BILL REQ. #:  H-0464.2 

Read first time 01/22/13.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to authorizing approval of online school programs in private schools; adding a new section to chapter 28A.195 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature supports student access to a variety of educational options, both public and private. However, state policies regarding the approval of private schools were created before online learning was possible. Consequently, these policies do not provide for approval criteria that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate online learning. While some policy adjustments have been made to permit public online choices, current law does not provide a clear process for private schools to obtain state approval to offer similar learning options.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.195 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) If a private school that has been approved under this chapter by the state board of education seeks approval also to offer and administer an online school program as defined under RCW 28A.250.010, including under contract with a third party, the requirements for minimum instructional hour offerings under RCW 28A.195.010(1) shall be deemed met for the online school program. A residential dwelling of a parent, guardian, or custodian shall be deemed an adequate physical facility for students enrolled in the online school program. The online school program is not required to be offered for the same grade levels as the approved private school.
     (2) The state board of education may approve an online school program under this section that meets other applicable requirements under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The private school advisory committee appointed under RCW 28A.195.050 shall examine issues associated with state approval of online school programs offered by private schools and shall consider whether criteria or procedures for approval in addition to those provided in section 2 of this act should be considered by the legislature. The committee must submit a report on its deliberations, with recommendations if necessary, to the education committees of the legislature by January 10, 2014. In developing recommendations, the committee shall be mindful of the legislature's intent that private schools should be subject only to those minimum state controls necessary to ensure the health and safety of all the students in the state and to ensure a sufficient basic education to meet usual graduation requirements.