Section 7-1002 - Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program. - Maryland Statutes

§ 7-1002. Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program.
 

(a)  Included opportunities.- The Department shall provide Maryland virtual learning opportunities that include: 

(1) Offering a distance-learning program to provide Maryland public school students with equal opportunities to develop a strong academic foundation; 

(2) Offering expanded educational choices not otherwise available to students through on-line courses and services; and 

(3) Expanding the professional development opportunities available to educational staff in Maryland public schools through on-line courses and services. 

(b)  Online courses and services.- With the approval of the State Board and the State Superintendent, the Department shall: 

(1) Develop on-line courses and services; 

(2) Procure on-line courses and services; 

(3) Develop standards for teachers and other school system employees for the offering of courses or services on the Internet or through other developing technologies; and 

(4) Review courses and courseware to assure quality and alignment with the Maryland content standards and other appropriate standards. 

(c)  Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Fund.-  

(1) There is a Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Fund. 

(2) The State Board may set reasonable fees for on-line courses and services. 

(3) The fees charged shall be set so as to produce funds to support maintenance of Maryland virtual learning opportunities. 

(4) The State Board shall pay all funds collected under this subtitle to the Comptroller of the State. 

(5) The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Fund. 

(6) The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. 

(7) Any unspent portions of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subtitle. 

(8) The Legislative Auditor shall audit the accounts and transactions of the Fund as provided in § 2-1220 of the State Government Article. 

(d)  Regulations.- The State Board may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section. 

(e)  Report.- The Department shall submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on or before September 1, 2004, a report on the progress of the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program, including a description of the available on-line courses and services. 
 

[2002, ch. 412.]