Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Review and Assess Distance Learning Opportunities for High School Students

Sec. 1. Review and assessment. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall review and assess distance learning opportunities for public high school students in the State. The department shall gather data on current state and local spending on and student enrollment in distance learning initiatives, including, but not limited to, the Maine Distance Learning Program, and shall consider options for optimizing the range of distance learning opportunities available to students in the State, including, but not limited to, increased support for online learning; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the department shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by January 15, 2008 with the department's findings under section 1 and any necessary implementing legislation. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may submit legislation based on the report to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature implementing the recommendation of the department.