State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently introduced a new interactive California Directory of Online Schools and Programs. The directory is designed to help people make more informed decisions about online kindergarten-through-12th-grade educational options throughout the state.

Online education is teacher-led instruction that takes place over the Internet with the teacher and student separated geographically. Students can receive personalized learning and specific, almost instant feedback in a digital environment.

Debuting along with the interactive directory are two websites. “A Glossary of Terms Related to Online Education” will help parents sort through the jargon and terminology of online learning. “Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education in California” will help answer some of the more common inquiries about e-learning.

The directory is accessible by clicking on a map of California or is searchable by county.

When users download a report, they get a list of online programs and schools in the county they select.

Each listing will tell the user whether the program or school is tracked by the California Department of Education, which grades are served, whether it is accredited, whether its courses meet the “a-g” subject requirements for admission to the University of California, enrollment information, curriculum and programs offered, and which counties are served by the school or program.

The new Internet resources were created in response to calls to the California Department of Education from the public about how to find online schools and programs that are legitimate.

A fourth resource will debut in the fall that updates kindergartenthrough 12th-grade online policies and practices. “The State of Online Education in California” report will summarize digital education research, outline current policy challenges and provide models of online instruction.

To access these resources, visit http://pubs.cde.ca.gov/tcsii/onlineeducation/onlineeducindex.aspx.

For “A Blueprint for Great Schools,” visit www.cde.ca.gov/ blueprint.