MI HB5392

Establishes requirements for online and distance learning programs to qualify for state school aid, including board approval, highly qualified certificated teachers, and curriculum alignment with Michigan standards.

Requires pupils in distance learning programs to log into at least one program-sponsored online course on each pupil membership count day and 9 additional days during the 30-day count period, with documented weekly 2-way interaction between mentor and pupil.

Exempts cyber schools of excellence and distance learning programs from the 1,098-hour minimum and 165-170 day minimum pupil instruction requirements if they meet specific standards for course content, academic assessment, and technology provision.

Mandates districts or intermediate districts cover tuition, provide computers with internet capacity, offer broadband internet (minimum 1 Mbps up/3 Mbps down), and assign a certificated mentor teacher to each enrolled pupil.

Requires the department to study actual costs of distance learning and alternative instructional delivery methods and report findings to the house and senate fiscal agencies by September 10, 2012.