SB345 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jimmy HolleyScott BeasonMark Slade BlackwellDel MarshBill HoltzclawArthur OrrCam WardGerald O. Dial

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

The Virtual Public Schools Act would let Alabama create and regulate virtual public schools that deliver much of the curriculum over the Internet as an alternative to traditional in-person schooling.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the State Board of Education to establish virtual public schools and provides them with public-school resources. Virtual schools would offer a curriculum meeting state standards, require a similar number of instructional days, and allow mastery-based advancement with regular assessments. Students would receive instructional materials and access to necessary technology, and the state would evaluate each virtual school annually for achievement and viability.

Who It Affects

• Students and families who may enroll in virtual schools (full-time or part-time) and need online instruction or materials
• Local boards of education and teachers (local boards control enrollment and funds; teachers must be state-qualified)

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Virtual Public Schools Act and allows the State Board of Education to establish virtual public schools as public schools with state resources
• Defines a virtual school as a public school delivering a significant portion of instruction via the Internet and requiring standards-based curriculum, days/hours, and assessments
• Requires virtual schools to provide instructional materials and access to technology; may reimburse Internet costs but cannot assist families in purchasing instructional materials or programs
• Requires teachers to be qualified to teach in Alabama; virtual schools must have an administrative office within the state
• Allows enrollment of eligible students full-time or part-time; local boards may charge tuition for non-district students
• Mandates annual evaluation by the State Board of Education on student achievement and school viability
• Gives the State Board of Education authority to contract with nonprofit or for-profit entities for operation/management
• Requires the Department of Education to 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