Amend HB 2879 by adding the following appropriately numbered
SECTION to the bill and renumbering the subsequent SECTIONS of the
bill accordingly:
      SECTION __. Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter J to read as follows:
              SUBCHAPTER J. VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PROGRAM
      Sec. 29.351.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
            (1)  "Interactive multimedia communications" means
real-time, interactive voice, video, and data communications
conducted over networks that link geographically dispersed
locations.
            (2)  "Program" means a virtual classroom program
described by this subchapter.
      Sec. 29.352.  AUTHORITY.  A school district may implement a
program for students enrolled in grade levels 6 through 12.
      Sec. 29.353.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.  A student is eligible to
participate in a program if the student:
            (1)  is eligible to attend school under Section 25.001;
and
            (2)  has successfully completed fifth grade.
      Sec. 29.354.  ATTENDANCE AND FUNDING.  (a)  Sections
25.081(a), 25.082(a), 25.085(a), and 25.092(a) do not apply to a
school district offering a program or to a student enrolled in a
program, provided that a student successfully completes each
program course not later than the end of the grading period for
that course, as determined by the district.
      (b)  Subject to rules adopted by the commissioner, a student
enrolled in a program may be counted for attendance purposes in the
same manner as a student enrolled in regular classes in the
district.
      Sec. 29.355.  PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.  Notwithstanding any
other provision of this code, a school district that offers a
program must:
            (1)  ensure that the program curriculum complies with
Section 28.002;
            (2)  use accredited Internet courses, as determined by
the district;
            (3)  for each course in the program, provide students
with interactive multimedia communications between the student and
the course instructor;
            (4)  require that each student enrolled in a program
course successfully complete the course not later than the end of
the grading period for that course, as determined by the district;
            (5)  administer each assessment instrument required
under Subchapter B, Chapter 39, to students enrolled in the
program;
            (6)  establish graduation requirements for students
enrolled in the program that are consistent with rules adopted
under Section 28.025; and
            (7)  assess student competency in the program.
      Sec. 29.356.  AGENCY OVERSIGHT.  Using state funds
appropriated for that purpose, the agency shall monitor, evaluate,
and assess the development and implementation of each program
adopted under this subchapter.