MN SF897

Renames the "Online Learning Advisory Council" to the "Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council" and expands membership from 12 to 14 members.

Requires two council members to represent technology business and specifies remaining membership must include superintendents, special education specialists, technology directors, teachers, rural/urban/suburban districts, supplemental and full-time programs, consortia, charter schools, teacher preparation programs, and parents.

Expands council duties to include providing input to the legislature in addition to the department on online and digital learning matters including quality assurance, teacher qualifications, program approval, special education, attendance, program design, and fair access.

Adds new responsibilities for the council to consider digital learning effectiveness, 21st century skills development, personalized learning, educator preparation, resource collaboration among districts, technology barriers and access, and disparities in digital education across the state.

Requires the council to submit annual policy recommendations to the commissioner and legislative committees by December 15 each year and extends the council's expiration date from June 30, 2013 to June 30, 2016.