(a) A virtual school shall provide each enrolled student: (1) Access to a sequential curriculum approved by the State Board that meets or exceeds the standards adopted by the county board in the county of the virtual school's principal place of business or the county designated under a written agreement between multiple county boards; (2) The same length of time for learning opportunities per academic year that is required for public school students, unless the virtual school can show that a student has demonstrated mastery or completion of the subject area; (3) Regular assessment in the core areas of instruction as required by regulations adopted by the State Board under § 7-1409 of this subtitle; and (4) Access to the following services: (i) To the extent practicable, extracurricular activities at the public school the student would otherwise be required to attend in person; (ii) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation and subject to a participation agreement between the public school and the parent or guardian of the student, to the extent practicable, participation in organized athletics and on athletic teams at the public school the student would otherwise be required to attend in person; (iii) Wraparound services; (iv) Food and nutrition services; and (v) Health care services equivalent to services available to students who receive in-person instruction in the public schools in the county. (b) A curriculum adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall have: (1) An interactive program with significant online components; and (2) An interactive social and emotional wellness component designed for a virtual school environment. (c) Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, a virtual school shall follow the quality online education standards. (d) After collaboration with local school systems, the Department shall establish in regulation the following standards for all virtual schools: (1) Student attendance requirements and reporting; (2) Student engagement and conduct; (3) Program quality metrics; (4) Tracking and use of student data; and (5) Data reporting requirements. (e) A county board shall adopt policies for the mandatory return to in- person instruction for students enrolled in a virtual school, including students who are failing academically after receiving the appropriate supports.
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