S.F. No. 2949 - Online Learning Summary

• Online learning students must receive academic credit for completed courses, with secondary credits counting toward graduation requirements in the enrolling district.

• Students may enroll in supplemental online learning courses up to a maximum of 50 percent of their full course schedule per term, with ability to exceed this limit if the district permits or agrees with the provider.

• Teachers providing online instruction must hold a Minnesota license, must not instruct more than 40 students in any one course (unless waived by commissioner), and statewide assessments must be administered by licensed teachers in a secure location.

• Online learning providers cannot spend more than 5 percent of their total operating budget on advertising and must submit an annual report on June 30 showing all advertising expenses and the provider's budget.

• Establishes an Online Learning Advisory Council with 12 members to provide recommendations on legislative changes, oversight improvements, and incentive programs for hybrid online-and-face-to-face education models, with the council expiring June 30, 2015.