Arizona online instruction; reporting
The bill significantly impacts state laws governing public education by setting new parameters for how online instruction is delivered and monitored. It specifies funding structures, whereby full-time students in online programs receive 95% of the base support level, while part-time students receive 85%. This approach is designed to streamline funding allocation and ensure that online education providers maintain a level of academic integrity by assessing student performance through diverse measures, including standardized testing. Additionally, the bill requires that online schools maintain attendance records and report on student progress, further enforcing accountability within the online education system.
SB1638, known as the Arizona Online Instruction bill, aims to amend section 15-808 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to formalize and enhance online education provisions within the state. The bill outlines the establishment of Arizona online instruction intended to meet the educational needs of students in the evolving digital landscape. It mandates the development of standards for online course providers and online schools, focusing on curriculum depth, teaching methodologies, and the technological safeguards necessary to protect students in online environments. Importantly, it aims to provide a comprehensive framework for funding and accountability in online education, including guidelines for full-time and part-time enrollment.
While proponents of SB1638 argue that it enhances educational access and modernizes Arizona's education system by embracing technology, there may be contention regarding the adequacy of provisions for student assessment and support. Critics may express concerns about ensuring equal opportunities for all students, including those with varying levels of access to technology or differing learning needs. The reliance on accountability measures and probationary statuses for new schools could evoke debate about the effectiveness and fairness of these mechanisms in evaluating student success in the online format.