SB 714 Summary

• Authorizes school districts and county offices of education to offer independent study courses to pupils in grades 9-12 from 2015-16 school year through June 30, 2022, subject to specified conditions including board certification of rigor and quality equivalent to classroom-based courses.

• Requires certificated employees to assess satisfactory educational progress, conduct in-person teacher-pupil meetings at least twice per calendar month, use proctors for examinations, and establish live visual connections with pupils.

• Revises pupil-to-teacher ratios for independent study by grade span (K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12) to match equivalent ratios for other educational programs in the school district or county, unless a collective bargaining agreement specifies alternative ratios.

• Requires signed learning agreements completed before instruction begins that include course duration, credits, learning objectives, resources, and a statement that enrollment is voluntary.

• Specifies that statewide testing results for independent study pupils are reported to the school where pupils are enrolled for classroom-based courses and aggregated accordingly; pupils cannot be required to enroll in these courses.