Summary Idaho SB 1199 (Open States or Idaho Legislature) details the funding and structure for two programs that are funded for one year in Idaho’s 2013-14 school budget, SB 1200. One program provides grant funding to school districts for differential pay based on excellence in achievement. The second program provides grant funding for technology pilot…
In Plain English: FL SB 1664
Summary SB 1664 (Open States or Florida Legislature) deals with teacher preparation and governance by the State Board of Education (SBOE), expanding the current state-approved teacher preparation program to include a competency-based certification program and links a teachers evaluations to the test scores of the students that they teach. Legislative Analysis In 2011, SB 376…
4 Feb 2014
In Plain English: MN HF 630
Summary Minnesota HF 630 (Open States or Minnesota Legislature) is the omnibus K-12 Education Policy and Finance Bill. It adds ways to demonstrate proficiency to fulfill graduation requirements, sets forth guidelines for adopting computer-adaptive testing in grades 3-7, and makes changes to the Online and Digital Learning Council. Legislative Analysis HF 630 contains numerous provisions…
3 Feb 2014
In Plain English: IN HB 1338
Summary Indiana HB 1338 (Open States or Indiana Legislature) primarily focuses on increasing charter school accountability, as well as access to high quality charter schools, but the legislation also supports virtual charter schools and ensures that students attending virtual schools are not disadvantaged. Legislative Analysis HB 1338 increases accountability for charter schools through the following…
3 Feb 2014
Trust in the Classroom: Protecting Student Data Privacy and Security
The expanding array of education opportunities enabled by digital technology and broadband networks necessitates a renewed commitment to establishing trust with teachers, parents, and students that sensitive information is securely protected. Teachers and students have access to new tools and resources ranging from online gradebooks to online courses, personalized blended learning platforms, and math apps…
24 Jan 2014
Google Hangout: Digital Learning & Giving Students Choice
National School Choice Week starts this Sunday, Jan. 26. Last year, during National School Choice Week: 3,600+ events were organized across all 50 states 3,000+ schools celebrated by holding special events 29 governors and dozens of mayors issued proclamations 2,000+ news stories highlighted the Week Millions of Americans participated in events and activities celebrating the Week…
23 Jan 2014
In Plain English: FL HB 7009
Summary HB 7009 (Open States or Florida Legislature) increases accountability and transparency for charter schools while offering charters flexibility and allowing them to grow. It establishes the District Innovation School of Technology Program. It also stipulates that full implementation of on-line assessments of state standards is contingent upon verifying the technology capacity of all public…
15 Jan 2014
In Plain English: FL SB 1076
Summary SB 1076 (Open States or Florida Legislature), the Career and Professional Education Act, creates new types of high school diploma designations, changes the funding formula for virtual institutions, revises graduation requirements, and focuses on integrating technology skills and industry certifications into programs in order to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers. In addition, the…
13 Jan 2014