Distance Learning Official Says Payment for Failed Online Classes Goes Too Far

Rep. Jim Jonas, center, listens during a House floor hearing on Jan. 14, 2025. Seated to his left is Rep. David Richter and to his right is Rep. Don Vigesaa. Jonas is the sponsor of a bill affecting distance learning guidelines. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

(Jeff Beach – North Dakota Monitor) – A provision that would require parents to pay for online classes that a student fails is a deal-breaker for the agency that provides curriculum for virtual learning in North Dakota.

The House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1105 that would allow districts to provide more guidelines on which students can use online classes.

Alyssa Martin, state director for the Center for Distance Education, said she did not have an issue with most of the bill’s language, but said asking parents or guardians to pay for a course that a student fails is deeply concerning.

She said the same policy for traditional in-person classes would lead to “outrage” and urged lawmakers to amend the bill. She said some of the families using online education are already dealing with physical or mental health issues, bullying at school, and housing challenges.

Martin’s testimony came after several school administrators and education officials testified in favor of the bill, outlining how there has been increased enrollment in online K-12 classes but with some students not taking the courses seriously.