Defines multi-district online provider and requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to adopt criteria and a process for approving and rescinding approval of them.
Directs the SPI to create an Office of Online Learning and initially hire staff from the Digital Learning Commons to develop a comparative website, develop model agreements between school districts and approved providers, and offer technical assistance.
Authorizes state funding for students enrolled in online courses, beginning in the 2011-12 school year, only if the courses are offered by an approved online provider, through a school district program where fewer than 10 percent of students in the program are from other districts, or through an inter-district cooperative.
Requires school districts to adopt policies and procedures regarding student access to online learning by the 2010-11 school year.
Requires multi-district online providers to be accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools or another national, regional, or state accreditation program.
Directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to conduct a review of online courses and programs offered in 2008-09 to create baseline information about a variety of issues and submit a report by December 1, 2009.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SSB 5410), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗