CS for SB 1620 - Digital Learning

• Creates the Digital Learning Now Act establishing high-quality digital learning standards including customized learning, online courses, and competency demonstration for all K-12 students.

• Requires all high school graduates beginning with the 2011-2012 school year to complete at least one course through online learning; allows courses taken in grades 6-8 to fulfill this requirement.

• Authorizes charter schools to operate virtual charter schools providing full-time online instruction to eligible students and to implement blended learning courses combining classroom and online instruction.

• Requires all statewide end-of-course assessments to be administered online beginning with the 2014-2015 school year and mandates school districts provide at least three virtual instruction options (or full-time and part-time options for sparsity-qualified districts).

• Allows school districts to issue adjunct teaching certificates to qualified applicants with subject matter expertise to provide online instruction, and establishes a Department of Education report deadline of December 1, 2011 on digital learning acquisition and accessibility strategies.