Summary

Washington SB 5496 (Open States or Washington Legislature) sets forth guidelines for authorizing approval of online school programs in private schools.

Legislative Analysis

WA SB 5496 sets forth the following guidelines for private school online programs:

• If a private school approved by the State Board of Education seeks approval to offer and administer an online school program, including under contract with a third party, the requirements for minimum instructional hour offerings is met for the online school program;
• Residential dwellings of a parent, guardian, or custodial is deemed an adequate physical facility for students enrolled in the online school program;
• The online school program does not have to be offered for the same grade levels as the approved private school; and
• No private school offering and administering an online program, third party that contracts with a private school to offer and administer the program, nor parent, guardian, or custodian providing an online program may receive state funding to provide the program.

The Private School Advisory Committee, appointed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to be broadly representative of educators, legislators, and various private school groups in the state of Washington, must examine issues associated with state approval of online school programs offered by private schools and must consider whether criteria or procedures for approval in addition to those provided in this legislation should be considered by the Legislature.

The committee must submit a report, with recommendations if necessary, to the Legislature by January 10, 2014. In developing recommendations, the committee must be mindful of the Legislature’s intent that private schools should be subject only to those minimum state controls necessary to ensure the health and safety of all the students in the state and to ensure a sufficient basic education to meet usual graduation requirements.

WA SB 5496 has a positive impact on digital learning because it expands state-approved access to online learning for students attending private schools. This legislation also updates existing law to provide private school students with access to online learning opportunities comparable to public school students’ access.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Jay Inslee on 5/7/2013