An Act to expand the provision of online education through the South Dakota Virtual School.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That   13-33-24 be AMENDED:

13-33-24. There is created the South Dakota virtual school. The South Dakota virtual school shall be under the control of is created within the Department of Education.

The South Dakota virtual school shall provide choice accessibility, flexibility, quality, and equity in curricular offerings for students in the state, for the use of school districts in this state, purchase, lease, or otherwise obtain access to:

(1) Online grade-level classes for students in kindergarten through grade eight;

(2) High school core and elective courses necessary for a student to meet the requirements of an opportunity scholarship, as set forth in   13-55-31.1; and

(3) At least forty additional high school elective courses.

Section 2. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

Prior to the South Dakota virtual school obtaining any class or course referenced in   13-33-24, the Department of Education shall review the class or course and verify that it:

(1) Meets or exceeds the academic content standards of this state;

(2) Is offered through a provider that is approved by this state, in accordance with   13-33-21, or by another state having comparable or greater approval requirements than this state; and

(3) Is developed and presented by instructional staff who:

(a) Are certified to teach in this state;

(b) Hold degrees in education and are certified or licensed to teach in another state; or

(c) Hold graduate degrees from an accredited university, in education or in a field related to the class or course being taught.

Upon verifying that a class or course meets the requirements of this section, the department shall seek the advice of the South Dakota Virtual School Advisory Council, to ensure that the class or course will provide a challenge to and expand the educational experience of students.

Section 3. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

Each school district shall provide any student enrolled therein with the opportunity to pursue and complete all grade level classes and all high school courses through technology-based online programs that may be accessed at a student's preferred location.

Section 4. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

A student may participate in a full-time, technology-based, online educational program, provided the student's parent submits a completed application form to the student's school district of residence prior to July first of each school year.

The Department of Education shall develop a standardized application form, make the form available to each school district, and post the form on the department's website.

Section 5. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

As a condition of participation in a full-time, technology-based, online educational program, the student's parent must attend an orientation session hosted by school district personnel. The session must address:

(1) The distribution of and responsibility for district-owned technology equipment;

(2) The distribution of other school-related supplies;

(3) The availability of internet connectivity and, if necessary, the provision by the school district of internet connectivity options;

(4) The registration for classes and the selection of courses;

(5) The daily check-in requirements;

(6) The school district's monitoring of the student's time and pace, using a device management system;

(7) The designation of teachers-of-record;

(8) The manner of obtaining assistance with the technology;

(9) The manner of obtaining assistance with academic content;

(10) The necessity for parental monitoring of student progress; and

(11) Testing and examination requirements.

Section 6. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

Upon acceptance of an application required in accordance with section 4 of this Act, a school district shall contact the South Dakota virtual school and arrange for the student's access to the required classes or courses.

Each school district is responsible for:

(1) Ensuring that the student is able to access the required classes or courses;

(2) Ensuring that the student is provided with the technology, attendant equipment, and services necessary for participation in the classes or courses;

(3) Identifying the teacher of record for each class or course;

(4) Monitoring the student's participation in each class or course by means of a device management system;

(5) Monitoring the student's progress in each class or course;

(6) Communicating regularly with the student's parent regarding the student's participation and progress;

(7) Providing assistance regarding academic content;

(8) Identifying and arranging for the provision of any necessary interventions;

(9) Assisting with technological use or issues; and

(10) Arranging for required tests and examinations.

Section 7. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

Each public school student participating in a full-time, technology-based, online educational program, as provided for in sections 1 to 6, inclusive, of this Act, is considered to be enrolled full-time in the school district, for purposes of determining state aid under chapter 13-13.

Upon completing the district's requirements for high school graduation, the district shall issue a high school diploma to the student.

Section 8. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION: