Section 200-RICR-20-10-5.6 - Systemic supports for virtual learning educationThis Part seeks to promote collaboration with higher education and state agencies to establish connected and coherent statewide policies. Higher education, cross agency and business partnerships can more effectively secure sufficient resources to ensure necessary technology infrastructure and to promote virtual learning opportunities for all learners in Rhode Island.
5.6.1 Statewide policyBuilding a high quality education system is an investment in the future of all Rhode Island students and in the future of Rhode Island's economy. Virtual Learning Education is a long-term strategy that will support a quality education system, preparing students for post-secondary education and successful entry into the workforce. The development of a coherent statewide system for online learning will require a coordinated statewide effort with higher education and other state agencies. This Part authorizes the Commissioner to coordinate RIDE's efforts with higher education and other state agencies to ensure the establishment of coherent statewide virtual learning policies and to promote collaborations that result in efficiencies of scale that support those policies.
5.6.2Resourcing, support, coordination, and articulationA. The potential and inevitable impact of online learning across K-12, adult education, higher education, and workforce development necessitates that resources and supports be coordinated across the state. The Commissioner shall ensure that RIDE continues to seek new and innovative funding solutions to ensure all learners have access to quality online content.B. The Commissioner shall ensure that RIDE participates in statewide efforts to support Virtual Learning Education with a focus on ensuring all students have access to quality online learning opportunities and ensuring efficiencies gained by coordinating resources. Coordinated statewide efforts can ensure purchasing power to maintain necessary infrastructure and acquire regular upgrades and negotiated lower costs for devices and online content and programming. Publicly available information regarding quality providers will support educators, administrators, families and students to make informed judgments about online content and programs. This information must be coordinated between RIDE and higher education to ensure that families and students are aware of acceptable course work that meets both graduation requirements and higher education acceptance and dual enrollment credit recognition.C. The Commissioner shall ensure that RIDE coordinates its efforts with higher education, the legislature, and other key stakeholders to ensure the development of a comprehensive statewide policy framework and to coordinate resources focused on providing all learners access to quality online learning opportunities.200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-10-5.6