“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 School Program (SCVSP) pilot to explore the feasibility of virtual schooling for the state. In May 2007, legislation created the SCVSP at the South Carolina Department of Education and charged the Board of Education with developing guidelines and promulgating regulations for the operation of the program.

The SCVSP is a free online learning program for students in grades 7-12 who attend a public, private, or home school in South Carolina.  SCVSP provides supplemental courses for students in South Carolina, but does not award diplomas. Students still must earn diplomas from the school where they are enrolled.

SCVSP can offer credits for a course taken by a student in a credit recovery program.  Student enrolled in an online course for a unit of credit must be administered final exams and appropriate state assessments in a proctored environment.

Under previous law, a student could be awarded no more than three credits online during a year, and a maximum of twelve during high school. Under HB 4228, students are now able to earn an unlimited number of credits through SCVSP.

Legislative History

House Vote:         Yea= 80    Nays=0    Excused=0
Date:                      4/18/2013

Senate Vote:        Yea= 44    Nays=0    Excused=0
Date:                      6/4/2013

Detailed Legislative History: Legiscan | Open States

Signed by Governor Nikki Haley (R) on 6/13/2013