Bill would require Pa. public schools to offer online courses
A Lancaster County representative has introduced a bill that seeks to make online courses a staple in the learning opportunities offered at more public schools.
View full sizeOnline learning opportunities would be offered in more public schools under legislation offered by Lancaster County Republican Rep. Ryan Aument.The legislation sponsored by Republican Rep. Ryan Aument would require the state Department of Education to establish a clearinghouse of online courses that schools could use by entering into contracts with the provider who developed the course.
It would require all public schools to offer online courses for students in grades 9 to 12, starting in 2015-16. That mandate would be expanded to apply to grades 6 to 12 beginning in 2018-19.
The courses that are offered can be developed by the district, contracted through an on-line course provider,or come from the department’s clearinghouse.
However, the legislation leaves it voluntary as to whether a student has to take an