TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Digital Learning Now (DLN), an initiative of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), today released the 2014 Digital Learning Report Card. The Report Card measures state progress in advancing state policies against the 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning. In 2014, states continued to implement and refine the 422 laws enacted…
2013 Utah Highlights
During the past year, Utah passed H.B. 393, Competency-based Education Amendments, requiring a course-level funding formula that distributes funds to school districts and charter schools that establish competency-based education. H.B. 393 will allow a local school board or charter school governing board to award credit to a student who demonstrates competency and subject mastery; to waive or adapt traditional attendance requirements; adjust class sizes to maximize the value of course instructors or course mentors; enroll students from any geographic location within the state; and provide proctored online competency-based assessments. Additionally, Utah expanded eligibility standards and funding for the Statewide Online Education Program to allow private and home school students to earn high school graduation credit alongside other secondary students through the completion of publicly funded online courses conducted under auspices and with all protections characteristic of the Utah public education system.Current Strengths and Reform Opportunities
- Utah has opportunities for students in all grades to access online courses and services
- Utah requires credit to be based upon students mastery of skills and content rather than on seat-time and students are offered end-of-course testing six times during the year
- Utah should work to support the delivery of digital learning by expanding student access to labs or classroom computers at any time during the day