Online LearningAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Online Learning

Online Learning

Online learning provides a means for students to continue, expand or enhance their education. Online learning offers students the ability to engage in opportunities to which they might not otherwise have access, for example, taking a class not offered at their local school or creating a more flexible schedule. Minnesota public school students have the choice of enrolling in full-time or supplemental (taken in place of a course period during the regular school day). To read the complete Online Learning Option Act, access the link to the Revisor's Office under related links.

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.

Links to third-party sites are provided as a service to Minnesota Department of Education Website visitors. See our disclaimer regarding these sites in our copyright information linked at the bottom of this page. Links will open in a new browser window.

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 (9/18/2008) Native Version 48Kb (9/18/2008)
    
List of Providers PDF Version 111Kb (6/24/2009) Native Version 417Kb (6/24/2009)
     List of approved part time and full time public online learning programs to K-12 students across the state.
Online Learning Statewide Certified Providers Map Native Version 175Kb (6/30/2009)
     Minnesota map of online learning public school programs sponsored by independent school districts, charter schools and consortia of public schools that are certified to deliver online learning to students statewide.
Rights and Responsibilities of Students, Providers, Enrolling Districts and MDE PDF Version 107Kb (2/11/2008)
    
Summer 2009 Online Learning Programs PDF Version 20Kb (6/23/2009) Native Version 79Kb (6/23/2009)
     Online learning programs offering summer courses in 2009.
Supplemental Notice of Student Enrollment Form PDF Version 152Kb (2/11/2008) Native Version 143Kb (2/11/2008)
    

Certification Program Application


Processes, guidelines and forms for K-12 online learning certification applicants.

Applicants' List of Courses Native Version 19Kb (6/19/2008)
    
Application - New Provider Native Version 404Kb (12/11/2008)
    
Certification Application Guidelines Native Version 346Kb (12/11/2008)
    
Course Syllabus Criteria Native Version 29Kb (2/11/2008)
    
Online Learning (OLL) Provider Recertifiation Application 2009-10 Native Version 358Kb (6/22/2009)
     Application to recertify as an approved online learning provider
Program Data Report Native Version 44Kb (6/23/2009)
     Annual program data report to be completed by OLL certified providers for 2008-09. Reports are due on July 15, 2009.

Alignment to Academic Standards


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

Academic Alignment Review Criteria Native Version 639Kb (2/11/2008)
    
Coversheet for Alignment to Standards Forms Native Version 41Kb (9/18/2008)
    
Instructional PowerPoint for Online Learning Curriculum Alignment to State Academic Standards Native Version 325Kb (9/24/2008)
    
Language Arts-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 358Kb (9/24/2007)
    
Mathematics--Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form PDF Version 2Mb (10/8/2008) Native Version 967Kb (10/8/2008)
     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 (9/24/2007)
    
Mathematics-Curriculum and Assessment Form - Draft - 2007 Native Version 994Kb (9/26/2007)
    
Science-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 279Kb (9/24/2007)
    
Social Studies-Curriculum and Assessment Form Native Version 504Kb (10/9/2007)
    

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 (3/11/2008)
    
Council Membership List PDF Version 47Kb (2/11/2008) Native Version 57Kb (2/11/2008)
    
Minutes - November 28, 2007 Native Version 70Kb (3/11/2008)