BILL REQ. #:  H-1005.1 

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.