HF3424 Summary

• Online learning students must receive academic credit for course completion and secondary credits count toward graduation requirements; enrolling districts apply the same graduation standards to all students including online learners and must continue providing nonacademic services.

• Students may enroll in supplemental online courses up to a maximum of 50 percent of their full schedule per term, with exceptions if the district permits above-limit enrollment or agrees to instructional services with the provider.

• Online learning providers cannot spend public funds on advertising exceeding 5 percent of total operating budget; providers must submit annual reports to the commissioner by June 30 showing advertising expenses and budgets.

• A licensed Minnesota teacher must assemble and deliver instruction to online learning students with ongoing assessment; teachers cannot instruct more than 40 students per course unless granted a waiver, and statewide assessments must be administered by licensed teachers in one secure location per program.

• Establishes a permanent 12-member Online Learning Advisory Council appointed by the commissioner to provide input on quality assurance, teacher qualifications, program approval, special education, attendance, program design, and equal access; council must submit recommendations by January 15, 2011, and commissioner must report findings annually by February 1.

• Commissioner of Education must designate at least three full-time staff positions with primary responsibility for online learning programs.