Provides relative to virtual charter schools. (gov sig) (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
The bill stipulates that the student membership count for virtual charter schools is limited to students enrolled in at least three courses each semester that provide Carnegie unit credits. Moreover, students who fail to earn at least six Carnegie unit credits by the end of the academic year or those already accounted for in their local school district's membership count will be excluded from this tally. This provision seeks to ensure that virtual charter schools maintain a minimum academic standard while also clarifying funding mechanisms for these institutions.
Senate Bill 95, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, focuses on virtual charter schools in Louisiana. It defines virtual charter schools as Type 2 charter schools that primarily conduct instruction via the internet without requiring physical daily attendance. This legislative measure formalizes the structure and operations of such schools under Louisiana law, which marks a notable shift in educational policy, providing a framework for their integration into the state's charter school system.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 95 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Proponents argue that this aligns with modern educational practices, allowing students greater flexibility and enabling access to education for those who may not thrive in traditional environments. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential for inadequate oversight and the challenge of ensuring educational accountability, suggesting that without rigorous standards, the quality of education might suffer.
A key point of contention within discussions of SB 95 centers on its impact on funding equity between virtual charter schools and traditional public schools. A provision in the bill states that the funding allocated to virtual charter schools will be set at seventy percent of what is provided to traditional charter schools. This disparity has sparked debates about whether such funding levels are sufficient to meet the educational needs of students attending these online institutions, raising concerns about the long-term viability and effectiveness of virtual charter education in Louisiana.