DL+Policy+FAQ

=**Adults**=

//Can adults take DL courses?//

Adult policy: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/adult_grad_prgm.htm

The Ministry of Education funds adults taking courses that lead to secondary graduation. A student is eligible for the adult graduation program if they are 19 years old,or 18 years old and have already been out of school for at least one year. The student must take at least three courses as an adult, either through enrolment or through receiving the credit through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition The student must be on a clear path to graduation and can take the courses they need to reach the diploma requirements for the BC Adult Graduation Diploma.

Definition - "Adult student:" A student 19 years of age or older as at July 1 of the current school year.

Adult funding policy: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/funding_adults.htm

Adults taking courses towards the B.C. Certificate of Graduation, the B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma or GED preparation courses in public schools are eligible for funding, up to the school district enrolment caps established by the Ministry of Education.

Note: Adults may be charged fees for courses taken that are not eligible courses or if they have already received a Certificate of Graduation or Adult Graduation Diploma.

=**Student Records**=

//If a student is taking most courses in a neighbourhood school during grades 10, 11, and 12 and enrols for 2 or 3 graduation program courses via one (or more) online providers during that time (outside his home district) - how does the student's neighbourhood school counsellor keep track of the complete academic record in order to advise the student and parents etc. properly about such things as graduation status, university entrance and so on? How are credits and courses taken via various online sources around the province funnelled back to the student's neighbourhood school counsellor in a timely and accurate way, especially as online courses become more and more popular?// //Another issue: What if a student enrols online but then drops the course - how are the neighbourhood school counsellor's records updated so that dropped course no longer is included in the total tally of credits?//

When a student decides to complete his graduation requirements through a combination of neighbourhood schools and distributed learning, it is the responsibility of both the student and the schools to ensure that all information is shared. The student is responsible for advising the neighbourhood school about the distributed learning courses they are taking and to also keep the neighbourhood school informed about any changes to their program, including whether they have decided to drop a DL course, or not complete it. It is each school's responsibility to advise students that they must be responsible for an honest and factual exchange of information on any of their distributed learning courses and to follow up with them on a regular basis regarding their progress.

Counsellors and/or teachers assisting students with their graduation programs, will do the best job they can in ensuring that the students have all of the information they need to complete their graduation requirements and to exchange information amongst themselves. In the end, the responsibility remains with the student to know exactly what they need to complete in order to meet their graduation requirements.

=**Funding**=

//Can a grade 9 student complete an online course through cross-enrolment and complete it in their community school and how does the funding work?//

For students in Grade 9 there is no cross-funding. The schools have to arrange between themselves how to manage costs and services so that it is free to the student.

//Need information about the guidelines in place that determine if a kindergarten student is eligible for a full day vs. half day of school. Can you please clarify or direct me in the right direction.//

The basic rules are in this document: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/funding_general.htm There are some specific provisions related to First Nations and Special Needs students.

=**Homeschooling**=

//Does a parent have to be with a child at grade 7 level as he/she undergoes homeschooling in BC? Is it permissible for such a student to go it alone?//

In BC homeschooling refers to children receiving instruction from their parents who develop the curriculum, select learning materials, and evaluate the child's performance. The only connection to the school system is the requirement to register as a homeschooler with a local school so that the area superintendent knows that someone is assuming responsibility for educating the child. The degree to which the child is on his or her own will be the parent's decision, as long as education is taking place.

BC also has distributed learning (DL) schools that provide instruction to students who are usually at home. These schools assign teachers to the child, provide learning materials and activities that follow the provincial curriculum, mark the student's work, and provide formal report cards. The program varies by school, so the degree of parental involvement varies. There are 51 public and 11 independent distributed learning schools in BC. Information on the public DL schools is available through LearnNow BC (http://www.learnnowbc.gov.bc.ca/). Information on independent DL schools is at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/bc_guide/dl_schlist.htm.

More information on the differences between distributed learning and homeschooling is at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/dl_vs_homeschool.htm.

=**Learning Resources**=

//Are textbooks and workbooks available for purchase?//

Learning materials can be purchased from LearnNow BC. They have an online catalogue at http://order.openschool.bc.ca/, toll-free line is  1 (888) 883-4766. The Ministry of Education does not sell learning resources.

//A grade nine student on a reserve school wants to take French online through Open School. There is no French teacher and the student has no previous experience with French. Are French 8 and French 9 designed such that a student can take the course, or is he expected to already know French before these courses?//

If using Open School material you should contact Open School directly about their courses, but generally there needs to be a teacher who can assess the student's work. If the student has had no prior French experience, the student should begin with Introductory French 8. The materials are described at http://order.openschool.bc.ca/coursedetail.aspx?nato=7540004947. If the student had prior French instruction in elementary school as per IRP, then starting at Grade 8 would be appropriate. You would need to call Open School and ask about access to Instructor's Guides to support assessment (the guides aren't listed in the catalogue). Their # is  1 (888) 883-4766

Open School only provides materials, not instruction. They also do not have an online program for Grade 8: It will be print/video/audio with links to some websites.

If you are looking for a true online program with instructional support, you may be able to purchase the service from one of the distributed learning schools.

//Is it possible to adapt distributed learning material offered through Learn Now BC?//

The adaptations required are not yet specified however, I would predict that they will involve pacing of material and/or adjusting the quantity of material.

//Where can I access learning resources for DL?//

Students or parents can access materials and supplies at Open School [|http://www.openschool.bc.ca/]

Educators can access the Resources for Educators page and click on BCEd Online to gain access to the ERC. It will contain generic content, not VS content.

=**Teaching and Teachers**=

//Is it expected and required under ministry policy that school districts hire someone with training in DL methodology. If no one qualified in DL methodology applies, is the district expected to train a teacher who is qualified in content but not in DL methodology?//

Districts are NOT required to hire someone with DL training. They are only required to hire certified BC teachers. The Agreement requires them to "work towards" meeting the DL Standards, which suggest that DL teachers be trained in online teaching. The teachers' collective agreements in each district can strongly influence hiring practices, so seniority can sometimes take precedence over expertise.

=**Programs & Courses**=

//Are there any French immersion DL courses?//

There are no French Immersion courses available through DL. Students. You should discuss your needs with a counselor at the school where you are registered or contact the Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (francophone education authority) at  604-214-2600  or toll free at   1-888-715-2200.

//What is the difference between Grades 1-9 and Grades 10-12 for students wanting to take DL courses?//

Grades 1-9 students are eligible to take DL courses through their own school only, or through arrangement between the school and the DL school. Grade 10-12 students may take any courses offered through the LearnNowBC website, from any area of the province.

//I'm in grade 8, however, I'm trying to graduate high school in three years, which is permitted at the high school I attend offers a program allowing students to accelerate. However, I'm still considered grade 8. Would I still be allowed to take courses athttp:www.mybcschool.gov.bc.ca/ ?//

//As a grade 8 student you are eligible to take DL courses, but you are limited to signing up for courses only from the school that you regularly attend. Once you are considered a Grade 10 student, you may take courses from any area of the province.

Are there any Japanese courses available?

No Japanese materials are available through DL at present. The Ministry does not develop distance education courses, school districts determine whether there is enough demand. If the student has enough comfort with the language, he could consider challenging the course. This policy is located at [|//http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/earning_credit_through.htm//]//

//Science and lab work?//

Ask the DL School how lab assignments are handled, as each school has its own strategies Many courses include activities or projects that can be done offline, in a home or classroom setting, or as simulations: - opportunities for students to do labs at a designated place and time, such as a local school - computer-based interactive lab simulations - labs that can be safely accomplished with household materials - video or multimedia demonstrations to accomplish teacher demonstrations

Supervision depends on the course design. Often a course will provide activity options: "Do Option A if you have access to a supervised lab. Do Option B if you do not have access to a lab. Supervision is generally not required for computer simulations.

//What to take?

Academic advisors are available at       **//1-888-952-4285//**   //or through email at// ////LNBCAcademicAdvising@Marqui.com// to discuss education plans. Information on Academic Advising can be found at [|//http://www.learnnowbc.gov.bc.ca/services/advising///]// //The Academic Advising service is open to DL students.////

//I have been tutoring a young student who is almost finished the grade 11 Spanish level. She is way above the Spanish 11 course and should be ready for Spanish 12. Is this the distance education through the ministry of education? Or does she have to take a distance course through the school district? Does this course give her credits for graduation? Can she challenge the grade 12 provincial and the grade 11 exam? How does one go about doing that?//

All distance education (Distributed Learning) is done through the Distributed Learning schools located throughout BC, not by the Ministry of Education. Please check our LearnNowBC website,//[|//http://www.learnnowbc.gov.bc.ca///]// for information on the Distributed Learning programs. Use the Course Finder feature

[|www.learnnowbc.gov.bc.ca/course_finder/course_finder.aspxhe] to locate which schools offer Spanish 11 and 12. The student will need to contact the appropriate Distributed Learning school to discuss challenging the examinations with them.

//Are there any restrictions regarding the length of time required to complete an on-line course?//

Course completion time restrictions are determined by the Distributed Learning program in which you are enrolled.

//Can a student complete school early using the online education programs?//

Yes, a student can complete school early using the Distributed Learning education programs.

//We live in Coquitlam, BC but are currently travelling abroad with my husband's work and are expected to be gone for about 6 months. My son completed his grade 10 but I don't want him missing the entire year of school. Is it possible for him to take some grade 11 credit courses over the internet, distance education?//

As you are ordinarily resident in BC and will be out of the country temporarily your son can take his Grade 11 courses through the Distributed Learning programs. . Because he is in Grade 11 he is not restricted to signing up with only one Distributed Learning program and there is no charge for the courses, although there may be some fees associated with particular courses. He can sign up online and the school will contact him for registration information.

//My daughter is considering the biology 11 course. Normally in a class setting they do labs. How do you make up for this?//

Many courses include activities or projects that can be done offline, in a home or classroom setting, or as simulations: - opportunities for students to do labs at a designated place and time, such as a local school - computer-based interactive lab simulations. - labs that can be safely accomplished with household materials. - video or multimedia demonstrations to accomplish teacher demonstrations

Supervision depends on the course design. Often a course will provide activity options: "Do Option A if you have access to a supervised lab. Do Option B if you do not have access to a lab." Supervision is generally not required for computer simulations.

You should ask the DL School how it handles lab assignments, as each school will have its own strategies.

The New York Times published a recent article on this issue. You may need to set up a free account to view it. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/20/education/20online.html?ei=5070&en=60b11276621ebc23&ex=1162962000&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1162834226-d+vMZvP9rO9IX9WtX5GyAw

=**Enrolment**=

//K and elementary students?

Enrollment is done directly through the DL schools offering elementary and kindergarten programs. A list of these schools is at http://www.learnnowbc.gov.bc.ca/course_finder/, Registration is done through the school your son is currently enrolled in so you should discuss your plans with them.

If a student is already enrolled in a DL school can they cross enroll into a traditional school at semester change and can the cross enrolling school receive funding for that student? Also, the student is not registered within the traditional school's district.//

Only Distributed Learning schools receive cross-enrolment funding for enrolments after September 30th.

=**Fees**=

//How much does it cost to take a DL course?//

Most school-aged students do not have to pay tuition fees to take courses from public DL schools. However, there may be deposits associated with resources and computer loans.

Adults who have graduated and are returning to school may be charged a fee.

Contact specific distributed learning schools for more detailed information.

Court ruling: Schools are not allowed to charge fees for courses. If a student in K-9 wishes to take a DL course in a different district because it is not offered through their own district, the districts must come up with a way to fund the student to take the course. The district cannot charge fees for courses to students or they can’t offer the course. Each individual district should get advice from its own legal people. If the districts cannot find a way to fund the course, the student cannot take it.

Students need to go through their own teachers who are in charge of their learning plan at the school they are registered in, to get approval to take a course in another district. If a parent chooses to go in the back door and not go through the teacher in charge of the learning plan, and go directly to a different district, then the school has no responsibility for that course and it may not even show up as a mark on their report card.

=**Residency**=

//International Students?//

International students or students who have just moved to Canada can enrol in DL courses in BC, provided certain conditions are met. Residency decisions are made by schools operating under a combination of district and residency policies.

[|www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/international.htm]

Contact the DL school(s) that you are interested in registering with, to discuss the local district policies.

//My daughter is 25 yrs old and living with us in Hong Kong. We lived in Courtenay, BC, from 1994-2004. Jamie went to school in Courtenay from 1994-1997. She dropped out of school in spring of '97, not completing her grade 10, 11 or 12. She wants to complete her high school. Is it possible to do this from Hong Kong? What would it cost? What subjects would she need to take?//

The BC Distributed Learning residency policy states: "School Boards may provide distributed learning to students who are ordinarily residents of British Columbia, but temporarily out of the province. School boards determine their own residency policy, in compliance with the Manual of School Law and Ministry of Education policy directions." If your daughter is able to establish residency and show that she is out of the province only temporarily, she is eligible to particate in the BC DL program. You can read more about the residency policies on the website at [|www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/dist_ed_residency.htm]

//Can students out of province for up to one year take DL courses?//

Students who are out of province for up to one year can take DL courses if ordinarily resident in BC. Check with DL schools for definition of “resident”.

=**Exams & Assessment**=

//If my son enrolled in Science 10 at the end of June could he write the provincial exam in August? How often are the Provincial Exams available to students enrolled in courses on-line?//

Provincial exams are written by on-line students at the same times as they are by regular students. The exam schedule is available online at [|http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/.]

=**Independent schools**=

//Can Independent schools students take DL courses?//

Yes - sign up in normal manner. The DL school will contact them for further information.

Independent schools are listed with the Independent Schools Branch

EDUC.IndependentSchoolsOffice@gov.bc.ca

https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/

Independent schools DL programs are listed at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/bc_guide/dl_program.htm.

=**Special Needs Students**=

//I am having difficulty finding any policy on the gov. website for adult students (non-graduated) with disabilities taking distributed learning courses. I am presently taking 3 distance ed. courses through FVDES and I need a few accomodations for timed testing etc.//

There are policy documents available on our Distributed Learning web site: [|http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/policy.htm] The Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines is linked at: [|http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg/toc.htm] I would suggest referencing section H.3 for information on Provincial Exam testing. For more assistance with this Manual, you may contact:EDUC.DiversityandEquity@gov.bc.ca.