Transcript Turning the Ten Elements of Digital Learning Now Into A High-Quality State Policy Utah Did It.

Turning the Ten Elements of
Digital Learning Now Into A
High-Quality State Policy
Utah Did It. So Can You!
Robyn Bagley, Chairman of the Board
Utah
became the first state in the
nation to turn Digital
Learning Now's Ten Elements
of Quality Online Learning
into a comprehensive state
policy.
"Ultimately this bill still aligns to the '10
Elements of High Quality Digital Learning'
outlined in Digital Learning Now, and as such,
represents a bold move away from the monolithic,
factory model schools of our past and a big step
forward toward a more student-centric future that
allows students to have personalized options for
their learning based in their distinct needs."
Michael Horn
Executive Director, Education
Innosight Institute
Learn the process for
how your state can
shift the paradigm on
how we deliver
education to our next
generation learners
SB65 - Utah's Statewide
Online Education
Program
Shifts the Paradigm
Funding Follows the
Student to the
Course
Intent:
Create a paradigm shift for funding
that is student-centric, allowing
the money to follow the student
to the course - backpack funding
Placeholder Funding
Mechanism: most equitable funding formula
currently within the system
Formula (calculation built around negotiated fee):
1. Total Charter High School funding averaged
(based on all charter high schools)
2. x 77%
3. divided by eighths*
4. = $726
* Utah requires 24 credits for graduation. Districts can select the number of credits required for
diplomas. The average is 27-28. The average number of credits offered in Utah high schools is 8 per
year based primarily on block schedules, allowing 32 possible credits.
Future Funding
Tiered Course Fees by Category
Possible Determining Variables:
1. Categories - Core, Honors, AP, Electives
2. Level of difficulty
3. Teacher/Student ratio
4. Courses requiring higher level of teacher
interaction
5. Bonus structure for high level courses
Current Legislative Interim Study Project - Intent to adopt new course fee structure in 2012 Legislative
Session
Funding Based Upon
Successful Completion
• 50% upfront (25% per semester) - 50% upon
credit earned (successful completion based on
UT standard - D letter grade)
• Credit recovery incentivized - 30% of final
payment if student completes prior to
graduation (based on statutory parameters of 9 additional
weeks
allowed for semester course and 12 months for full-year course)
• Most efficient and accountable use of public
education funding
Course Credit
Acknowledgement
•The primary LEA and the online Course Provider enter
into a course credit acknowledgement:
o Online Course Provider shall receive payment as provided in Utah
Code.
o Online Course Provider shall refund payment for student who enrolls
and then withdraws within the allotted 10 day period.
o Primary LEA of enrollment acknowledges that the State Board will
withhold the course fee form their MSP funds.
•The Primary LEA and Online Course Provider shall
submit a copy of the course credit acknowledgement in
accordance with USOE rule.
Parents and Students
are in the Drivers Seat
• They choose the courses
• They choose the Course Providers
• Blended Learning - Student chooses
whether to take their course from the
Statewide Online Education Program or
from their primary school of enrollment
Students Customize
Their Education with
Blended Learning
• Course selection tied to the student's
education occupation plan (SEOP - counselor
led plan that tracks credits needed for
graduation and post-secondary goals)
• Courses offered in the Statewide Online
Education Program are not supplemental
All Students Seeking
High School Credits are
Eligible
• 9-12 grade public school students eligible
• Homeschool and private school students
eligible in year three
• Students on track for early graduation eligible
No Caps on Student
Enrollment
Subject Mastery
Replaces Seat Time
• Allows students to advance based upon
demonstrated competency
• Open entry, open exit permitted based upon
provider parameters
• Provider administers required state assessments
(CRTs) upon course completion - state required
to make assessments available
Multiple Course
Providers - Multiple
Courses
• Incentivizes Competition
• Allows students to customize their education to
best meet their individual needs and academic
goals
• Provides access to the best courses and best
teachers regardless of income level or zip code
Course Providers Public and Private
Partnership
• Authorized Providers are already part of the public school
system - Providers can and currently do contract with private
providers. Eligible Providers are:
1.Charter or District School created exclusively for the purpose of serving
students online
2.LEA (Local Education Agency - charter or district school) program
created exclusively for the purpose of serving students online
• Allows for growth - as any LEA can potentially qualify by creating
a program to exclusively serve students online
Accountability for Online
Course Providers
As LEAs, Providers are already subject to USOE rule and
oversight. In addition they must provide the following
information on their website:
• Description of Statewide Program & Its purposes
• Eligibility & enrollment information
• Course Catalog
• Performance on statewide assessments
• Successful completion rate
• Student-Teacher Ratio
Program Built to Expand
Our Students are Online - Now They Have
a High Quality Education Option Built to
Grow With Them that is as Well
• Up to two online courses in years one and
two
• In year three it expands by one course per
year - expanding to six courses in year six
(based on 24 credits for graduation)
• A student may use the program to graduate
early in accordance with their SEOP
Outcomes of
Disruptive Innovation
Direct result of SB65 - online
learning opportunities for
students are increasing as
LEAs look to create programs in
order to participate as Providers
Parents for Choice in Education is dedicated to
ensuring every child has equal access to a
quality education by empowering parents,
increasing choice, and promoting innovative
solutions to Utah's educational challenges.
www.ChoiceinEducation.org