State board announces intent to adopt rule enabling off-site extended learning credit after legislative change

The Alabama State Board of Education on May 12 voted unanimously to announce intent to adopt new Alabama Administrative Code rule 290-3-1-0.03, a rule the department says implements a legislative change allowing outside organizations to partner with local school boards to offer off-site extended learning opportunities for credit.

Department staff explained the rule implements a law passed last year that authorizes community organizations to provide extended-learning programs for credit when local boards approve participation. "This is actually follows a legislative change last year that authorized, outside groups to partner with the local school board at the school board's discretion to offer off-site extended learning opportunities for credit," a department staff member told the board.

Staff said organizations seeking to offer credit must meet background requirements for adults who will work with children, and that local boards decide whether to participate with any given organization. The department described a process by which, if an organization obtains approval from at least 50% of the state's local school boards, its program may be recognized more broadly for extended learning credit.

The board moved, seconded and, after discussion, approved the announcement of intent to adopt the rule by a voice or hand vote with no opposing votes recorded.

The department did not provide the full draft text during the public portion of the meeting; staff directed board members to the department's regulations page for the forthcoming rule language and said the office will publish the rulemaking notice and accept public comment per the Administrative Procedure Act.