Online learning graduation requirements

Five states require students to complete an online course to graduate (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia). The growth of online learning has been expanded with the addition of online learning graduation requirements at the state policy level. Starting in 2006, Michigan became the first state to pass a requirement with P.A. 123 and 124.1 Michigan Department of Education. (2006). 380. 1278a: Requirements for high school diploma. Retrieved from http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%285ti0q4avj23jrxj3hqvmvd45%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-380-1278a In this legislation, Michigan required all students who started 8th grade in 2006 to have “successfully completed at least 1 course or learning experience that is presented online” prior to graduating high school. Alabama followed suit with a requirement similar to the Michigan legislation in 2008.2 Alabama State Board of Education. (2008). Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) Rule 290-3-1-.02(12) for Online Courses. Retrieved from http://www.adph.org/tpts/assets/schoolpolicy.pdf Alabama included an opt-out for students with IEPs – “Effective for students entering the ninth grade in the 2009/2010 school year, Alabama students will be required to complete one online/technology enhanced course or experience prior to graduation. Exceptions through Individualized Education Plans will be allowed.” In 2011, Florida Senate, along with a policy that required all districts offer some form of online learning, either homegrown or outsourced, to all K-12 students, passed an online learning graduation requirement “Each student must graduate from high school having taken at least one online course.”3 Florida Senate. (2011). H.B. 7197. Retrieved from http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/7197 Arkansas passed Act 1280 in 20134 Arkansas Department of Education. (2013). State of Arkansas House Bill Act 1280. Retrieved from ftp://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/acts/2013/Public/ACT1280.pdf. [“Beginning with the entering ninth grade class of the 2014-2015 3 school year, each high school student shall be required to take at least one 4 (1) digital learning course for credit to graduate.”], and Virginia passed their online learning graduation requirement – SB489 / HB1061 the same year.5 Virginia Board of Education. (2012). SB489 and HB1061. Retrieved from www.pen.k12.va.us/boe/meetings/2013/02_feb/agenda_items/item_i.pdf

Other states, including Georgia, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and West Virginia, have passed rules or legislation encouraging but not requiring online learning. The Georgia legislature instructed the state board of education to establish rules to maximize the number of students who complete one online class prior to graduation, beginning with students entering 9th grade in SY 2014–15. New Mexico’s SB0561 (2007) passed in 2007, requiring that at least one unit of the high school graduate’s 24 units be “an Advanced Placement, honors, dual enrollment or distance learning course."6 New Mexico Public Education Department. (2007). SB209/HB201. Retrieved from http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=201&year=07 The Massachusetts High School Program of Studies, MassCore, recommends additional learning opportunities for high school students to study in order to arrive at college or the workplace well prepared, including taking an online course. The West Virginia State Board of Education recommends all students complete an online learning experience during grades 9–12.