Summary


HB 7029 (Open States or Florida Legislature) expands the market of online courses in Florida,  including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and removes  limits on which students can register for online classes

The legislation requires the Florida Department of Education to create an online course catalog for digital learning courses. This catalog must provide data relating to access to the course, completion rate and a way of feedback for student and teacher.

Under this legislation, the Auditor General is required to audit the FLVS, submitting a report no later than January 31, 2014. This audit will be exhaustive, covering personnel administration, procurement and contracting, revenue, student enrollment records, franchise agreements, information technology utilization, performance measures and accountability.

Legislative Analysis


Florida Approved Courses and Tests (FACTS) Initiative & MOOCS

Under the legislation, offered online courses will expand, incorporating courses from approved providers (not just FLVS) and MOOCs.

Approved Providers

This legislation establishes criteria for becoming an approved provider of online courses in Florida.  A provider must provide regular documentation that establishes:

  • the provider is non-sectarian in course practices and operations
  • all instructional staff are Florida-certified teachers or certified as adjunct educators
  • a clear means and method for parent/instructor interaction is detailed and provided

The provider must also demonstrate that they possess prior experience and success offering online courses (If the provider is inexperienced or cannot   provide such documentation, a one year conditional approval can be granted)

Providers must also submit a detailed accountability plan including: courses and programs meet International Association for K-12 Online Learning and the Southern Regional Education Board; Content and services align with Next Generation Sunshine Standards; mechanisms to ensure that students have satisfied grade level requirements for promotion and graduation with a standard diploma; publishes disclosure requirements per rules adopted by the State Board of Education.

Credits

The bill requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Board of Governors to adopt rules allowing students to earn credit for online courses including massive open online courses (MOOCs). It limits the inclusion of MOOCs to Algebra I, geometry and civics.

Review of Online Courses

By August 30th, 2013 the Department shall contract with a qualified contractor to provide a review and recommendations for online courses.  At a minimum, these recommendations must address improving access to online courses, approving, funding and holding providers accountable for the courses.  The report is due by February 2014.

The legislation directs the Department of Education to provide identifiers for courses to designate courses that are used for blended learning for reporting purposes.

Competency-Based Learning

The Department is required to identify measures of quality in student outcomes, completion and achievement rates tied to each delivery model, measures for students to demonstrate competency, whether that be sub-assessments combined to equal a whole assessment, or the opportunity to use MOOCs or other module-driven segments.

Legislative History


House Vote: Ayes=140   Nays=1   Present Not Voting=3   Absent=0
Date: 5/26/2013

Senate Vote: Ayes=26   Nays=5
Date: 5/26/2013

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan | Open States

Signed by Governor Rick Scott (R) on 6/6/2013