Summary AB 40 (Open States or Wisconsin Legislature) establishes the two-year state budget, investing an additional $380 million in new state dollars will be invested in public education, expanding course access options in the state, offering new digital resources for students, parents and teachers as well as protecting digital learning from over-regulation. Legislative Analysis Since…
Archives for August 2013
In Plain English: VT SB 130
Summary SB130 (Vermont Legislature or Open States) establishes statewide dual enrollment and early college programs. Thes bill amends the state’s high school completion program by allowing students to pursue pathways to graduation that include applied or work-based learning opportunities, including internships. It also calls for career exploration to no later than seventh grade for all…
29 Aug 2013
In Plain English: TX SB 1365
Companion Bill: HB 3228 by Representative Ratliff Summary Senate Bill 1365 (Open States or Texas Legislature) advances competency based learning by allowing students in grades 6-12 to earn credit for courses after successfully passing exams selected by the school district board of trustees. Legislative Analysis Examinations The bill requires each district to select four examinations…
28 Aug 2013
In Plain English: TX HB 1926
Companion Bill: SB 1298 by Senator Hegar Summary HB 1926 (Open States or Texas Legislature) enacts an online course access program for Texas, heavily utilizing the state virtual school network, which will act as a marketplace for high-quality online courses that have gone through an approval process. It expands student eligibility from only high school…
27 Aug 2013
In Plain English: SC HB 3752
“Expanded Virtual Learning Act” Summary HB 3752 (South Carolina Legislature or Open States) expands virtual learning in South Carolina. This legislation would remove limits on the number of online credits a student might be awarded under the program. Legislative Analysis In May 2006, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) launched the South Carolina Virtual…
26 Aug 2013
The Challenges of Expanding E-Rate
August 23, 2013 The path to reforming and modernizing the E-Rate program should not include unnecessary hikes in fees that are paid for by low- and middle-income Americans who are already overtaxed and struggling in this sluggish economy. The White House stirred up this controversy last week by endorsing additional fees to cell phone bills…
23 Aug 2013
In Plain English: OH HB 59
Summary HB 59 (Open States or Ohio Legislature) is a two-year state budget that gives schools $15 billion, a four-percent increase over current appropriations. The bill establishes a Straight A Innovation Fund, setting aside $250 million for a competitive grant process encouraging a wide range of educational initiatives, including digital learning. The bill awards $675,000…
23 Aug 2013
In Plain English: NH SB 48
Summary SB 48 (Open States or New Hampshire Legislature) represents a shift in thinking on the existing chapter on school performance and accountability. It moves away from traditional models and towards a system which would prepare students for college and career through the use of clear learning outcomes and competency-based learning. It would also change…
22 Aug 2013