BILL REQ. #: H-1005.1
State of Washington | 59th Legislature | 2005 Regular Session |
Read first time 01/31/2005. Referred to Committee on Education.
AN ACT Relating to digital learning programs; adding a new section to chapter 28A.150 RCW; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 28A.150
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The legislature finds that digital learning programs can
provide students with opportunities to study subjects that may not
otherwise be available within the students' schools, school districts,
or communities. These programs can also meet the instructional needs
of students who have scheduling conflicts, students who learn best from
technology-based instructional methods, and students who have a need to
enroll in schools on a part-time basis. Digital learning programs can
also meet the needs of students and families seeking nontraditional
learning environments. The legislature further finds that the state
rules used by some school districts to support digital learning
programs were adopted before these types of programs were created, so
the rules are not well-suited to the delivery of instruction offered
outside classroom walls. In some cases, school districts have received
audit exceptions in their attempts to offer digital instruction under
rules designed primarily for instruction that is delivered on-site. It
is the intent of the legislature to clarify the requirements for
digital learning programs and to give school districts and the auditors
a common set of guidelines for their delivery and funding.
(2) The board of directors of a school district may operate digital
learning programs for eligible full-time students, or eligible part-time students who meet the provisions of RCW 28A.150.350. The board of
directors may also provide such programs through contract to the extent
permitted under RCW 28A.150.305. The board of directors of a school
district claiming state funding for digital learning programs shall
adopt and periodically review written policies for such programs.
(3) Digital learning programs must provide each student with:
(a) Direct personal contact with certificated staff designated by
either the school district or by the contractor with the approval of
the school district. Direct personal contact is for the purposes of
instruction, assignment review, testing, evaluation of student
progress, or other learning activities. Direct personal contact may
include the use of telephone, e-mail, instant messaging, interactive
computer, or interactive video communication;
(b) A description of course objectives monitored by certificated
staff, including information on the requirements a student must meet to
successfully complete the course; and
(c) Information on the ways the course meets the school district's
learning goals and, for high school courses, whether and how the course
meets state and district graduation requirements.
(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall
adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including program
implementation standards and enrollment documentation and reporting as
follows:
(a) Each school district shall receive apportionment generated in
accordance with this chapter based upon the student full-time
equivalent enrollment reported for this program;
(b) Enrollment shall be determined based upon the learning
activities specified in course objectives; and
(c) Enrollment of part-time students shall be subject to the
provisions of RCW 28A.150.350, and shall generate the pro rata share of
full-time funding.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 This act is necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the
state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect
July 1, 2005.