WSR 15-13-120

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 16, 2015, 4:16 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 392-502 WAC, Online learning—Approval of multidistrict online providers.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.150.290, 28A.250.020.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As a condition of approval under current rules, online school programs must assure the office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) that the program is accredited through a designated accrediting organization. Requiring third party accreditation of online school programs imposes costs on public school districts, can be redundant, and may not be aligned with OSPI's adoption of new online provider performance targets. OSPI is therefore considering revising chapter 392-502 WAC, Online learning—Approval of multidistrict online providers, to eliminate the accreditation requirement for online school programs.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of public comments and recommendations respecting new, amended, or repealed rules, and consideration of the comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contracting Leslie St. Pierre, Manager, Online Courses, Digital Learning Department, 4507 University Way N.E., Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98105, (206) 616-5771.

June 16, 2015

Randy Dorn

Superintendent of

Public Instruction