HB479 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chad Fincher

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Virtual Public Schools Act, local boards of education may provide alternative choice for education via the Internet

Summary

HB479 creates the Virtual Public Schools Act to allow Alabama public schools to offer internet-based virtual schools as an alternative education option overseen by the State Board of Education.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the creation of virtual public schools that deliver a significant portion of instruction online. These schools must provide a curriculum that meets state standards, the same number of instructional days, and regular assessments in core subjects, with options for credit through mastery. Families must receive instructional materials and access to necessary technology (or a computer lab), and the state may reimburse internet costs, but not pay for materials or programs themselves; districts may charge tuition for non-public-school residents attending district virtual schools. Annual evaluation and potential contracting with nonprofit or for-profit entities are provided for by the act.

Who It Affects

• Students and their families: gain access to an online public school option, with required curriculum, assessments, and potential internet reimbursement.
• Local boards of education, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Education: responsible for establishing virtual schools, allocating resources, regulating the program, funding, and evaluating performance.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Virtual Public Schools Act and allows the State Board of Education to create virtual public schools; resources similar to other public schools; local revenue need not be redirected unless the local board agrees.
• Defines a virtual school as a public school delivering a significant portion of instruction via the Internet in a virtual or remote setting.
• Requires virtual schools to provide a sequential curriculum meeting state standards, an interactive online program, the same instructional days as other public schools, and regular assessments in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
• For each enrolled family, requires provision of instructional materials and access to necessary technology or a computer lab; may reimburse internet costs but cannot fund the purchase of instructional programs or materials.
• Requires teachers to be qualified to teach in Alabama and requires an administrative office within the state.
• Allows enrollment of eligible students full-time or part-time; districts may charge tuition for non-public-school residents attending district virtual schools.
• Mandates annual evaluation by the State Board of Education on student achievement and the school’s accountability, fiscal, and operational performance.
• Permits the State Board of Education to contract with nonprofit or for-profit entities to operate or manage virtual schools.
• The Department of Education must promulgate rules to implement the act.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Virtual Public Schools Act