SB183 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Virtual education, administration of state assessments through closed browser remote testing

Summary

SB183 would allow Alabama virtual schools to administer state-required tests to students remotely in a closed-browser setting with teacher proctors, starting in 2025-2026, under specific rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes state-required assessments to be given in a virtual setting for virtual schools or programs, on a designated date and time and during a synchronous, proctored session. It requires video monitoring for the entire test, with rules about using one or two devices depending on the testing platform, and a proctor-to-student ratio of 10:1 or lower. It also states that testers must stay within the testing area until told to finish and that submission must be verified by the proctor. The provisions exclude public institutions of higher education and certain college/career readiness assessments from these remote-testing rules until remote access is available. Proctors and administrators must be licensed Alabama teachers. The changes take effect starting June 1, 2025 and are subject to available funds.

Who It Affects

• Full-time virtual students in Alabama: may take state-required assessments remotely through virtual schools/programs under the specified conditions.
• Virtual schools/program staff and teachers: responsible for administering and proctoring the assessments; proctors must hold a valid Alabama professional education certificate and must maintain the 10:1 or lower ratio.

Key Provisions

• Allows virtual schools/programs to administer state-required assessments in a virtual setting beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, subject to available funds.
• Assessments must be on an assigned date/time, in a synchronous session managed by designated school staff, and monitored by video for the entire duration.
• If the testing platform lacks integrated camera proctoring, students may use two devices (one for testing, one for proctor monitoring); if the platform supports viewing the student and background, a second device is not required.
• Maintains a 10:1 or lower proctor-to-student ratio for assessment takers.
• Students must not exit the testing area until instructed by the proctor, and submission must be verified by the proctor.
• Proctors and assessment administrators must be licensed Alabama teachers with a valid professional education certificate.
• Public institutions of higher education and certain CCR assessments until remote access is available are exempt from these provisions.
• Effective date is June 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education