Dr. Doug Barnard is recognized as being the founder of K-12 online programs in Arizona. The Arizona Republic newspaper has referred to him as the Dean of online programs in Arizona. Over thirty other Arizona school districts have signed agreements to use the K-12 online program developed by Dr. Barnard and his staff.Jennifer Echols is a program specialist for the Mesa Distance Learning Program, the largest district online program in the state of Arizona. Ms. Echols has experience with all facets of an online program, including the development of program structure and course content, coordination of services for partner districts, and development and delivery of professional development for program administrators and teaching staff.

Any district considering an online program would benefit from advice from the most progressive and innovative work of these co-authors. The book is not only timely but it is also practical with many examples of processes and guidelines for a quality online program.

• Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: The Current Online Environment Increasing enrollment in K-12 online programs Common myths about online learning Essential program components Challenges facing online programs The oversight of online programs The politics of online learning Chapter 2: Starting an Online Program Vision, mission, and core beliefs Identify the Defining Attributes Hire the Staff Awareness of critics Selection of technology/vendors Chapter 3: CurriculumOptions for curriculumStandards-based curriculumGrade-level appropriateChunked curriculum and frequent feedbackFlexibility and accessibilityDifferentiating instruction for diverse learnersChapter 4: The Potential Impact of the Common CoreThe core of the Common CoreHigh stakes testsThe Common Core drives changesAlignment of Common Core standards in online programsImplications for lesson design in online programsOptions for K-12 online programsThe bottom line – increased costIs the Common Core here to stay?Chapter 5: Academic IntegrityWhat is academic integrity?Academic integrity builds credibilityShifting societal view of cheatingThe politics of cheatingLeadership from the stateHow easy it is to cheat?Ensuring academic integrityConsequences for cheatingRemoving the incentive to cheatChapter 6: Evaluating Online Teachers and SpecialistsExpectations for online teachersFeedback is importantCan feedback change online teacher behavior?Evaluation of program specialistsChapter 7: Technology, Monitoring & FunctionsLMS optionsMonitoring expectationsOther functions of the LMSChapter 8: Future Trends & IssuesDevelopment and management of online coursesStatewide policiesPlanning for school closuresAppendix A