To update Forms VSP-02, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Approval and VSP-02R, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Renewal, incorporated by reference. Having received stakeholder input, the provider approval and ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

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

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To update Forms VSP-02, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Approval and VSP-02R, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Renewal, incorporated by reference. Having received stakeholder input, the provider approval and renewal applications will be revised for clarity and efficiency. Changes to these form include: Elimination of a reference to a repealed statute, section 1006.281, pertaining to Learning Management Systems; clarification regarding required documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements outlined in section 1002.45, Florida Statutes; and reorganizing existing items for clarity.

SUMMARY: This rule outlines the process by which organizations and individuals become approved to offer Florida approved virtual programs.

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: Approximately ten private businesses apply to be a virtual instruction program provider. There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for compliance with the rule, except staff time to gather the documentation requested. The proposed revisions to this rule seek to streamline the process, provide clear instructions regarding the documentation applicants must submit, and eliminate submission of unnecessary documentation; therefore, any economic impact on the regulated entities will be cost savings. The proposed rule is not expected to 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: 1002.45, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.45, FS.

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

DATE AND TIME: September 23, 2016, 8:30 a.m.

PLACE: Tampa Airport Marriott, 4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Duval Room, Tampa, Florida 33607

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Sandy Eggers, Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

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

(1) Purpose. Section 1002.45, F.S., requires each school district to provide eligible students within its boundaries the option to participate in a virtual instruction program. The Department of Education will provide school districts and virtual charter schools annually with a list of providers approved to offer full and part-time virtual instruction programs under this section of law.

(2)(a) Application Form. Form VSP-02, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Approval (https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-03386), for becoming an approved provider for the Virtual Instruction Program, will be used for those virtual education providers applying for approved status from the Department of Education. Form VSP-02 is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective October 2016 January 2014.

(b) Application Form. Form VSP-02R, Virtual Instruction Program Application for Provider Renewal (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05519), for renewing an approved provider for the Virtual Instruction Program, will be used for those virtual education providers applying for renewal status from the Department of Education. Form VSP-02R is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective October 2016 July 2015. 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) through (6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1002.45(11) 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,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Adam Miller, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: July 25, 2016

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: April 7, 2016