HB 16-1222 Summary

• Creates the "Empowering Digital Learning for All Act" establishing a statewide supplemental online and blended learning program to increase availability of digital education resources to Colorado school districts, charter schools, and BOCES.

• Designates one BOCES as the administering entity to lead, manage, and contract with providers to deliver supplemental online courses, professional development for teachers, and consulting services to schools statewide.

• Requires the administering BOCES to establish a fair and transparent request for proposal process with a review committee including education experts, school administrators, educators, and department representatives to select qualified providers.

• Mandates that supplemental online courses be taught by Colorado-licensed teachers delivered via technologically enhanced format and that each high school student may take at least one such course per year, with data collection on completion and passage rates.

• Appropriates $480,000 from the state public school fund for fiscal year 2016-17 to implement the program, with the administering BOCES allowed to expend up to ten percent annually for administrative costs.