses and credit recovery

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Yes, a student may take a maximum of three credits per school year, and a maximum of twelve credits throughout his/her high school career. However, a student may appeal to the school district and obtain a waiver to exceed the course limits.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? No information available.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-10(B)
Diploma: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(A)
Specific focus: S.C. Department of Education, Virtual School course descriptions
Support for hardware/software: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(F)
Cap on credits: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(C)
Alignment to state standards: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(B),(C)

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? No information available

Cost per course/semester? No cost

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes

Sources Source of funding: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-80
Enrollment limited: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-60(8)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes, all online teachers must receive appropriate pre-service and in-service training pertaining to organization, classroom management, technical aspects, monitoring of student assessment, and other pertinent training from the department of education.

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(E)
Teacher requirements: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(D)

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? The board of education must submit an annual report to the state general assembly. The report must include information such as courses offered through the virtual school, number of districts and students participating, number of private schools and private school students participating, number of home-school students participating, students' sucess rates, number of students who dropped a course and their reasons, expenditures, and number of students unable to enroll because of space limitations.

Also, at the end of each semester, the department of education must provide student records to the Education Oversight Committee. The committee will monitor the impact of credits earned in the virtual school, on the school and district ratings, with particular attention to performance on end-of-course exams and graduation rates.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes, students must be administered appropriate state assessments in a proctored environment.

Sources Program evaluation: S.C. CODE ANN. §§ 59-16-60, 59-16-70
Assessment: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(E)

South Dakota

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the South Dakota Virtual High School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? Local school district determines.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Professional development for instructional staff must be offered by the distance learning provider.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Course providers include APEX, Blackhills State University, Northern State University, etc.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 13-33-24
Diploma: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:09
Specific focus: South Dakota Virtual High School course list
Support for hardware/software: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 1-33-35
Students with disabilities: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:11
Cap on credits: Melody Schopp, SD Department of Education
Other requirements: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01(3)
Private vendor: Distance Learning Service Providers
Alignment to state standards: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01(1)

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district, which is reimbursed by the state.

Cost per course/semester? $200-$350 per 1/2-credit course

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No information available

Sources Source of funding: SD Department of Education Service Provider Application (see pg. 2- "funding")
Who pays: SD Department of Education Service Provider Application (see pg. 2- "funding")
Cost per course/semester: South Dakota Department of Education: Virtual High School Frequently Asked Questions (see pg. 2)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher requirements: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 13-33-21; S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: S.D ADMIN R. 24:43:12:01
Assessment: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:08; South Dakota Department of Education: Agreement for Participating Schools

Tennessee

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Texas

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Texas Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, driver education and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No; however, students who reside in Texas but who are not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student may not enroll in more than two electronic courses through the virtual school network.

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) A student may enroll full-time in courses provided through the virtual school only if he/she was enrolled in a public school in Texas in the preceding school year or is a dependent of a member of the U.S. military and was previously enrolled in a high school in Texas but does not reside in Texas due to a military deployment or transfer.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Course providers include APEX and AVENTA

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.001
Specific focus: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 30A.104, 30A.1041, 30A.154; Texas Virtual School Initiative Course Listing Web page
Cap on credits: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.107(C)
Other requirements: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.002
Private vendor: Texas Virtual School Initiative Course Information Web page (see "course demos and information")
Alignment to state standards: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.104

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district; however, students may have to pay the enrollment fee if they are enrolled in a course load greater than that normally taken by students in the equivalent grade level in other school districts and if they do not qualify for accelerated funding under section 30A.154. Also, students who are not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student may be charged enrollment fees.

Cost per course/semester? $325-350 per course/semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Source of funding: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.151
Who pays: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 30A.151, 30A.155
Cost per course/semester: Texas Virtual School FAQ Web site (see "How much do these courses cost?")

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes, all teachers must successfully complete a professional development course for online teaching.

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.111(2)
Teacher requirements: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.111(1)

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes, the commissioner must prepare a report for each fiscal year. The report must include:

The results of assessment instruments administered to students enrolled in electronic courses.

Alternative models for funding the operation of the state virtual school network.

A system of indicators that will allow for comparison of the quality of different provider school districts' and schools' electronic courses for the same course.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.054
Assessment: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.110

Utah

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the Electronic High School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Yes, but only students who are home-schooled, have dropped out and past graduation, or are ineligible to graduate for other specific reasons.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? The state provides funds for software licensing fees.

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) There are no grade or age restrictions for Utah students to enroll in electronic high school courses.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? No information available

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1003
Diploma: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-9
Specific focus: Utah Electronic High School course list
Support for hardware/software: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-3(B)
Students with disabilities: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1005
Other requirements: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-5(A)
Alignment to state standards: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1003(1)(b)

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $100 per course per semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes, enrollment is on a first-come first-served basis.

Sources Source of funding: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-17a-131.15
Who pays: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-419-4(A)(2)
Cost per course/semester: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-7(B)
Enrollment limited: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-5(B)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher requirements: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-8

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No information available.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes, as long as the student has been enrolled in EHS by the school counselor or the student has met all requirements and standards for Utah home school students.

Sources Assessment: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-604-5

Vermont

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Virgin Islands

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Virginia

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, Virtual Virginia and the Virtual Advanced Placement School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum and AP

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? No information available

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Course offerings must include subject areas that are not available in all schools.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? No information available

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes; however, courses offered are primarily AP.

Sources Established statewide: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-212.2
Specific focus: Va. Department of Education, Virtual Virginia 2007-2008 course catalog
Students with disabilities: Va. Department of Education, Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 9)
Other requirements: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-212.2

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? The state pays for all Early College Scholar students (the Early College Scholars program allows eligible high school students to earn at least 15 hours of transferable college credit while completing the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma). For all other students, there is a tuition charge.

Cost per course/semester? No cost to Early College Scholars; however, other students may have to pay tuition fees. AP courses cost between $75-$350; private school and home school students pay $375 per course; and out of state students pay $450 per course. World language and certain non-AP electives are free to all Virginia public school students.

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Source of funding: Va. Superintendent Memo Regarding Virtual Schools
Who pays: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 6)

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher requirements: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia FAQ

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No information available.

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes, if the online course relates to an end-of-course assessment.

Sources Assessment: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 6)

Washington

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

West Virginia

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? Yes, the West Virginia Virtual School

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Both core and non-core curriculum and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) Courses are approved when there's a shortage of personnel, a need for low-incidence courses, a need for course delivery while an instructor renews course-related skills, or any other valid student need to access technology-delivered courses.

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed externally and providers vary by course. Examples include BYU Independent Study, Florida Virtual School, Virtual Greenbrush, etc.

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: W. VA. CODE § 18-2E-9
Specific focus: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-42-13.89
Support for hardware/software: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-6
Other requirements: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-3
Private vendor: WV Virtual School Courses (select course to view providers)
Alignment to state standards: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-3.3, 3.4

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? State funding

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? The local district, but students may have to pay if the course is already offered in their schools.

Cost per course/semester? $400-$750 per semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) Yes

Sources Source of funding: W. VA. CODE § 18-2E-9(b)
Who pays: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-7
Cost per course/semester: W. Va. Department of Education Virtual School FAQ (see "tuition/payment")

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? No

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? No

Sources Teacher requirements: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-136-14.3

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? Yes

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-5

Wisconsin

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No; however, the Wisconsin Virtual School is a statewide supplemental program operated by a legislatively created agency. In July 2008, the state designated the Wisconsin Virtual School as their state-led Wisconsin Web Academy.

May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school? Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.

Does the virtual high school have a specific focus? Core curriculum, credit recovery and AP courses

Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools? Yes

Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning? No

Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)? No

Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.) No information available

Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally? Courses are developed externally

Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards? Yes

Sources Established statewide: Wisconsin Virtual School Web site
Diploma: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Specific focus: Wisconsin Virtual School Course List
Support for hardware/software: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Students with disabilities: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Cap on credits: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Private vendor: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Alignment to state standards: Wisconsin Virtual School FAQ (see "Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?")

Virtual High Schools: Finance

What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)? District funding and grants

Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)? Local district

Cost per course/semester? $325 per course/semester

Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?) No

Sources Source of funding: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Who pays: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Cost per course/semester: Wisconsin Virtual School Enrollment Web site (see "cost")
Enrollment limited: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching? Yes

Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers? Yes

Sources Teacher training and Teacher requirements: Wisconsin Virtual School FAQ (see "Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?")

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Must the virtual high school program be evaluated? No

Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments? Yes

Sources Program evaluation: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Assessment: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School

Wyoming

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access

Has the state established a statewide virtual high school? No

Virtual High Schools: Finance

Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality

Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

© 2013 by the Education Commission of the States (ECS). All rights reserved. ECS is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education.

To request permission to excerpt part of this publication, either in print or electronically, please fax a request to the attention of the ECS Communications Department, 303.296.8332 or e-mail ecs@ecs.org.

Helping State Leaders Shape Education Policy

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Alabama Online High School, part of Alabama's ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide)
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Student must take an online course during a regularly scheduled class period. State class size regulations apply to online classes. An onsite mentor must be present.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Half of the curriculum is purchased from established sources and half developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Recommendations 11/01/2004 Diploma: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01 Specific focus: Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Recommendations 11/01/2004 Support for hardware/software: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01 Students with disabilities: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01 Cap on credits: State Board of Education Regulations, Sept. 2007 Other requirements: A Plan for Distance Learning, Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Sept. 2006 Private vendor: A Plan for Distance Learning, Governor's Task Force on Distance Learning Sept. 2006 Alignment to state standards: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding (BellSouth Foundation provided a state grant for start-up).
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost to students or districts - state covers all costs.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes
Sources	Sources: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes. However, faculty of postsecondary institutions are allowed to teach online courses without state certification if they are faculty at a state postsecondary institution and teaching in their content area.
Sources	Sources: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.01
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, annual external evaluation
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes, an adult facilitator must be present when state achievement assessments are administered, if used to determine a student's final grade.
Sources	Program evaluation: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.02 Assessment: ALA. ADMIN. CODE § 290-3-1-.02

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Arizona Virtual Academy
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Yes
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No information available
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	K¹² Inc. curriculum is used
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources of Information: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Sources: Arizona Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Arkansas Virtual High School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	An adult facilitator must be present when student achievement assessments used to determine a student's final grade are administered in a required course.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: ARK. CODE. ANN. §§ 6-47-201, 6-47-302, 6-47-404 Diploma: ARK. REG. 210.1 Specific focus: ARK. REG. 210.1 Support for hardware/software: ARK. REG. 210.1 Students with disabilities: ARK. CODE. ANN. § 6-47-404 Cap on credits: ARK. REG. 210.1 Other requirements: ARK. REG. 210.1 Private vendor: ARK. REG. 210.1 Alignment to state standards: ARK. REG. 210.1
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes
Sources	Source of funding: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-47-404 Who pays: ARK. REG. 210 Cost per course/semester: ARK. REG. 210.1 Enrollment limited: ARK. REG. 210.1
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: ARK. CODE ANN. § 6-47-404 Teacher requirements: ARK. REGS. 210.1
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Assistive technology: ARK. REGS. 005 19 CARR 010 Program evaluation: ARK. REGS. 210.1 Assessment: ARK. REGS. 210.1

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the University of California College Prep Online. New enrollment were suspended in the 2006-2007 school year; however, a new strategic plan will be put into place in Spring 2008 with new courses and new enrollees.
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Teachers must reach out to students who have not shown activity in the course, typically within three school days.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51740-51741, CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51865, Memo from Education Technology Office, Cal. Department of Education 04/30/07; Conversation with school director, 8/16/07. Specific focus: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51740 Support for hardware/software: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51871 Other requirements: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3 Alignment to state standards: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51865
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$325 per student/per semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources CAL. EDUC. CODE §§ 51740, 51872
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3 Teacher requirements: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3 Assessment: CAL. EDUC. CODE § 51705.3

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Colorado Online Learning
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, electives and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: Colorado Online Learning
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$200 per student/course/semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Source of funding: Colorado Online Learning
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-30.7-105 Teacher requirements: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-30.7-105
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: COLO. REV. STAT. §§ 22-30.7-109, 22-30.7-110 Assessment: COLO. REV. STAT. § 22-33-104.6(3)(d)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Opening January 2008, Connecticut Virtual Learning Center is a pilot program. Regulations have not been formalized. In February 2008, the state continues to recruit teachers for the Connecticut Virtual Learning Center. They are specifically looking for teachers certified in earth science, health, U.S. history, civics, English, math, Chinese and forensic science. Dozens of high schools in the state have asked to participate in the program. The pilot program is available at no cost to school districts. The primary focus of the program is twofold: 1) Courses for students at risk of falling behind or failing will be offered in algebra, geometry, English, civics and health; and 2) interesting electives that may not be available at many schools. Curriculum has been approved by the State Department of Education's Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction and will be taught by certified teachers.
Virtual High Schools: Finance
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Florida Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, honors programs and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Funding received only if course is completed and passed.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37 Specific focus: 2001 FLA. STAT. CH. 170 Students with disabilities: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37 Private vendor: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37 Alignment to state standards: FLA. STAT. § 1003.41
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	Free to state students, but $750 per one-credit regular and honors course for nonresident students.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Assistive technology: FLA. STAT. § 1007.264 Program evaluation: FLA. STAT. § 1002.37

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Georgia Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	One semester course during regular school year. Limits on enrollment are based on program resources for classes taken outside the regular school day.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Public school students are given priority.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1 Support for hardware/software: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 Students with disabilities: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1 Cap on credits: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 Other requirements: GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1 Alignment to state standards: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01, GA. CODE ANN. § 20-2-319.1
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes. In addition, Georgia offers but does not require a specific online teaching endorsement.
Sources	Teacher training: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 (d)(2) Teacher requirements: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 (d)(1), GA. CODE ANN. § 505-2-.162
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: GA. COMP. R. & REGS. § 160-8-1-.01 Assessment: GA. CODE ANN. § 505-2-.162 (2)(e)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, Hawaii's Electronic School, E-School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits reported and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Supplementary and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Students are limited to two classes per semester.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Home school and private school students are not offered the opportunity to register during the regular school year.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	No information available
Sources	Sources: E-School
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	During the regular school year, there is no charge to the student. Summer school sessions are $80 per half credit.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources: Hawaii Dept. of Education's E-School
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	No information available
Sources	Teacher requirements: Hawaii Dept. of Education E-School
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: Hawaii Dept. of Education ESchool

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Remediation, dual credit and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No, if need has been determined, the local school district may provide.
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Local school district determines.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Established by local school district.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses may be developed by qualified Idaho teachers who possess the necessary technical background and instructional expertise.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: IDAHO CODE § 33-5502 Diploma: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Specific focus: IDAHO CODE § 33-5502(3), IDAHO CODE § 33-1020 Support for hardware/software: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Students with disabilities: IDAHO CODE § 33-5507.3 Cap on credits: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Other requirements: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Private vendor: IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.1, IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.3 Alignment to state standards: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	Foundation grant provided start-up. Continued funding through state funding.
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	For courses offered during the school day, the school district pays for the course. For courses outside of the regular school day, the student is responsible.
Cost per course/semester?	$50 per semester.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Source of funding: IDAHO CODE §§ 33-1020, 33-5508 Who pays: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Cost per course/semester: Memorandum from IDLA dated 4/26/2006 Enrollment limited: Telephone interview with IDLA director 4/19/07 Scholarship funds: 2007 ID S.B. 1237
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes; instructors for dual credit courses must also meet postsecondary requirements.
Sources	Teacher training: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504 Teacher requirements: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504(e), IDAPA § 08.04.01.102.03
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, external evaluation every third year.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: IDAHO CODE § 33-5504(9), IDAHO CODE § 33-5506.5 Assessment: IDAPA § 08.04.01

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Illinois Virtual High School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma is issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Primarily supplemental, some AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No, local school district offers support
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No; however, it is not unusual for the local school districts to establish policy in this area.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	All teachers are assigned a mentor (experienced IVHS teacher) and mentor/instructor interactions are required throughout the year.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Half of the curriculum is developed internally and half is licensed coursework.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: 150 ILL. COMP. STAT. §40 Diploma: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations Specific focus: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000 Support for hardware/software: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000 Students with disabilities: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000 Cap on credits: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations Alignment to state standards: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding and federal grants
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$225 per course for semester courses, and $450 per course for full-year courses.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000, 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Sources: State Board of Education Policy of August 24, 2000
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations Assessment: 5/10/2007 E-mail from IVHS Associate Director for Operations

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, Iowa Learning Online. Iowa has not established a program in statute but appears, in practice, to have a statewide program.
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Supplemental courses Iowa Online AP Academy, run through the University of Iowa, offers AP courses. Both Iowa Learning Online is funded by the state. Iowa Online AP is funded by a federal grant.
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No, local district provides support
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Local school district determines.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Some have been developed by Iowa educators and some have been purchased from outside sources.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Student Curriculum and Access Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	No cost to student for courses developed by Iowa Learning Online. Districts determine the cost of courses that have been developed by districts.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Enrollment is determined by the local school district.
Sources	Finance Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes. Teachers who have never taught "at a distance" must participate in staff development opportunities provided through the state's Area Education Agencies.
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher Quality Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program Quality/Accountability Sources: Iowa Learning Online is sponsored by the State Department of Education. The operation is evident in practice but not in policy. (Per discussion with Pamela Pfitzenmaier, Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education, Iowa Dept. of Ed.)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Kentucky Virtual High School has recently been renamed Kentucky Virtual Schools.
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and dual credit offered Credit recovery Kentucky Virtual Advanced Placement Academy division of the Kentucky Virtual Schools offers access to a core AP curriculum.
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Local school district determines.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Half is developed internally. APEX and Florida Virtual High School curriculum are used for remainder. National Governors Association awarded Kentucky Virtual High School $100,000 to develop online math courses for remedial students.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Kentucky Virtual Schools Fact Sheet; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district; however, the student pays a fee if the course is taken for credit recovery.
Cost per course/semester?	$300 per course
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes. No additional information is available on the requirements for postsecondary instructors.
Sources	Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, internal evaluation by the department of education.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Sources: KY. REV. STAT. ANN. §§ 61.982, 158.622; Conversations with Kentucky Department of Education Information Officer and Nancy Hill from the Kentucky Virtual High School on May 25, 2007.

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Louisiana Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Supplemental curriculum, AP courses in European and U.S. History
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Yes, since no course fees are charged, Louisiana Virtual High School used a three-phase registration system that initially caps course registrations from any single school.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Teachers must complete an online course in "Online Course Design and Delivery."
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education Conversation with Sheila Telamo, Leadership and Technology, State Department of Education, June 8, 2007.
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Quality Support Fund grant, and BellSouth grant
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes, Louisiana Virtual High School uses a three-phase registration system that initially caps course registrations from any single school.
Sources	Finance: Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: A Review of State-Level Policy and Practice, October 2006
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	State Standards for Distance Education, January 2000, Louisiana Department of Education

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issues by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, supplemental courses and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Accredited providers such as APEX, K¹², etc.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: MD. CODE ANN. §§ 7-910, 7-1002
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding and Federal funding under Title ll-D of NCLB
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	Range from $15 to $375 per student/course/semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Finance: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teaching Quality: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, external program evaluation.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program Quality: MD. CODE ANN. § 7-1002

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Michigan Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Online learning experience required for high school graduation effective with class of 2011.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Half of the courses are modifications from other developers. Other half are developed internally.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding and Title II Education Technology Competitive Grant
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$250 to $395 per student/semester; AP courses are $350 a semester.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes, schools can either buy a "seat" in courses or ask parents to purchase a course for a student.
Sources	Finance: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teaching Quality: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, external program evaluation.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program Quality: MICH. COMP. LAWS §§ 380.1481, 390.1577

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Mississippi Virtual Public School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are leased from Aventa Learning, Class.com and Florida Virtual School.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006, MISS. CODE ANN. § 37-19-7
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	A grant from the BellSouth Foundation augmented by state appropriation.
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	State funded
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Finance: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	No information available.
Sources	Teaching Quality: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006, MISS. CODE ANN. § 37-19-7
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, annual evaluation
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program Quality: State Board of Education Policy Manual 5400, October 2006

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, Missouri Virtual Instruction Program
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Six credits per year
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Curriculum from a number of vendors is being modified to state standards by Northwestern Missouri State University.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Sources: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State appropriation plus a small portion of Missouri's per-pupil funding.
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	Not yet determined
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes. Student assumes the responsibility for cost if additional courses are desired.
Sources	Finance: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teaching Quality: MO. REV. STAT. §161.670
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program Quality: MO. REV. STAT. § 161.670

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, a pilot program beginning in the 2007-2008 school year.
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which is student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes, schools must provide accompanying electronic formats for students using assistive technology.
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Student requests to participate in distance learning courses are evaluated by the site coordinator following guidelines established by the local school board.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	No information available.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.2 Support for hardware/software: 2007 S.B 209 § 5(C) Students with disabilities: N.M. STAT. ANN. § 22-13-27; N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.8(C) Other requirements: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.8(D)(3) Alignment to state standards: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.10(B)
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district; however, a home school student who enrolls in less than one-half of the minimum course requirements may pay up to 35% of the cost of each unit.
Cost per course/semester?	No information available
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes, New Mexico gives priority to students in need because of geographic location, lack of qualified teachers and/or access to core course instruction.
Sources	Source of funding: 2007 S.B. 209 § 6(A) Who pays: 2007 S.B. 209 § 6(B) Enrollment limited: 2007 S.B. 209 § 5(F)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher requirements: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.10
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: 2007 S.B. 209 § 5(N) Assessment: N.M. ADMIN. CODE tit. 6, § 30.8.9(D)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the North Carolina Virtual Public School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, honors courses, AP courses and credit recovery. Also, there are dual enrollment opportunities through the Learn and Earn Online program.
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No, schools must provide all hardware and software support.
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No information available
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	The reasons to take an online course through NCVPS include, but are not limited to, the following: students wanting to take courses not available locally students wanting to take courses whose sections at the local school are already full students who are home bound or hospital bound due to illness or injury students who already have a full load and wish to take additional courses students whose schedule does not permit taking certain courses during the school day students whose special circumstances cannot be addressed locally students who want to graduate ahead of schedule from school suspended students or for those students in need of remediation
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are provided by Apex, Florida Virtual School, Oklahoma State University.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: 2005 S.B. 622 §§ 7.41, 7.42; N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-102.15(f)(1)(a) Specific focus: NC Virtual Public School course list; Learn and Earn Online Support for hardware/software: NC Virtual Public School technical requirements Other requirements: NC Virtual Public School Operational Guidelines (see "student enrollment guidelines") Private vendor: NC Virtual Public School Third Party Information (see "third party information") Alignment to state standards: NC Virtual Public School parent information
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	No information available
Cost per course/semester?	No information available
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No information available
Sources	Source of funding: 2005 NC S.B. 622 § 7.41(d)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training and requirements: NC Virtual Public School "What is Virtual Schooling" fact sheet (see "teacher involvement")
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	No information available
Sources	Program evaluation: N.C. GEN. STAT. § 115C-102.7

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the North Dakota Center for Distance Education
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Yes, students can earn an accredited diploma through the Center for Distance Education. Students must submit a "diploma program application" and a one-time fee of $30.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	Yes, students with special needs must notify the Center for Distance Education's principal. The Center will assess those needs to help better serve the student.
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	All students under the age of 16 must attend their local school districts and must study their distance learning lessons under the supervision of a local supervisor.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	No information available.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-01; North Dakota Center for Distance Education Web site Diploma: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Diploma Web site Specific focus: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Course/Enrollment Web site Students with disabilities: North Center for Distance Education Student Services Web site (see "special needs") Other requirements: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-01(2) Private vendor: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Course/Enrollment Web site Alignment to state standards: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-04
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Student. However, scholarships are available and are awarded to most of those who apply.
Cost per course/semester?	$106 per course, plus books and materials
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No information available
Sources	Source of funding: N.D. CENT. CODE § 15-19-06 Who pays: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Enrollment Web site; Jon Skaare, State Director, North Dakota Center for Distance Education Cost per course/semester: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Enrollment Web site
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No information available
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher requirements: North Dakota Center for Distance Education Program Information Web site
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No information available
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	No information available

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Oregon Virtual School District
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	College preparatory and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Local school district determines.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Enrollment eligibility is determined by local district.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Online providers include OSU K-12 Online, OSU Extended Campus, Oregon Online, etc.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840; Or. Department of Education, Oregon Virtual School District (OVSD) FAQ Students with disabilities: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0505 Cap on credits: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(6) Other requirements: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(7) Private vendor: Or. Department of Education, Oregon Virtual School District Web site (see "instruction providers") Alignment to state standards: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840(2); OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0515
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	No information available
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Enrollment guidelines are determined by the local district
Sources	Source of funding: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.842 Enrollment limited: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(7)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: OR. ADMIN. R. 581-020-0520(8) Teacher requirements: OR. REV. STAT. § 329.840(2)
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No information available.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	No information available.

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the South Carolina Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, AP courses and credit recovery
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Yes, a student may take a maximum of three credits per school year, and a maximum of twelve credits throughout his/her high school career. However, a student may appeal to the school district and obtain a waiver to exceed the course limits.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	No information available.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-10(B) Diploma: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(A) Specific focus: S.C. Department of Education, Virtual School course descriptions Support for hardware/software: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(F) Cap on credits: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(C) Alignment to state standards: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(B),(C)
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	No information available
Cost per course/semester?	No cost
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes
Sources	Source of funding: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-80 Enrollment limited: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-60(8)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes, all online teachers must receive appropriate pre-service and in-service training pertaining to organization, classroom management, technical aspects, monitoring of student assessment, and other pertinent training from the department of education.
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(E) Teacher requirements: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-20(D)
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	The board of education must submit an annual report to the state general assembly. The report must include information such as courses offered through the virtual school, number of districts and students participating, number of private schools and private school students participating, number of home-school students participating, students' sucess rates, number of students who dropped a course and their reasons, expenditures, and number of students unable to enroll because of space limitations. Also, at the end of each semester, the department of education must provide student records to the Education Oversight Committee. The committee will monitor the impact of credits earned in the virtual school, on the school and district ratings, with particular attention to performance on end-of-course exams and graduation rates.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes, students must be administered appropriate state assessments in a proctored environment.
Sources	Program evaluation: S.C. CODE ANN. §§ 59-16-60, 59-16-70 Assessment: S.C. CODE ANN. § 59-16-15(E)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the South Dakota Virtual High School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	Local school district determines.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Professional development for instructional staff must be offered by the distance learning provider.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Course providers include APEX, Blackhills State University, Northern State University, etc.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 13-33-24 Diploma: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:09 Specific focus: South Dakota Virtual High School course list Support for hardware/software: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 1-33-35 Students with disabilities: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:11 Cap on credits: Melody Schopp, SD Department of Education Other requirements: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01(3) Private vendor: Distance Learning Service Providers Alignment to state standards: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01(1)
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district, which is reimbursed by the state.
Cost per course/semester?	$200-$350 per 1/2-credit course
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No information available
Sources	Source of funding: SD Department of Education Service Provider Application (see pg. 2- "funding") Who pays: SD Department of Education Service Provider Application (see pg. 2- "funding") Cost per course/semester: South Dakota Department of Education: Virtual High School Frequently Asked Questions (see pg. 2)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher requirements: S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 13-33-21; S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:01
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: S.D ADMIN R. 24:43:12:01 Assessment: S.D. ADMIN. R. 24:43:12:08; South Dakota Department of Education: Agreement for Participating Schools

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Texas Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, driver education and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No; however, students who reside in Texas but who are not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student may not enroll in more than two electronic courses through the virtual school network.
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	A student may enroll full-time in courses provided through the virtual school only if he/she was enrolled in a public school in Texas in the preceding school year or is a dependent of a member of the U.S. military and was previously enrolled in a high school in Texas but does not reside in Texas due to a military deployment or transfer.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Course providers include APEX and AVENTA
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.001 Specific focus: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 30A.104, 30A.1041, 30A.154; Texas Virtual School Initiative Course Listing Web page Cap on credits: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.107(C) Other requirements: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.002 Private vendor: Texas Virtual School Initiative Course Information Web page (see "course demos and information") Alignment to state standards: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.104
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district; however, students may have to pay the enrollment fee if they are enrolled in a course load greater than that normally taken by students in the equivalent grade level in other school districts and if they do not qualify for accelerated funding under section 30A.154. Also, students who are not enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a full-time student may be charged enrollment fees.
Cost per course/semester?	$325-350 per course/semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Source of funding: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.151 Who pays: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. §§ 30A.151, 30A.155 Cost per course/semester: Texas Virtual School FAQ Web site (see "How much do these courses cost?")
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes, all teachers must successfully complete a professional development course for online teaching.
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.111(2) Teacher requirements: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.111(1)
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes, the commissioner must prepare a report for each fiscal year. The report must include: The results of assessment instruments administered to students enrolled in electronic courses. Alternative models for funding the operation of the state virtual school network. A system of indicators that will allow for comparison of the quality of different provider school districts' and schools' electronic courses for the same course.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.054 Assessment: TEX. EDUC. CODE ANN. § 30A.110

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the Electronic High School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Yes, but only students who are home-schooled, have dropped out and past graduation, or are ineligible to graduate for other specific reasons.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	The state provides funds for software licensing fees.
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	There are no grade or age restrictions for Utah students to enroll in electronic high school courses.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	No information available
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1003 Diploma: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-9 Specific focus: Utah Electronic High School course list Support for hardware/software: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-3(B) Students with disabilities: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1005 Other requirements: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-5(A) Alignment to state standards: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-15-1003(1)(b)
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$100 per course per semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes, enrollment is on a first-come first-served basis.
Sources	Source of funding: UTAH CODE ANN. § 53A-17a-131.15 Who pays: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-419-4(A)(2) Cost per course/semester: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-7(B) Enrollment limited: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-5(B)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher requirements: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-725-8
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No information available.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes, as long as the student has been enrolled in EHS by the school counselor or the student has met all requirements and standards for Utah home school students.
Sources	Assessment: UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-604-5

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, Virtual Virginia and the Virtual Advanced Placement School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum and AP
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	No information available
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Course offerings must include subject areas that are not available in all schools.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	No information available
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes; however, courses offered are primarily AP.
Sources	Established statewide: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-212.2 Specific focus: Va. Department of Education, Virtual Virginia 2007-2008 course catalog Students with disabilities: Va. Department of Education, Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 9) Other requirements: VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-212.2
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	The state pays for all Early College Scholar students (the Early College Scholars program allows eligible high school students to earn at least 15 hours of transferable college credit while completing the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma). For all other students, there is a tuition charge.
Cost per course/semester?	No cost to Early College Scholars; however, other students may have to pay tuition fees. AP courses cost between $75-$350; private school and home school students pay $375 per course; and out of state students pay $450 per course. World language and certain non-AP electives are free to all Virginia public school students.
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Source of funding: Va. Superintendent Memo Regarding Virtual Schools Who pays: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 6)
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher requirements: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia FAQ
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No information available.
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes, if the online course relates to an end-of-course assessment.
Sources	Assessment: Va. Department of Education Virtual Virginia Student Handbook (see pg. 6)

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	Yes, the West Virginia Virtual School
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Both core and non-core curriculum and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	Courses are approved when there's a shortage of personnel, a need for low-incidence courses, a need for course delivery while an instructor renews course-related skills, or any other valid student need to access technology-delivered courses.
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed externally and providers vary by course. Examples include BYU Independent Study, Florida Virtual School, Virtual Greenbrush, etc.
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: W. VA. CODE § 18-2E-9 Specific focus: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-42-13.89 Support for hardware/software: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-6 Other requirements: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-3 Private vendor: WV Virtual School Courses (select course to view providers) Alignment to state standards: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-3.3, 3.4
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	State funding
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	The local district, but students may have to pay if the course is already offered in their schools.
Cost per course/semester?	$400-$750 per semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	Yes
Sources	Source of funding: W. VA. CODE § 18-2E-9(b) Who pays: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-7 Cost per course/semester: W. Va. Department of Education Virtual School FAQ (see "tuition/payment")
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	No
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	No
Sources	Teacher requirements: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-136-14.3
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	Yes
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: W. VA. CODE ST. R. § 126-48-5

Virtual High Schools: Student Curriculum and Access
Has the state established a statewide virtual high school?	No; however, the Wisconsin Virtual School is a statewide supplemental program operated by a legislatively created agency. In July 2008, the state designated the Wisconsin Virtual School as their state-led Wisconsin Web Academy.
May a student earn a diploma through the virtual high school?	Credits counted and diploma issued by the high school in which the student is enrolled.
Does the virtual high school have a specific focus?	Core curriculum, credit recovery and AP courses
Does the state provide support for hardware/software for urban/low-income/rural schools?	Yes
Are students with disabilities required to have access to assistive technology devices for online learning?	No
Has the state set a cap on the # of courses a student may take (either per semester or during high school career)?	No
Are there other requirements/limitations? (i.e., local staff must have taken training for a student to be able to access free coursework, students are able to enroll in on-line course only if the course is NOT available at their home school, etc.)	No information available
Are courses off-the-shelf or developed internally?	Courses are developed externally
Is the virtual school curriculum aligned to the state's academic standards?	Yes
Sources	Established statewide: Wisconsin Virtual School Web site Diploma: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Specific focus: Wisconsin Virtual School Course List Support for hardware/software: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Students with disabilities: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Cap on credits: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Private vendor: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Alignment to state standards: Wisconsin Virtual School FAQ (see "Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?")
Virtual High Schools: Finance
What is the source of funding (appropriation, grants, etc.)?	District funding and grants
Who pays for courses (district/school/student under certain circumstances)?	Local district
Cost per course/semester?	$325 per course/semester
Does the state limit enrollment in online courses based on available funding (and if so--does the district assume responsibility for all costs if a student wants to enroll in an online course?)	No
Sources	Source of funding: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Who pays: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Cost per course/semester: Wisconsin Virtual School Enrollment Web site (see "cost") Enrollment limited: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School
Virtual High Schools: Teaching Quality
Must all teachers in the virtual program receive appropriate training for online teaching?	Yes
Must teachers meet the same certification requirements as regular classroom teachers?	Yes
Sources	Teacher training and Teacher requirements: Wisconsin Virtual School FAQ (see "Do courses meet Wisconsin standards?")
Virtual High Schools: Program Quality/Accountability
Must the virtual high school program be evaluated?	No
Are students required to participate in mandated state assessments?	Yes
Sources	Program evaluation: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School Assessment: Dawn Nordine, Director, Wisconsin Virtual School