281—15.6(256) Online learning provided by a school district or accredited nonpublic school—courses.
	15.6(1) Course content and delivery. A school district or accredited nonpublic school may provide an online learning program to deliver online learning and online coursework to students attending the district or school. Content and delivery provided by an online learning program established pursuant to this rule must meet the provisions of Iowa Code section 256.7(32)“c.” Grades in online courses are awarded based on Iowa Code section 256.43(3).
	15.6(2) Use to meet general accreditation standards. Any course that is not part of the offer-and-teach standards for grades 9 through 12 may be provided by an area education agency, by the school district or accredited nonpublic school, or through an online learning platform or online exchange offered by the department in collaboration with area education agencies, school districts, or accredited nonpublic schools. Online courses may be used to meet offer-and-teach standards for grades 9 through 12 in the circumstances described in Iowa Code section 256.11(17)“a.” Additionally, a school district or accredited nonpublic school may apply for an annual waiver of the standards for up to two specified subjects in the circumstances described in Iowa Code section 256.11(17)“b.”
	15.6(3) Delivery options for general accreditation standards. Delivery of coursework used to meet general accreditation standards is governed by Iowa Code section 256.11(17)“c.”
	15.6(4) Competent private instruction. The online learning platform described in subparagraph 15.8(3)“b”(3) may deliver distance education to students receiving competent private instruction under Iowa Code chapter 299A, provided such students register with the school district of residence and the coursework offered by the online learning platform is taught and supervised by a teacher appropriately licensed by the BOEE who has online learning experience, and the course content meets the provisions of Iowa Code section 256.7(32)“c.”
	15.6(5) Coordination and costs. The department and the area education agencies operating online learning programs pursuant to Iowa Code section 273.16 will coordinate to ensure the most effective use of resources and delivery of services. Federal or other funds, if available, may be used to offset what would otherwise be costs to school districts for participation in the program.
[ARC 7789C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]