SB548 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Paul SanfordScott BeasonJimmy HolleyGerald O. Dial

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Alabama Virtual Instruction Program, State Department of Education required to establish online distance learning program for K-12 students

Summary

The bill would require the Alabama Department of Education to create and run the Alabama Virtual Instruction Program (online K-12), modeled after a proven program from another state, with minimum requirements for participation, providers, funding, and accountability.

What This Bill Does

Starting in the 2012 school year, the Department would provide quality virtual instruction to public school students using online and distance learning in nontraditional classrooms. Districts would have the option to offer part-time or full-time virtual programs to enrolled students, in an interactive online environment. The program aims to allow local customization to meet student needs while ensuring continued participation in extracurricular activities, and it sets rules for provider qualifications, contracts, multi-district agreements, reporting, eligibility, funding, and accountability requirements.

Who It Affects

• Public school students in Alabama who may participate in part-time or full-time virtual instruction within their district.
• City and county school districts that would implement and manage virtual instruction options.
• Approved providers that contract with districts to deliver virtual instruction, subject to provider qualifications and contract rules.

Key Provisions

• Establish the Alabama Virtual Instruction Program (AVIP) by the State Department of Education.
• Begin offering virtual instruction to public school students starting with the 2012 school year.
• Allow districts to provide part-time and/or full-time virtual instruction options in an interactive online environment.
• Model the program after a proven program from another state and include minimum elements such as:
• - Participation parameters for districts
• - Flexibility for local customization
• - Continued extracurricular participation for students
• - Qualifications and contract requirements for approved providers
• - Multi-district contractual agreements
• - Reporting requirements for participating districts
• - Virtual instruction program requirements and student eligibility/participation rules
• - Foundation Program funding and compliance with statewide assessments and accountability
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education