Online Learning Graduation Requirement
The Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a new graduation requirement for secondary students to complete two online learning credits as part of the 30 credits required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It applies to students who entered grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020. Although students working towards an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or Certificate of Accomplishment are not required to complete this new graduation requirement they may take eLearning courses.
The graduation requirement is intended to support students in developing familiarity and comfort with learning and working in a fully online environment, as well as developing digital literacy and other important transferable skills that they will need for success after secondary school, including in post-secondary education and the workplace.
| Definition of "online learning" for this graduation requirement |
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Online learning credits that count towards the requirement are earned through courses that are delivered using an asynchronous model. Students complete their online coursework with the support of a certified Ontario educator with whom they communicate, and who provides instruction, ongoing feedback, assessment, evaluation, and reporting as needed, including implementing any accommodations and/or modifications identified in the student’s Individual Education Plan. |
| Exception: Remote Learning Credit Earned in 2020-2021 |
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The ministry recognizes the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, up to one secondary school credit that was completed by students who were in Grade 9 during the province-wide school closures (from April 2021 to June 2021) may be counted towards the graduation requirement. |
| Opting-Out of the eLearning Graduation Requirement |
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A parent/guardian or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may withdraw from the online eLearning graduation requirement. No explanation or reason is needed to opt-out. There is no deadline to opt-out and it may occur at any time during the student’s secondary school program. Students who opt-out may still take eLearning courses. Students and families are permitted to opt back into the online learning graduation requirement should their decision change. To opt-out of the online eLearning graduation requirement, complete the following form and submit it to the Guidance Department of your high school. |
If you have questions, please contact the Guidance Department of your high school.
