CO SB201

Shifts certification authority from multi-district on-line schools to their authorizers (school districts, groups of districts, boards of cooperative services, or state charter school institute) effective January 1, 2016.

Requires authorizers to obtain 5-year renewable certifications by meeting specified standards including commitment and capacity, application review processes, performance standards, and continuing oversight procedures.

Existing authorizers operating schools as of January 1, 2016 have until January 1, 2021 to obtain certification; schools may continue operating for the remainder of the school year plus one additional year if certification is lost.

Adds "drop-in center" definition and requires multi-district on-line schools to enter memoranda of understanding with school districts to operate drop-in centers, with state board appeal process available.

Directs the division to study student mobility in on-line schools, collect operational data on authorizers and schools, and expand pilot programs to address needs of specific student groups including children with disabilities, gifted and talented students, and English language learners.