SB3533 - Course Choice in Education Act

• Establishes the State Course Choice Program requiring the State Board of Education to maintain a catalog of authorized courses available to Illinois students through various providers including online platforms, public/private schools, colleges, and vocational institutions.

• Defines eligible students as those attending the lowest-performing 10% of schools or schools not offering desired courses (eligible funded students) and students in home study programs or returning to public school (eligible participating students).

• Requires course providers to meet quality standards including prior evidence of student success, curriculum alignment with state academic standards, and student performance accountability; initial authorization lasts 3 years with annual reporting requirements.

• Mandates school districts notify parents of course choice options, establish policies ensuring course credits count toward diplomas, and prohibits discouraging eligible students from participating.

• Establishes per-course funding based on 90% of per-pupil state aid (divided by 6 for single courses) with 50% paid upon enrollment and 50% upon completion; remaining funds split between state and home district, with 10% retained by home district.

• Takes effect August 1, 2015.