Summary

Illinois HB 494 (Open States or Illinois Legislature) places a one year moratorium on the establishment of charter schools with virtual-schooling components in all school districts except for Chicago. The moratorium is in place from April 1, 2013 until April 1, 2014. It does not apply to such charter schools existing or approved prior to April 1, 2013, or to the renewal of their charters. By March 1, 2014, the State Charter School Commission will submit a report to the General Assembly on the effects of virtual schooling.

Legislative Analysis

HB 494 places a one year moratorium on the establishment of charter schools with virtual-schooling components. In this context, virtual-schooling refers to courses taught online with online instructors, rather than the teacher and student being in the same physical location. It includes all instruction provided by full-time, online virtual schools.

The moratorium will be in place from April 1, 2013 until April 1, 2014. It does not apply to charter schools with virtual-schooling components existing or approved prior to April 1, 2013, or to the renewal of charters for such schools that were approved prior to April 1, 2013.

By March 1, 2014, the State Charter School Commission will submit a report to the General Assembly on the effects of virtual schooling. The report must include effects on student performance, associated costs, issues with oversight, and policy recommendations.

HB 494 provoked a contentious disagreement between those who oppose virtual charter schools, charter schools in general, and/or for-profit charter management companies and those who support the opportunities for school choice and customization that are possible through digital learning. Those in favor of HB 494 argued for more time to study the impacts of virtual schooling. Those opposed believe that HB 494 will stifle innovation in Illinois schools and that by exempting Chicago from the moratorium, where a much higher percentage of students already attend charter schools than in the rest of the state, this legislation further hinders efforts in the rest of the state to utilize technology in teaching and learning.

This legislation passed while a company called Virtual Learning Solutions, which had proposed the creation of an 18 district virtual charter school, the Illinois Virtual School @ Fox River Valley, was appealing to the State Charter School Commission after having their application rejected by the school boards of all 18 districts. With the passage of HB 494, Virtual Learning Solutions withdrew their appeals.

The impact of this legislation on digital learning is not conducive to growth and innovation, outside of the Chicago school district, but the report from the State Charter School Commission may be beneficial.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Pat Quinn on 5/24/2013