HB 1173 Summary

• Authorizes formation of virtual charter schools that provide online instruction and must follow the charter application process while being exempt from facilities and transportation requirements.

• Allows home education students to enroll in courses offered by Florida Virtual School and school district courses.

• Requires school districts to release directory information on home education students to recognized state home education organizations.

• Exempts Florida-based private schools providing K-12 education solely through distance education methods from requirements regarding attendance records, health examinations, and immunizations.

• Establishes virtual instruction courses that allow students enrolled full-time at public schools to take online courses for academic credit and funding, and requires students entering high school in 2010-2011 to complete at least one online course for graduation.

• Authorizes adjunct educator certificates for virtual instruction educators and allows school districts to contract with approved providers for virtual instruction programs.