Brief Description: Regarding online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Schmick, Anderson, Quall, Simpson and Ormsby).

House Committee on Education
House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Background:

Students who are juniors and seniors in high school have the option through the Running Start program to enroll at a local community college or participating four-year college or university in courses that will offer them both high school and college credit. Other dual credit opportunities may be available at the students' high schools, such as Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate, College in the High School, or Tech Prep.

Students who live in remote areas of the state or attend very small high schools may not have the same ease of access to dual credit programs as students in urban areas or large high schools. However, in 2006-07 more than 4,500 Running Start students were able to enroll in online courses through the community and technical college (CTC) system's WashingtonOnline consortium. WashingtonOnline is a virtual campus providing access to online courses and degree programs offered by colleges in the CTC system. School districts that are part of the Digital Learning Commons also have access to online dual credit courses, including through the University of WashingtonOnline Extension.

Summary:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), with assistance from the Digital Learning Commons and WashingtonOnline, must compile information about online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit and place the information on its website. Examples of information include links to purveyors of online learning programs; program comparisons; advantages and disadvantages of online learning; and other information to assist students, teachers, and counselors. Examples of online learning programs include Running Start, Advance Placement, the Digital Learning Commons, the University of WashingtonOnline Extension, WashingtonOnline, and other programs and providers that are qualified to offer courses for high school credit or offer courses that colleges and universities in Washington generally accept for credit.

High schools must ensure that teachers, counselors, parents, and students have information about online learning programs. High schools must also provide information to students and their parents about the opportunity to enroll online in Running Start.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   0
Senate   47   0   (Senate amended)
House   93   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008