Distance Education Management Manual (In Brief) 2014-2015*

Context: This policy manual is written for public high school campus administrators responsible for the
implementation of online/distance learning courses offered within the Distance Learning Independent
School District (DLISD). Specifically, this section of the manual pertains to online courses offered through
the eHigh program at DLISD secondary campuses. Due to state attendance requirements, courses
offered during the school calendar year must contain a daily face-to-face component. However,
students are able to access the course 24-hours per day, seven days per week, so long as an internet
connection is available. Additionally, students are able to progress through the course at their own pace.
The DLISD currently serves 8,462 students in grades 9-12 on five campuses (three traditional high school
campuses and two, smaller, specialized alternative-setting campuses). Approximately, 1.5-2% of the
secondary student population is served through this program, which is designed for at-risk and nontraditional students.
Regulatory Subsystems
1. Campus leadership, in conjunction with other stakeholders, will consider the development,
implementation, and measurable outcomes of the eHigh program in the development of the
campus strategic plan.
2. Campus leadership will ensure that all eHigh course offerings and completion of eHigh courses
by students meet district and state graduation policies.
3. Financial responsibility for the eHigh program will be shared by both the campus and district.
Course Subsystems
1. All eHigh courses will be offered through the EXCELL* system so as to maintain content and
course consistency across all campuses.
2. Courseware purchasing, licensing, and management of the system will be maintained by the
districts IT department.
3. A 24 hour per day, seven days per week help desk will be established to support campuses,
faculty, and students.
Student Systems
1. A minimum set of defined criteria for student enrollment into eHigh courses will be consistently
used across all campuses; however, campus leadership has the option of setting additional
criteria based on specific campus and student need.
2. Students enrolled in eHigh courses will receive individualized communication with faculty
teachers or record.
3. Students enrolled in eHigh courses will receive online/course navigation training and support to
better facilitate learning outcomes.
Logistical Subsystems

1. Campuses will staff a minimum of one (1) composite-certified teacher per core content area
(English/Language Arts, math, science, and social studies) solely dedicated to serve as teacher of
record for the course and the direct point of contact for the student enrolled in a course in that
content area. Course offerings outside of the aforementioned core courses will have other
certified campus faculty designated as the teacher of record.
2. All faculty serving as teachers of record for the eHigh program will attend a two-day professional
development tailored to effective course management and student learning outcomes in a
blended formatted course.
3. Campus network infrastructure to support the eHigh facility will be developed and maintained
by the districts IT department, in conjunction with the campus administration.
Accessibility
1. Students qualifying for enrollment into eHigh with specific accommodations and/or
modifications will be able to receive services and be supported through eHigh.
2. Students enrolled in eHigh will be provided access to guidance counselors and academic
advisement so as to promote successful completion of coursework leading to graduation.

*The components of this manual are for demonstration purposes and are fictional.