HI SB1217

Establishes a pilot project at Lanai High and Elementary School to expand the Hawaii Virtual Learning Network e-school program and provide online courses for high school graduation requirements currently unavailable due to funding constraints.

Requires the Department of Education to provide teacher training for online instruction, develop infrastructure for students, offer online tutoring through University of Hawaii partnerships, and optimize distance-learning capabilities funded by the federal government.

Directs the Department of Education to evaluate appropriate funding mechanisms (weighted student formula, categorical allocation, or other) for online learning programs serving geographically remote and small schools.

Allows all qualified online education curriculum providers to partner with the Hawaii Virtual Learning Network e-school program if they comply with federal and state education standards.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2011-2012 and requires progress reports to the legislature by 2012 and 2013 on pilot project implementation.