House Bill 231 Summary

• Establishes "The Digital Access Learning and Virtual Instruction Program Act of 2017" requiring the State Department of Education to annually publish a list of approved digital learning and virtual instruction providers and provide it to legislative education committees by June 1.

• Mandates all public school districts and charter schools provide part-time and full-time digital access learning or virtual instruction options to all K-12 students by the 2018-2019 school year, with a pilot program in 2017-2018.

• Requires approved providers to demonstrate nonsectarian operations, successful student outcomes, qualified teachers meeting Mississippi licensure requirements, alignment with state curriculum standards, and public disclosure of program data including completion rates and teacher-student ratios.

• Directs districts and charter schools to transition to a paperless instruction model by providing each student with a digital mobile device (iPad, tablet, etc.) pre-installed with adopted curriculum materials, with students and parents liable for deductible costs on lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

• Amends existing textbook procurement and distribution statutes to authorize the use of electronic textbooks and digital mobile devices alongside traditional textbooks, with districts maintaining insurance on all devices assigned to students.