When most people talk about increasing choice in education, they think about parents and children having more choice when it comes to selecting which school to attend. Digital learning, however, is making it easier and easier for students to customize their learning experience by having choices at the course level. Course choice programs can expand…
In Plain English: TX HB 3662
Summary Texas HB 3662 (Open States or Texas Legislature) establishes the Texas Workforce Innovation Needs Program. The program will provide selected school districts and institutions with the opportunity to establish innovative college and career programs. The applicant’s plan should focus on student learning through either competency-based learning or incorporating career and technical courses into dual…
15 Apr 2014
In Plain English: TX SB 1365
Companion Bill: HB 3228 by Representative Ratliff Summary Senate Bill 1365 (Open States or Texas Legislature) advances competency based learning by allowing students in grades 6-12 to earn credit for courses after successfully passing exams selected by the school district board of trustees. Legislative Analysis Examinations The bill requires each district to select four examinations…
28 Aug 2013
In Plain English: TX HB 1926
Companion Bill: SB 1298 by Senator Hegar Summary HB 1926 (Open States or Texas Legislature) enacts an online course access program for Texas, heavily utilizing the state virtual school network, which will act as a marketplace for high-quality online courses that have gone through an approval process. It expands student eligibility from only high school…
27 Aug 2013
DLN State Report 6.21
Top Highlights Texas Bill: SB 1365 Status: 6/14/2013 – Signed by Governor Relevant Elements: 4, 8 Texas SB 1365 was signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 14, and goes into effect immediately. It would require each district to select four examinations for each subject that are approved by the school district board of trustees….
21 Jun 2013
Digital Learning Now! Congratulates Texas for Offering Expanded Options & Flexibility to 2.5 Million Students
WASHINGTON – On Friday, June 14, 2013, two bills became law in Texas which support next generation models of learning. Texas Senate Bill 1365 supports competency-based learning by allowing students to earn credit for courses by meeting rigorous benchmarks on selected exams. Additionally, House Bill 1926 guarantees every student in grades six through 12 the…
17 Jun 2013
DLN State Report 5.16 and 5.23
Georgia Georgia Governor Nathan Deal released an executive order on May 15 re-affirming state sovereignty in regards to education. The order affirms that Georgia will maintain its sovereignty in deciding educational standards, including decisions on curriculum and instruction. In addition, all standards in Georgia will be up for public review and comment for sixty days…
24 May 2013
DLN State Report 5.6.13
Florida Bill: SB 1500 Status: 05/03/2013 – Senate Conference Committee Report received; Conference Committee Report adopted (590582); Passed as amended by Conference Committee Report Relevant Elements: 9 In Florida, the budget, known formally as the General Appropriations Act is SB 1500 and has been worked out and the 72-hour “cooling off” countdown mandated by the…
6 May 2013