Online LearningAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Online Learning

Online Learning

The Online Learning Option Act (MS 124D.095) gives public school students the choice of enrolling in supplemental (taken in place of a course period during the regular school day) or full time online learning. Students are able to engage in opportunities to which they might not otherwise have access such as taking a class not offered at their local school or creating a more flexible schedule. Online learning provides a means for students to continue, expand or enhance their education.

All online courses offered through certified programs are taught by Minnesota licensed teachers, meet or exceed state academic standards, transfer to other public school districts and apply to high school graduation. The documents linked below contain information about online learning programs, student enrollment and certification of public providers.

A searchable web-based clearinghouse of K-12 online programs is available at ISEEK, Minnesota’s gateway to career, education, employment and business information.

Contact the online learning office at the Minnesota Department of Education or call 651-582-8733 if you would like to learn more about online learning.

Note: By clicking on the links on this page you will leave the MDE site. Please read the copyright notice at the bottom of the page for our disclaimer regarding these sites.

Programs and Student Enrollment


General information including a list of online learning providers, FAQs, maps and student enrollment.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online Learning PDF Version 72Kb (9/18/08) Native Version 48Kb (9/18/08)
    
List of Providers PDF Version 120Kb (9/24/08) Native Version 101Kb (9/24/08)
    
Minnesota Map: Statewide Providers Native Version 947Kb (2/11/08)
    
Rights and Responsibilities of Students, Providers, Enrolling Districts and MDE PDF Version 107Kb (2/11/08)
    
Supplemental Notice of Student Enrollment Form PDF Version 152Kb (2/11/08) Native Version 143Kb (2/11/08)
    

Certification Program Application


Processes, guidelines and forms for K-12 online learning certification applicants.
Applicants' List of Courses Native Version 19Kb (6/19/08)
    
Application - New Provider Native Version 419Kb (2/11/08)
    
Application Program Recertification Native Version 329Kb (6/24/08)
    
Certification Application Guidelines Native Version 339Kb (9/19/08)
    
Course Syllabus Criteria Native Version 29Kb (2/11/08)
    
Program Data Report Native Version 36Kb (7/7/08)
     Annual program data report to be completed by OLL certified providers for 2007-08. Reports are due on July 15, 2008.

Alignment to Academic Standards


Requirements for aligning online curriculum with state academic standards and related forms.

Academic Alignment Review Criteria Native Version 639Kb (2/11/08)
    
Coversheet for Alignment to Standards Forms Native Version 41Kb (9/18/08)
    
Instructional PowerPoint for Online Learning Curriculum Alignment to State Academic Standards Native Version 323Kb (9/24/08)
    
Language Arts-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 358Kb (9/24/07)
    
Mathematics--Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form PDF Version 2Mb (10/8/08) Native Version 967Kb (10/8/08)
     Form helps teachers and curriculum specialists align the 2007 math standards with the curriculum and assessment used in their district or school.
Mathematics-Curriculum and Assessment Form - 2003 Native Version 279Kb (9/24/07)
    
Mathematics-Curriculum and Assessment Form - Draft - 2007 Native Version 994Kb (9/26/07)
    
Science-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 279Kb (9/24/07)
    
Social Studies-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 504Kb (10/9/07)
    

Advisory Council


The statewide advisory council presents issues related to online learning to the Commisioner of Education.

Agenda for February 13, 2008 Advisory Council Native Version 59Kb (3/11/08)
    
Council Membership List PDF Version 47Kb (2/11/08) Native Version 57Kb (2/11/08)
    
Minutes - November 28, 2007 Native Version 70Kb (3/11/08)