School Based Virtual Learning

Overview

For an overview of school based virtual learning opportunities, please access this School Based Virtual Learning 2024-25 (NYCPS login required).

The 2023 MOAs between the DOE and UFT/CSA established the following goals for virtual learning: 

  • Become the first major public-school system to develop, implement and expand high quality virtual learning programs for instruction and related services, for all students who choose this option. 
  • Assist students in achieving their highest potential academically, socially and emotionally and prepare them for post-secondary success.  
  • Develop and scale virtual instructional and related services opportunities for eligible students that best meet the needs of students and families and create access for eligible students via virtual learning and hybrid scheduling.
  • Create new and attractive professional experiences, career opportunities and/or alternative schedules for pedagogues and school-based staff within existing contractual rules.

School Based Virtual Learning (SBVL) was created for schools to establish virtual learning models created by and for their school communities. School Based Virtual Learning is defined as virtual classes taught by a school's current teachers to their currently enrolled students in order to provide opportunities such as advancement and/or flexibility to meet the needs of students and staff in the school community. Schools should consult the Eligibility Criteria and apply if they have identified student and family interest in virtual learning and have staff interested in teaching these courses. 

SBVL should be designed with input from the school community and take into account flexibilities that meet unique student needs, family requests, and teacher availability. The proposals submitted by schools should explain why your community would benefit from a virtual model and how it would be uniquely designed to benefit the students at your school; see these models and examples. These are not the only models permissible, and you should think creatively about designing a program that best fits the needs of your community. You may also want to create a program that incorporates more than one model to meet varying needs.

SBVL courses should adhere to our current policies (NYCPS login required):

Please note, there is no central funding available for program implementation. 

Note that SBVL is distinct from Virtual Learning Classrooms (VLC) which is a program that allows middle school and high school students to enroll in centrally provided courses. Schools can participate in both VLC and SBVL.

General Guidelines

All SBVL plans must adhere to the 2023 Memorandum of Agreement with the UFT (see Section 8; page 17) and the 2023 Memorandum of Agreement with the CSA (see Section 5; page 6)

Schools that offer virtual learning will commit to:

  • Participating in centralized professional learning.
  • Sharing best practices by participating in working groups and other forums.
  • Determining the programming model that best supports virtual learning.
  • Ensuring that parents opt-in to participation in virtual learning.
  • Ensuring that their program aligns to the policies for Virtual and Blended Courses.
  • Providing digital curriculum for the class(es) offered.
  • Sharing the plan for virtual learning with your school community, including parents, staff, and students.  
  • Reviewing this application with your OPE lead supporting all academic policy, performance, and assessment workflows prior to submitting to ensure alignment to academic policy.
  • Post and staff SBVL position(s)

Timeline

Application timeline for Spring 2025 (schools previously approved for SBVL for SY24-25 need not reapply): 

  • By November 15: Develop virtual learning proposal & submit online 
  • By early December: Schools notified of application status 
  • December - January: Schools post positions and select staff (postings must be posted for 20 school days)  
  • January: Work with your district OPEL to ensure virtual courses align with academic policy 

To Learn More

For questions or inquiries, please contact SBVL@schools.nyc.gov.