A bill for an act relating to participation in cocurricular and extracurricular activities offered by school districts by pupils who open enroll for purposes of receiving educational instruction and course content primarily over the internet.(Formerly SSB 1023.)
Impact
The bill modifies existing regulations to ensure that students engaged in internet-based education can still access extracurricular opportunities within their local school districts, promoting inclusivity and participation in school activities. It sets a limit on participation to two activities per year unless additional approval is granted by the resident district. Such changes are intended to support students’ social and educational development by allowing them to engage with their peers in non-academic settings.
Summary
Senate File 176 addresses the participation of students who open enroll for educational instruction primarily over the internet in cocurricular and extracurricular activities offered by school districts. The bill specifies that these students may participate in such activities under the same conditions as resident students, provided that the school district they are enrolled in for online education does not sponsor those activities. This adjustment aims to clarify the eligibility criteria for students receiving education through online platforms.
Contention
While the bill's intent is to enhance student engagement, there may be concerns around the implications for local school districts and the capacity to accommodate students enrolled through online programs. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to resource allocation challenges or conflicts with priority given to students attending in-person classes. There is also potential contention regarding whether online education adequately prepares students for participation in these activities, as oversight for internet-based instruction may differ from traditional schooling.
Related
A bill for an act relating to participation in cocurricular and extracurricular activities offered by school districts by pupils who open enroll for purposes of receiving educational instruction and course content primarily over the internet.(See SF 176.)