Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 777 - Statewide Virtual Charter School Board
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 777 specifically addresses the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board in Oklahoma. This board plays a crucial role in the state's educational landscape by overseeing and regulating statewide virtual charter schools.
Here's a breakdown of what Title 777 generally covers:
Purpose and Scope:
Title 777 establishes the rules and procedures for the operation and oversight of statewide virtual charter schools. These rules ensure that virtual charter schools, though distinct in their delivery method, adhere to certain standards of quality, accountability, and public accessibility.
Key Chapters and Areas of Regulation:
Chapter 1 - Administrative Operations: This chapter likely details the general administrative procedures of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board itself, including its organization, meetings, and operational protocols.
Chapter 10 - Statewide Virtual Charter Schools: This is a core chapter that sets forth the specific regulations governing statewide virtual charter schools. It would cover:
Application and Sponsorship: Procedures for accepting, approving, and disapproving applications for new statewide virtual charter schools, as well as processes for the renewal or revocation of approved charter contracts.
Oversight and Evaluation: Requirements for the Board's oversight and evaluation of virtual charter schools, including performance frameworks and reporting requirements (e.g., student academic proficiency, growth, and financial accountability).
Operational Requirements: Rules related to the operation of virtual charter schools, such as information technology systems, state reporting connections, and maintaining a publicly accessible main office.
Student Enrollment and Transfers: Regulations regarding student eligibility, enrollment procedures, and transfer policies for virtual charter schools.
Financial Management: Requirements for virtual charter schools to use state-approved financial systems and comply with audit procedures.
Chapter 15 - Horizon: Digitally Enhanced Campus: This chapter indicates the Board's involvement in broader digital learning initiatives beyond just authorizing virtual charter schools. It suggests the Board is tasked with developing and implementing programs that provide multiple online learning options for Oklahoma schools, families, and students. This could include certifying high-quality supplemental online courses, especially in areas like STEM, foreign language, and advanced placement.
Key Responsibilities of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board:
Based on the administrative code and related statutes, the Board's responsibilities include:
Authorization and Sponsorship: Having the sole authority to authorize and sponsor statewide virtual charter schools in Oklahoma.
Oversight and Accountability: Providing supervision, services, and rigorous oversight of the operations of the virtual charter schools it sponsors. This includes ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, especially regarding students with disabilities.
Application and Renewal Process: Establishing clear procedures for accepting, approving, and disapproving applications for new virtual charter schools, and managing the renewal or revocation of existing charter contracts based on performance.
Financial Reporting: Requiring virtual charter schools to adhere to the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS) for financial reporting and being subject to financial and programmatic audits.
Supplemental Online Courses: Reviewing and certifying supplemental online courses to ensure quality and alignment with state subject matter standards, and potentially negotiating contracts with providers for state-rate pricing.
Nonsectarian Requirement: Ensuring that virtual charter schools remain nonsectarian in their programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations, as mandated by Oklahoma law. This has been a point of significant legal discussion and court cases in Oklahoma.
In essence, Title 777 provides the regulatory framework for the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to fulfill its mission of supporting education choice for Oklahoma families through online learning opportunities, while maintaining standards of quality, accountability, and accessibility for public education.
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