Ensuring Equitable Outcomes for All

The state administrative rule that governs school district standards (PI 8) was modified to recognize new and emerging methods of delivering instructional programming. PI 8 spurs innovative ways to engage students and teachers outside of the traditional day and place through virtual options for learning. Times may be used on a day when school is canceled, as a planned day, or as a makeup day when a day of school was missed. There are a variety of reasons a school would use Virtual Learning Time. These include, but are not limited to, snow or other inclement weather, professional development, widespread illness, and flooding. It is up to individual school districts to determine how many days they can effectively deliver instruction via Virtual Learning Time, including how many consecutive days.
Specifically, PI 8 now recognizes innovative instructional design. This is defined as an instructional program aligned to the school district standards and used to improve student achievement through instruction offered outside of the normal school day, virtually, or in an alternative setting. The rule was further modified so that hours may also include the hours of instructional programming offered through innovative instructional designs that apply to the entire school or grade level.
The department does not approve or disapprove innovative instructional designs implemented by school districts, including virtual instruction programs meant to count as instructional time when a school building is closed due to inclement weather; nor is there an application or approval process for instructional design. We recommend districts consider consulting with their attorney before developing such a program to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and address any practical matters that may arise.
Planning Considerations for Virtual Learning Time
#1 Internet and Device Access: Provide access to digital tools for students and teachers away from buildings.
|
#2 Online Learning Experience: Ensure all students are engaged with high-quality instruction by providing access to and experience with online platforms and digital learning tools for all teachers, caregivers, and students.
|
#3 Staff Access: Ensure all staff is directly reachable by students and caregivers to facilitate and support instruction.
|
#4 Communication of Expectations of Learning: Inform all students and caregivers of the learning targets and expectations of engagement for the Virtual Learning Time as early as possible.
|
#5 Work Continuity: Ensure student work covers content that would have been addressed if the school were in session in a brick-and-mortar setting.
|
#6 Accommodation Support: All students who have accommodations for instruction will be provided with or have access to those accommodations.
|
#7 Instructional Time: Determine your virtual instructional hours and minutes the same way you would determine your brick-and-mortar instructional hours and minutes.
|
Disclaimer: The DPI will not endorse the use of any specific virtual instruction platform, tool, or product. The DPI facilitates discussions between school districts on successes and challenges in providing virtual instruction to help each district identify and utilize tools that fit the district’s specific needs. Each district should work with its own legal counsel to ensure the use of a particular product complies with state and federal law, including student privacy requirements, as well as local school board policies.
Resources for More Information and Learning
- Online Learning Module for Implementing Virtual Learning Time (Resource for School Districts) -- A district facing resource created by DPI to give a more in depth definition of virtual learning time as well as instances where it is appropriate to utilize this time
- School Closure Learning Continuity Readiness Rubric from the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC) -- One page rubric to help districts ensure a continuity of learning while students are taking part in virtual learning time
- Flexibility to Foster Innovation in Schools from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction -- A PDF guide produced by the Teaching and Learning Team that helps districts expand beyond credits and seat time and toward innovative practices that lead to college, career, and community readiness
- Planning Guides from the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC) -- 6 different planning guides for districts including: Planning Guide for AI: A Framework for School Districts; Definitions Guide for Online Learning; Locally Developed Digital Content Guide; Getting Started with Elementary Online Learning; District Playbook for Online and Blended Learning; and Reflecting for Continuous Improvement
- Stakeholder Guides from the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC) -- 4 different guides for virtual learning stakeholders including: Teacher Guide to Online Learning; Student Guide to Online Learning; Guide to Mentoring Online Learners; and Parent Guide to Online Learning
Free Virtual Learning Resources for Educators and School Districts
Disclaimer: The DPI does not endorse the use of any specific virtual instructional platforms, tools, or products.
Khan Academy Offers free, interactive practice exercises, quizzes, and instructional videos for core academic subjects like math, science, arts, and humanities.
Duolingo Helps students of all ages learn new languages through lessons, stories, and podcast episodes.
Great Minds Offers free, recorded daily lessons for grades K-12 of Eureka Math, K-8 of Wit and Wisdom, and 3-5 of PhD Science.
Chrome Music Lab A free interactive learning tool for educators to use to help teach students about several subjects through the use of music. Students can easily create songs and share them with the graphical Song Maker tool, adding piano, strings, synthesizer, woodwind, percussion, and other instruments. They may also record vocals to make their own unique scores. This site is always free and doesn't require an account to use it.
Tinkercad Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.