Policy IMBA
Remote Learning
Board Approved: August 18, 2025
“Remote learning/education” means and includes any instructional mode that is not in-person instruction including, but not limited to, video-based, internet-based, online courses (e.g., Virtual Learning Academy Charter School “VLACS”), other remote instruction, or any combination thereof. It also includes hybrid instructional models that utilize elements of distance education and traditional instruction in any combination. Under rules of the N.H. Department of Education, distance education may be offered only:
1. When inclement weather makes it unsafe to safely transport learners to or from in-person instruction (i.e., remote learning day); or
2. As an option for a parent/guardian or adult learner making a request for distance education (e.g., online courses); or
3. As articulated in a parent-approved program approved by the local school board pursuant to Board policy IHBI.
A. District/School-Wide Remote Education During Inclement Weather
When inclement weather makes it unsafe to safely transport learners to or from in-person instruction, the District or school may elect to provide instruction remotely, pursuant to Board policy IC.
B. Individual Participation in Remote Education.
The Board encourages learners to take full advantage of remote education opportunities as a means of enhancing and supporting their education.
1. Extended Learning Opportunities and Alternative Learning Plans. Such opportunities will be implemented under the provisions set forth in Policy IHBH, Extended Learning Opportunities and Policy IHBI, Alternative Learning Plans.
2. High School Credit. If the course is to be taken for credit, then Policy IK, Earning of High School Credit - Achievement of Competencies, will also apply. Students must have distance education courses approved by the school principal ahead of time in order to receive credit;
a. Although courses may be offered for the earning of credits/competencies, learners cannot be required to take a remote course for required courses/achievement of required competencies. Rather, remote courses may be electives, or duplicate or equivalent of in-person options;
b. Remote learning options for courses or programs that are used as part of the 43 courses required for an approved high school shall be included in the school's program of studies (Ed 306.22(q)(5);
c. The District shall provide, where necessary, all equipment, software, and internet connectivity necessary to participate in district-based remote learning or alternative programs or learning opportunities that are to be counted toward the 43 courses required for an approved high school (Ed 306.22(q)(5)).
3. Pre-conditions for Enrollment in Independent Remote Learning Programs/Courses. The written approval of the building principal is required before a district learner enrolls in a remote learning course or program that is intended to become part of their educational program. Students applying for permission to take a remote learning course/program must complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the learner possesses the academic preparation and maturity level needed to function effectively in a remote learning.
4. Approved Courses. Approved distance education courses must satisfy both state and local standards; be delivered by staff licensed in the state where the course originates; and contain provisions for feedback and monitoring of learner progress. The district requires that a syllabus, including prerequisites, specific learning goals/activities, learner evaluation criteria, and teacher responsibilities be submitted for review before the course is approved.
5. Student Enrollment Requirements. Students taking approved online courses must be enrolled in the district and must take the courses during the regular school day at the school site, unless the administration has granted approval for remote access based on special circumstances. Online courses may be taken in the summer under the same conditions as during the school year.
6. Staff Supervision. When learners are participating in remote learning on schools ground during the school day, a teacher or other staff member will be assigned to provide general supervision, and to assist learners having difficulty with remote learning.
7. Assessments and Progress Monitoring. The principal will assign a teacher to monitor learner progress, grading of assignments, and testing.
8. Earning of Credit. Students earning credit for distance education courses shall be required to demonstrate achievement of applicable competencies and participate in all assessments required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program. Credit for the course is not recognized until an official record of the final grade has been submitted to the principal or designee with feedback from the online teacher/educator.
9. Privacy and Confidentiality. Approved distance education courses must comply with all federal and state statutes pertaining to learner privacy and to public broadcasting of audio and video. Confidentiality of learner record information will be maintained throughout the process. This includes information shared between school district representatives and the virtual school or online teacher, information shared between the school district or online teacher with learners and parents, and information shared between school district representatives, the virtual school or online teacher and others.
10. Student Conduct. Board policy JICL School District Internet Access for Students, as well as all Board policies and school rules and regulations will apply to and during all remote learning programs. Students participating in remote learning will also be subject to any policies or rules of any third-party program (e.g, VLACS, etc.).
C. Educational Progress and Policy Violations.
If a learner participating in distance education is not making educational progress, as determined by educational assessments, the option to participate in remote learning may be rescinded by the district. A parent or guardian may appeal this determination to the Superintendent for review. If the Superintendent upholds the determination, the parent/guardian has a right to appeal to the state board of education per N.H. Department of Education Rules Ed 200. A learner shall remain in remote learning until the conclusion of the appeal. If the state board upholds the district's conclusion of lacking educational progress, the learner shall immediately be disqualified from continued participation in the District's remote learning opportunities.
Students who violate any part of the policy or engage in any other activity that school authorities consider inappropriate are subject to disciplinary action consistent with Board policies and the Student Code of Conduct.
District Policy History:
First reading: July 21, 2025
Second reading: August 4, 2025
Third reading/adopted: August 18, 2025
District revision history: New Policy
NH Statutes Description
RSA 189:1 Days of School
RSA 189:24 Standard School
NH Dept of Ed Regulation Description
N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.04(b)(12) Remote Learning
N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.15 School Year
N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.15(f) Remote Learning