Opt-Out Process for Online Learning Requirement
In February 2022, the Ministry of Education implemented an online learning graduation requirement for all students starting secondary school in the 2020-2021 school year (students currently in Grade 11 and younger). This graduation requirement requires all students to earn two full credits through online learning.
In April, we communicated that details about an opt-out process would be available in the 2022-23 school year. All HWDSB families have the option to opt out of the online learning requirement.
Families will have the ability to opt out of the online learning requirement by completing a form in Parent Portal. This form will be available for families starting Monday, January 16, 2023. Once families complete the form and submit it with all the required information, they will receive a notification that their submission has been received.
The form is titled ‘eLearning Opt Out for Families’ in Parent Portal. There is no expiration date or deadline to submit. Families should note that the form can only be submitted once in Parent Portal. If you need change your decision, you will need to contact your home school.
Recognizing the unique circumstances of instruction during the pandemic, the Ministry of Education is granting all students currently in Grade 11 with the equivalent of one full credit in recognition for the period of remote learning.
Further details regarding the online graduation requirement can be found at the following Ministry of Education website. If you have additional questions, please contact your secondary school.
Online Learning at HWDSB
HWDSB has a wide variety of course selections in all grades through eLearning. All eLearning courses are taught by current HWDSB teachers and follow the same curriculum as in-person courses. HWDSB also partners with the Ontario eLearning Consortium, which allows HWDSB students to take eLearning courses within 30 other Ontario school boards.
HWDSB online summer school courses also meet this online learning requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still take eLearning classes if I opt out?
Yes, students can still take eLearning classes.
Can I opt back in?
Families should note that the form can only be submitted once in Parent Portal. If you need change your decision, you will need to contact your home school.
What is the latest I can choose to opt out?
There is currently no expiration date or deadline to submit the form. That being said, students will need to declare an opt-out prior to graduation.
Who does the graduation requirement apply to?
The online learning graduation requirement is for all secondary students.
Does this requirement mean that students have to take additional credits?
It would still be the same number of credits, but one of the classes would be an eLearning course. An online course could also be taken in the summer.
How do I opt out of both credits?
If you choose to opt out, you would be opting out of the graduation requirement as a whole. Opting out would mean you would no longer require two full credits through online learning in order to graduate.
Updated on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.