Sec. 1481.

(1) Not later than the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year, the Michigan virtual university shall develop, implement, and operate the Michigan virtual high school, as described in this section.

(2) The Michigan virtual high school shall have the following goals:

(a) Significantly expand curricular offerings for high schools across this state through agreements with school districts or licenses from other recognized providers.

(b) Create a statewide instructional model using interactive multimedia tools delivered by electronic means, including, but not limited to, the internet, digital broadcast, or satellite network, for distributed learning at the high school level.

(c) Provide pupils with opportunities to develop skills and competencies through on-line learning.

(d) Offer high school teachers opportunities to learn new skills and strategies for developing and delivering instructional services.

(e) Accelerate this state's ability to respond to current and emerging educational demands.

(f) Grant high school diplomas through a dual enrollment method with school districts.

(g) Act as a broker for college level equivalent courses, as defined in section 1471, and dual enrollment courses from postsecondary education institutions.

(3) The Michigan virtual high school course offerings shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Information technology courses.

(b) College level equivalent courses, as defined in section 1471.

(c) Courses and dual enrollment opportunities.

(d) At-risk programs and services.

(e) General education development test preparation courses for adjudicated youth.

(f) Special interest courses.

(g) Professional development programs and services for teachers.

(4) In addition to its other duties under this section, the Michigan virtual university shall work with the department and other appropriate state agencies to explore the development and delivery of a full curriculum for migrant pupils that would be available through distance learning. The Michigan virtual university and the department shall submit a joint report on their findings under this subsection to the legislature not later than 1 year after the effective date of this section.

(5) Nonpublic school students and home-schooled children may participate in course offerings of the Michigan virtual high school to the same extent they are allowed to participate in school district course offerings under this act and the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1601 to 388.1772.

(6) The Michigan virtual university shall fund the Michigan virtual high school from appropriations made for this purpose and may also use funds received from other sources. The department shall provide technical assistance as requested by the Michigan virtual university for the purposes of this section.

History: Add. 2000, Act 230, Imd. Eff. June 27, 2000 Popular Name: Act 451