Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to authorize online or virtual education providers for the Course Choice Program if they meet specified criteria
Impact
The implementation of HB 976 is expected to expand the options available to students under the Course Choice Program significantly. By streamlining the process for authorizing online education providers, the bill encourages diversity in educational offerings, potentially leading to more innovative and tailored learning experiences. The focus on compliance with recognized standards may also enhance the quality of education provided, ensuring that students have access to up-to-date and credible online resources. However, it also raises questions about the oversight and quality control of these online educational providers, which could impact how education is delivered across the state.
Summary
House Bill 976 seeks to reform the authorization process for online or virtual education providers in Louisiana's Course Choice Program. This bill requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to authorize such providers if they meet certain established criteria. Specifically, the online or virtual education provider must have a curriculum that is utilized by at least ten school systems, aligns with the standards set by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, and is cleared by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This modification aims to enhance the accessibility and acceptance of online education options for students in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 976 appears to be generally positive among advocates of online education, who view it as a progressive step towards modernizing educational choices in Louisiana. Proponents argue that it embraces the need for flexibility in education, allowing for a broader range of learning contexts that can meet the varying needs of students. Conversely, there may also be apprehension from educators and skeptics regarding the bill's potential to undermine traditional educational frameworks or decrease oversight, leading to concerns about the quality of education in virtue of expediency.
Contention
Notable points of contention associated with HB 976 may involve debates over the adequacy of regulatory measures for online education. Critics might worry that the reduced barriers to authorization could lead to an influx of providers that do not meet high educational standards, potentially jeopardizing student outcomes. Additionally, discussions around the bill would likely involve assessments of how it fits into the larger educational ecosystem, including impacts on public school funding and resource allocation as online providers become more prominent. The bill underscores a broader conversation about the balance between innovation in education and maintaining rigorous standards.
Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt rules requiring high school students to complete at least one course offered by a BESE-authorized online or virtual course provider as a prerequisite to graduation (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education and others study potential funding sources for online courses offered through the Course Choice Program and opportunities for increasing broadband access for students
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study issues relative to the implementation of the Course Choice Program and submit a report to the House and Senate education committees by Sept. 30, 2013
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Authorizes parents to appeal a local school board's denial of school enrollment requests to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Item #42)
Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education reconvene a Minimum Foundation Program task force to determine the actual cost of public education and identify potential funding mechanisms