What are the legal implications of online learning in the school setting?

Online learning in the school setting has legal implications that must be considered by state and local educational authorities. In California, the state Department of Education and school districts have issued guidelines to support online learning during the pandemic. These guidelines provide an understanding of the legal requirements governing the instruction and assessment of students enrolled in virtual education programs. In California, students are required to take state-mandated assessments such as the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) to ensure that online learning is meeting the same educational standards as in-person instruction. In addition, the online environment must offer equitable access to educational resources and materials, and special education students must be provided reasonable accommodations to ensure their successful participation. The use of online platforms for student communication also has legal implications. School districts must provide students with guidelines and safety protocols to ensure that interacting online is a safe and productive experience. Schools must also protect the privacy and security of students’ data by following the requirements of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Finally, educational authorities must ensure that all online learning programs adhere to federal civil rights laws, such as Title IX, that prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics. These laws require schools to provide equitable access to online courses and materials and to protect students from harassment or discrimination in virtual settings.

What are the legal implications of online learning in the school setting?

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