Section 10-20.56 of the Code authorizes a program for the use of e-learning days by school districts to provide instruction while the students are not in attendance at the school to which they have been assigned. An e-learning day may be used only in lieu of using one or more emergency days required under Section 10-19 of the Code, when used during remote learning days and blended remote learning days under Section 10-30 or 34-18.66 of the Code, or because a school was selected to be a polling place under Section 11-4.1 of the Election Code (Section 10-20.56 of the School Code). This Section sets forth the process to apply for approval to participate in the E-Learning Days Program (hereinafter, referred to as the "e-learning program") and the terms and conditions for the use of e-learning days by participating districts.
A robust system has been proposed to manage the e-learning system, ensuring accurate identification of students, reliable management of student attendance and provision of effective remedies for technical issues that may arise during the e-learning day that limit or block a student's or staff member's access to online participation.
The proposed program:
Provisions for providing services for students with disabilities and English learners are appropriate and comply with State and federal laws and regulations. The program also is likely to meet the varying learning needs of the students enrolled in general education coursework by adequately considering ability, grade level, at-risk status and/or demographic diversity.
The proposed process for both involving staff, students and parents in the program design and for notifying and orienting them about the e-learning program to be implemented will sufficiently prepare staff, students and parents to fully participate in and navigate the e-learning system effectively and efficiently. A detailed plan is included for collecting feedback from staff, students and parents after an e-learning day is used.
Priority consideration may be given to proposals with specific areas of emphasis, such as to ensure geographic distribution or the participation of school districts with varying demographic characteristics, as identified by the State Superintendent of Education in a particular Request for Applications.
Ill. Admin. Code tit. 23, § 1.422