The New York State Education Department supports the use of virtual (aka online) and blended learning to provide access to high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive instructional and learning opportunities, and to expand and personalize educational programmatic offerings to meet student needs. Virtual learning has been a part of the educational landscape in New York for decades. Schools, districts, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) across the state have offered learning experiences, courses, and programs through digital technologies that have met the needs of students and increased equitable access to courses, including advanced courses.

The utilization of virtual learning increased exponentially in the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences during that period led to significant growth in the number, scope, and quality of virtual programs in New York. NYSED encourages schools and districts to continue to expand opportunities and access to high-quality instruction provided by NYS certified teachers through virtual and blended learning modalities.

In April 2024, the Board of Regents passed amendments to Commissioner’s Regulations related to virtual and blended instruction. Much of the language was borrowed from previous regulations that allowed schools to provide courses through digital technology for credit-bearing courses. The new regulations include definitions of virtual and blended instruction and clarified language on how virtual and blended learning can be provided.

NYSED has released Frequently Asked Questions that aim to provide guidance to those implementing, or looking to implement, virtual programming.

Questions regarding virtual or blended learning may be emailed to the Office of Educational Design and Technology at edtech@nysed.gov.