Summary

Idaho SB 1028 (Open States or Idaho Legislature) ends the pilot phase for the Mastery Advancement Program and removes language limiting the availability of the program to school districts, as well as the duration of the program.

Legislative Analysis

SB 1028 revises Idaho Code to end the pilot phase of the Mastery Advancement Program and expand it to all public school districts or public charter schools that complete an application. The program allows students to advance through curriculum and earn course credit by demonstrating mastery of a subject, instead of only being allowed to earn credit through seat time.

Under the Mastery Advancement Program, early graduates can receive a college scholarship worth 35% of the school district’s annual average daily attendance (ADA) rate. The school district still receives 35% of the ADA. The remaining 30% is returned to the general fund, potentially leading to cost-savings for the state. Legislation passed in 2010 allowed 21 school districts and 3 charter schools to pilot the program.

Digital learning may play a positive role in the implementation of this program as students seek out personalized paths to educational achievement. Online learning options may be beneficial to students who are progressing through the curriculum at an accelerated pace. This legislation expands the population of students who are eligible to take advantage of this program and the significant benefits it offers.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Butch Otter on 3/5/2013