Concern about costs of additional reports and The statute gives the Board authority to promulgate 52.08(10) Additional Information and information, and virtual schools are funded below regulations to implement and enforce the statute. G.L. c. Reports traditional schools that have fewer reporting 71, § 94(r). The statute also authorizes the Board, in requirements. consultation with the Operational Services Division, to set tuition amounts; the Board may increase tuition if additional reporting requirements justify the need. This provision helps ensure the Department receives sufficient information and that virtual schools provide high quality programs. 52.10: Amendments of Certificates 52.10(2) Recommend grammatical change to include the We have revised the regulation. Amendments preposition “to”. Requiring Commissioner Approval 52.11: Renewal of Certificates Concern that of academic success for all The statute states virtual school students be required 52.11(2) Renewal “evidence “shall Guidelines students is essential for renewal” is too broad. Should to meet the same academic standards, testing and portfolio include more focus on annual goals and serving requirements set by the Board for students in other public targeted groups. schools.” G.L. c. 71, § 94(g). While annual goals and serving targeted groups will be taken into consideration, a virtual school must meet the same academic standards as all public schools in the Commonwealth. 52.12: Conditions, Probation, Suspension, Revocation, and Non-Renewal
52.08(10) Additional Information and Reports Concern about costs of additional reports and information, and virtual schools are funded below traditional schools that have fewer reporting requirements. The statute gives the Board authority to promulgate regulations to implement and enforce the statute. G.L. c. 71, § 94(r). The statute also authorizes the Board, in consultation with the Operational Services Division, to set tuition amounts; the Board may increase tuition if additional reporting requirements justify the need. This provision helps ensure the Department receives sufficient information and that virtual schools provide high quality programs. 52.10: Amendments of Certificates 52.10(2) Amendments Requiring Commissioner Approval Recommend grammatical change to include the preposition “to”. We have revised the regulation. 52.11: Renewal of Certificates 52.11(2) Renewal Guidelines Concern that “evidence of academic success for all students is essential for renewal” is too broad. Should include more focus on annual goals and serving targeted groups. The statute states virtual school students “shall be required to meet the same academic standards, testing and portfolio requirements set by the Board for students in other public schools.” G.L. c. 71, § 94(g). While annual goals and serving targeted groups will be taken into consideration, a virtual school must meet the same academic standards as all public schools in the Commonwealth. 52.12: Conditions, Probation, Suspension, Revocation, and Non-Renewal
Item7-Analysis.docx