Skip to main content
Full Menu Close Menu

Can virtual learning be used for credit recovery purposes? 

No, and here’s why: 

Virtual learning is described in the 2023 MOA with the goal of becoming “the first major public-school system to develop, implement and expand high-quality virtual instruction and related services, for all students who choose this option.”

The Department of Education defines credit recovery as “intensive instruction in a student’s identified area(s) of deficiency only. In credit recovery, students do not retake the full course. They instead work with a NYCDOE subject-certified teacher to relearn and master the areas in which they need support.”

Virtual learning classes should be full courses and not credit recovery. To be credit bearing, virtual classes bearing must address NYSED commencement-level learning standards and provide the opportunity for 54 hours of instructional time per credit under the supervision of a NYCDOE subject-certified teacher, who determines student competency of learning outcomes for the course.

The General Rules for Virtual Learning outlined in the 2023 MOA specify that:

-All virtual assignments shall be posted. No staff will be involuntarily assigned to teach a virtual class.

-Virtual instructional periods may combine synchronous, asynchronous and small group instruction.

-All students participating in virtual learning will be part of a class and a school.

-All participating staff will be provided with pre-assignment and on-going training.

-All virtual classes and related service sessions shall be compliant with current SED regulations, IEP mandates and Board Academic policy.

-Article 15 of the Teachers’ Contract and the 8/23/16 “Pro Rata Teaching Assignment” agreement shall apply to virtual assignments.

-Teachers will only be assigned to virtual learning assignments for students that have opted to participate in virtual classes.