Resolve, To Analyze the Value of Distance Learning in a Rural Environment
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0977
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: JOHNSON, THOMAS, KUMIEGA

Legislative Document 
No. 977 
H.P. 721 
House of Representatives, March 8, 2011 
Resolve, To Analyze the Value of Distance Learning in a Rural 
Environment 
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative JOHNSON of Greenville. 
Cosponsored by Senator THOMAS of Somerset and 
Representative: KUMIEGA of Deer Isle. 
Sec. 1.  Department of Education to analyze potential of distance learning.  
Resolved:  That the Department of Education shall analyze the potential of distance 
learning via the Internet to support expanded curriculum opportunities statewide and, in 
particular, for rural communities with small schools. As part of the analysis, the 
Department of Education shall establish 2 pilot programs to run in the spring semester of 
2012 and be paid for by existing department resources, participating school 
administrative units or private contractors interested in establishing an online educational 
program or school in the State. The analysis of distance learning via the Internet must 
address: 
1.  The effectiveness and cost of the distance learning; 
2.  The impact of the distance learning on the structure of educational districts and on 
the teaching workforce; and 
3.  The feasibility of establishing an online high school; and be it further 
Sec. 2.  Department of Education to develop legislation to make distance 
learning a top priority in the State.  Resolved:  That the Department of Education, 
in conducting the analysis required in section 1, shall coordinate with school 
administrators, teachers, parents and other interested parties to develop proposed 
legislation that defines the requirements and policies necessary to make distance learning 
via the Internet a top priority in the State; and be it further 
Sec. 3.  Department of Education to develop legislation to allow for open 
enrollment in distance learning via the Internet.  Resolved:  That the 
Department of Education shall develop legislation to allow the enrollment of a student 
from one school administrative unit in an educational course offered via the Internet by 
another school administrative unit upon permission from both school administrative units; 
and be it further 
Sec. 4.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than January 15, 2013, the Department 
of Education shall submit its findings under section 1 along with any suggested 
implementing legislation developed under this resolve to the joint standing committee of 
the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters.  The joint standing committee 
of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters may submit a bill regarding 
the analysis required under this resolve to the First Regular Session of the 126th 
Legislature. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Department of Education to conduct an analysis of distance 
learning via the Internet statewide and for rural communities by establishing 2 pilot 
programs in the spring semester of 2012 and analyzing distance learning’s cost, 
effectiveness and impact on the structure of educational districts and the teaching 
workforce and the feasibility of establishing an online high school.  This resolve also 
requires the Department of Education to develop legislation to allow enrollment of a 
student from one school administrative unit in an educational course offered via the 
Internet by another school administrative unit and to make distance learning via the 
Internet a top priority in the State.