Stevensville School District                                                                                                        

 INSTRUCTION                                                                                                                   

Distance, Online and Technology-Delivered Learning

For purposes of this policy, “distance learning” is defined as: instruction in which students and teacher are separated by time and/or location with synchronous or asynchronous content, instruction, and communication between student and teacher (e.g., correspondence courses, online learning, videoconferencing, streaming video).

The District may receive and/or provide distance, online, and technology-delivered learning programs, provided the following requirements are met:

  • The distance, online, and technology-delivered learning programs and/or courses shall meet the learner expectations adopted by the District and be aligned with state content and performance standards;
  • The District shall provide a report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, documenting how it is meeting the needs of students under the accreditation standards, who are taking a majority of courses during each grading period via distance, online, and/or technology-delivered programs;
  • The District or Distance Learning Provider will provide qualified instructors and/or facilitators as described in ARM 10.55.907(3)(a)(b)(c);
  • The District or Distance Learning Provider will ensure that the distance, online and technology-delivered learning facilitators receive in-service training on technology-delivered instruction as described in ARM 10.55.907(3)(d); and
  • The District will comply with all other standards as described in ARM 10.55.907(4)(5)(a-e).

The District will permit a student to enroll in an approved distance learning course, in order that such student may include a greater variety of learning experiences within the student’s educational program.

Credit for distance learning courses may be granted, provided the following requirements are met:

  • Prior permission has been granted by the principal;
  • The program fits the education plan submitted by the regularly enrolled student;
  • The course does not replace a required course offered by the District;
  • The course is needed as credit retrieval and cannot fit into the student’s schedule; and
  • Credit is granted for schools and institutions approved by the District after evaluation for a particular course offering.

The District will not be obligated to pay for a student’s distance learning course unless otherwise specified in Policy 2170.

The minimum aggregate hours are not required for any pupil demonstrating proficiency pursuant to 20-9-311(4)(d), MCA.

Cross Reference:
2170 Montana Digital Academy
2410 and 2410P High School Graduation Requirements
2100 School Calendar and Year

Legal References:
§20-9-311(4)(d), MCA Calculation of Average Number Belonging
ARM 10.55.705 Administrative Personnel; Assignment of School Administrators/Principals
ARM 10.55.906 High School Credit
ARM 10.55.907 Distance, Online, and Technology Delivered Learning

Policy History:
Adopted on: September 9, 2008
Reviewed on: April 9, 2019; May 10, 2022
Revised on: March 9, 2010; May 14, 2019; June 14, 2022