Fla. Admin. Code R. 6A-6.0982
(3) Application. The applications to become an approved online course provider, renewal, or for new course approval will be available at https://fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/virtual-edu/provider-resources/ beginning September 1 of each year for the following school year and must be accessed and submitted electronically. The deadline for filing the applications is September 30.
(a) Pursuant to Section 1003.499(3)(a)5., F.S., the applicant must possess prior, successful experience offering online courses to elementary, middle, or high school students as demonstrated by quantified student learning gains or student growth in each subject area and grade level provided for consideration as an instructional program option. Learning gains data for at least two (2) complete school years from one (1) of the following sources must be submitted for each course submitted for approval in this application:
1. At least two (2) years of cohort data from a state-administered summative assessment, approved to meet federal (e.g., ESSA) accountability requirements, including state-administered End-of-Course (EOC) assessments (Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, U.S. History, and Civics).
For course subjects not addressed by state assessments:
2. At least two (2) years of cohort data from nationally standardized summative achievement tests. At a minimum, Provider must provide data from category 1 or 2 in language arts and mathematics. The following evidence of learning gains must be submitted for all other subject areas and grade levels:
3. At least two (2) years of cohort data from teacher developed End-of-Course assessments or semester examinations;
4. At least two (2) years of cohort data from pre- and post-assessments delivered for a course, which assessment is not covered under another category; or
(b) In accordance with Section 1003.499(3)(a)6., F.S., the applicant ensures instructional and curricular quality through a detailed curriculum and student performance accountability plan that addresses every subject and grade level that the applicant intends to provide. The curriculum plan must include evidence:
1. That the applicant meets the standards of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL);
2. That the applicant’s online program and courses meet the standards of the National Standards for Quality Online Courses;
3. That its courses and services are aligned to the Florida Student Performance Standards adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., which is incorporated by reference herein, and measure student attainment of those standards. Each course must align to the course descriptions and benchmarks established pursuant to Rule 6A-1.09412, F.A.C., which is incorporated by reference herein, including:
a. Where the standard is taught in the course,
b. How the standard is taught; and,
c. How mastery is assessed.
File names for course alignment documents must include the Florida course codes and titles specified in Florida’s most current Course Code Directory incorporated in Rule 6A-1.09441, F.A.C., which is incorporated by reference herein. A copy of Rules 6A-1.09401, 6A-1.09412 and 6A-1.09441, F.A.C., may be obtained by contacting the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
4. That mechanisms are in place to determine and ensure students have satisfied course requirements. Mechanisms should include:
a. The use of formative and interim assessments,
b. A multi-tiered system of student supports, interventions and assistance to ensure student progression toward promotion and graduation requirements,
c. Curriculum development, activities and assessments based on principles that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, supporting flexibility in representation, expression, and engagement,
d. Electronic and information technology accessible to persons with disabilities; and,
e. Strategies to ensure comprehensible instruction for students with limited English proficiency.
Upon request, the applicant will provide access for a virtual walk-through of courses during the review phase of the application process.
Rulemaking Authority 1003.499, 1008.31 FS. Law Implemented 1003.499, 1008.31 FS. History–New 12-23-14, Amended 7-28-15, 10-30-16, 10-17-17, 8-21-18, 9-21-21, 9-20-22, 8-22-23.