What’s new
Approved in a 28-2 Senate vote followed by a 109-32 House vote, SB 569 applies to Texas’ virtual learning framework for the more than 51,884 students currently enrolled statewide, a new release states.
According to the news release from Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, enrollment in virtual schools is projected to double statewide by 2028. The bill is also “projected to expand access to high-quality digital and hybrid instruction for the 5.5 million currently enrolled Texas public school students.”
The bill includes the following:
- Replaces existing virtual learning laws with a clear structure
- Allows students to enroll in up to three individual virtual Advanced Placement courses, dual-credit courses or specialized electives that may not be available at their local school
- Provides flexibilities for work-based learning students
- Enables high school students to earn an associate degree
- Prevents school districts from requiring virtual enrollment and from forcing in-person teachers to teach virtual classes without training
- Creates standards and accountability measures for virtual education providers
SB 569 was initially passed March 4 by the Texas Senate Education Committee and went to the Senate floor for debate, as reported by Community Impact.
CISD officials previously said the district's virtual school, which launched in 2022, had an uncertain future as its funding will expire this year following a waiver signed by Abbott in 2023.
What they’re saying
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue this innovative program and expand it to serve our community’s needs,” Conroe ISD officials said in a statement to Community Impact on May 8.
“Whether it’s helping foster youth find success at Trinity Charter Schools, or giving students the flexibility to earn college credit while pursuing career training, SB 569 is proof that virtual learning regardless if it's in a traditional classroom, online, or both—when done right—it changes kids lives,” Bettencourt said in a statement.
What’s next
The CISD virtual school will expand to 11th grade for the 2025-26 school year, according to its website.
The district’s virtual school is in the process of being named, with public input being taken until May 9. Official name suggestions will be heard at the May 13 meeting at the Deane L. Sadler Administration/Technology Center, 3205 W. Davis St. in Conroe.
