SB 1244 Summary

• Establishes competency-based innovation pilot programs allowing school districts and charter schools to receive approval from the state board of education to implement flexible, personalized education systems where students progress upon demonstrating mastery of content rather than seat-time requirements.

• Permits participating schools to request exemptions or flexibility from selected state and local laws, rules, and policies including time-based seat-time requirements, attendance reporting, fixed instructional minutes, grade-based certification requirements, and alternative textbook adoption processes.

• Requires applicant schools to submit detailed applications describing their competency-aligned standards, student progression methods, assessment systems, technology integration plans, and performance goals including college and career-readiness metrics.

• Authorizes the state board of education to approve pilot programs for an initial three-year period with potential renewal for up to five additional years, and allows the board to contract with a private organization to operate and administer the programs.

• Mandates that participating schools maintain compliance with health, safety, civil rights, and disability rights requirements, continue state assessments for benchmarking and accountability purposes, and ensure postsecondary institutions recognize pilot program diplomas and credits.