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.

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1 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.

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3 Utah's Statewide Online Education Program Shifts the Paradigm

4 Funding Follows the Student to the Course Through the Statewide Online Education Program every 9-12 grade student in Utah has access to the very best online courses and teachers regardless of zip code - whether they choose electives, foreign language, honors or AP, science, history, math, or anything in between.

5 Funding Based Upon Successful Completion Most efficient and accountable use of public education funding 50% upfront (25% per semester) - 50% upon credit earned (successful completion based on UT standard) 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)

6 Tiered Cost Structure A tiered cost structure has been created based on such factors as course subject and difficulty and necessary level of teacher interaction. These new course fees were designed to provide a reasonable and fair fee to the Public School Providers of online courses while ensuring students receive the high-quality curriculum and instruction necessary to prepare them for their post-secondary goals. (Based on.5 credit)

7 Course Fees Notwithstanding the online course fees prescribed a school district or charter school may: negotiate a fee with an online course provider for an amount up to the amount prescribed and pay the negotiated fee instead of the fee prescribed An online course provider who contracts with a vendor for the acquisition of online course content or online course instruction may negotiate the payment for the vendor's service independent of the fees specified

8 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

9 Parents and Students are in the Driver s 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

10 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

11 No Caps on Student Enrollment

12 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 at any time

13 Multiple Course Providers - Multiple Incentivizes Competition Courses 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

14 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. LEA (Local Education Agency - charter or district school) program created exclusively for the purpose of serving students online 2. Charter or District School created exclusively for the purpose of serving students online Allows for growth - as any LEA can potentially qualify by creating a program to serve students exclusively online

15 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 & It's purposes Eligibility & enrollment information Course Catalog Performance on statewide assessments Successful completion rate Student-Teacher Ratio

16 Program Expansion Up to two online courses in years one and two, beginning in the school year In year three it expands by one course per year - expanding to six courses in year six (based on Utah s requirement of 24 credits for graduation) A student may use the program to graduate early in accordance with their SEOP

17 Online Course Offerings Explode for Utah Students September 6, 2011 Q: Do you know what happens when you allow the money to follow the student to the online course of their choice? A: When you empower students and parents with the ability to choose, options increase exponentially! Since the Statewide Online Education Program law took effect on July 1, 2011, there has been a 585% increase in online learning options for Utah students.

18 For questions about Utah s law or inquiries on how to develop your own state digital learning policy, contact Parents for Choice in Education at: or visit Parents for Choice in Education is a grassroots non-profit 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.