Provider Approval and Renewal for Virtual Instruction Program

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-6.0981Provider Approval and Renewal for Virtual Instruction Program

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Provider Approval and Renewal for Virtual Instruction Program

SUMMARY: The rule amendment updates application forms to add clarity to instructions and remove nonsectarian language to conform to recent legislative changes.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: Based upon the nature of the change, the proposed rule is not expected to have any adverse impact on economic growth, business competitiveness or any other factors listed in s. 120.541(2)(a), F.S., and will not require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1002.45(10), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.45, F.S.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: July 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Suwannee 18/19/20, Orlando, Florida 32819

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent education and Parental Choice, [e-mail]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-6.0981 Provider Approval and Renewal for Virtual Instruction Program.

(1) No change.

(2)(a) Application Form. Form VSP-02, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Approval (https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-15732), for becoming an approved provider for the Virtual Instruction Program, will be used for those virtual education providers applying for approved status from the State Board of Education. Form VSP-02 is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective August 20242023.

(b) Application Form. Form VSP-02R, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Renewal (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-15733), for renewing an approved provider for the Virtual Instruction Program, will be used for those virtual education providers applying for renewal status from the State Board of Education. Form VSP-02R is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective August 20242023. Copies of forms VSP-02 and VSP-02R may be obtained by contacting the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

(3) Applications. The applications to become an approved provider or for renewal will be available at https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/virtual-edu/provider-resources beginning September 1 of each year for the following school year and must be accessed and submitted electronically. The deadline for filing the application is September 30.

(a) Pursuant to Section 1002.45(2)(a)4.5., F.S., the applicant must possess prior successful experience offering online courses to elementary, middle and high school students as demonstrated by quantified student learning gains in each subject area and grade level provided for consideration as an instruction program option.

1. through 2. No change.

(b) In accordance with Section 1002.45(2)(a)5.6., F.S., the applicant must be accredited by at least one of the following K-12 regional accrediting agencies, their successors or assigns: Cognia, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary School and Secondary Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Accreditation Commission, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

(c) Pursuant to Section 1002.45(2)(a)6.7., F.S., the curriculum plan must include evidence:

1. through 4. No change:

(d) The applicant will disclose on a prominent place on its website the disclosure information required under Section 1002.45(2)(a)7.8., F.S. Average student-teacher ratios are to be calculated for core and elective courses for the following grade-level bands: grades K-3, grades 4-8, and grades 9-12. The total number of students assigned to full-time teachers must be provided. Student completion rate calculations are to include all students who are enrolled for more than fourteen (14) calendar days. Student performance accountability outcomes are to include student assessment results for all students and by the following subgroups: major racial and ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency. “Major racial and ethnic groups” shall include those groups reported for accountability purposes under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in any state or, if no such prior reporting is available, shall include, at a minimum: American Indian, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic, and White.

(4) through (8) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1002.45(10) FS. Law Implemented 1002.45 FS. History–New 11-26-08, Amended 10-21-09, 3-20-11, 12-20-11, 1-23-13, 1-1-14, 7-28-15, 10-30-16, 8-21-18, 9-21-21, 9-20-22, 8-22-23,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent education and Parental Choice

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Manny Diaz Jr., Commissioner, Department of Education

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: June 10, 2024

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: April 19, 2024