SB428 - Virtual Public Schools Act Summary

• Establishes the Virtual Public Schools Act to authorize the State Department of Education to establish virtual public schools using technology to deliver instruction via the Internet.

• Virtual schools are public K-12 schools associated with local boards of education and must provide students with curriculum meeting state standards, the same number of instructional days required by law, and regular assessments in language arts, math, science, and social studies.

• Virtual schools must provide instructional materials and ensure student access to necessary technology (computer, printer, Internet connection) or provide access through a physical computer lab with regularly scheduled times.

• Students may enroll as full-time or part-time virtual school students while remaining enrolled in their local school system for credits and diploma purposes, and may continue participating in local school extracurricular activities.

• Virtual schools are subject to the same standards as other public schools and must undergo annual reviews of academic, fiscal, and operational performance by the State Department of Education; the State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to implement the act.