603 CMR, § 52.02 - Definitions

As used in 603 CMR 52.00, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, terms shall have the following meanings:

Accountability Plan . A Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school creates an Accountability plan by the end of its first year of operation in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ("Department"). An Accountability Plan articulates the goals the virtual school has set to measure its success.

Administrator . Any individual duly authorized by a Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school's board of trustees to manage the programs and operations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school in accordance with its certificate and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Applicant . A Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school applicant shall include but is not limited to:

(a) a public school district or districts;

(b) an education collaborative;

(c) an institution of higher education;

(d) a non-profit entity;

(e) two or more certified teachers; or

(f) parents.

Applicant District . A district, group of districts, or an education collaborative that submit a Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school application.

Application Cycle . The period beginning with the availability of application information and extending through the receipt of Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school applications for review, ending when the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education makes final decisions on awarding certificates. The various stages of the application cycle occur in accordance with the schedule established by the Department.

Board . The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or a personal duly authorized by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Board of Trustees . Public agents authorized by the state to supervise and oversee a Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school. Boards of trustees shall be considered public employers for purposes of tort liability under M.G.L. c. 258.

Certificate . As defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(a).

Commissioner . The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or the Commissioner's designee.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School ("CMVS"). A Commonwealth virtual school as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(a). A CMVS is a public school operated under a certificate issued by the Board and governed by a board of trustees whose teachers primarily teach from a remote location using the internet or other computer-based methods and whose students are not required to be located at the physical premises of the school. As specified in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(c) and (d), there are two types of CMVS:

CMVS 1 . As specified in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(c) and (d), CMVS 1 may enroll students who live anywhere in Massachusetts or may limit enrollment to students who live in certain districts in Massachusetts.

CMVS 2 . As specified in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(c) and (d), a CMVS 2 is formed by a single school district, under an agreement entered into by more than one school district or by an education collaborative. A CMVS 2 may enroll only students who live in the school district that formed the CMVS, in the school districts that signed the agreement, or in the school districts that are members of the education collaborative that formed the CMVS.

Department . As defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(a).

Education Collaborative . As defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(a).

Online Course . A course overseen by a teacher who primarily teaches from a remote location using the internet or other computer-based methods and whose students are not required to be located at the same physical premises as the teacher. An online course may include synchronous and asynchronous instruction.

Sending District or District of Residence . A Massachusetts city, town, or regional school district in which a Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school student resides and where the student has a right to attend a public school.

Sibling . Persons who have a common parent, either biologically or legally through adoption.

Single District Virtual School ("SDVS"). A virtual school that is authorized by a school committee under M.G.L. c. 71, § 94(s), whose teachers primarily teach from a remote location using the internet or other computer-based methods and whose students are not required to be located at the physical premises of the school. A SDVS is operated within and by a single school district and only enrolls students who reside in that district.

Terms of Certificate . Those material terms specified by the Board with the granting of a certificate. Modification of the terms by a Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual school requires requesting an amendment pursuant to 603 CMR 52.00.

Notes

603 CMR, § 52.02

Adopted, Mass Register Issue 1261, eff. 5/23/2014. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1500, eff. 7/21/2023.