AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.

New rules would govern "learner validated programs," which are self-paced or competency-based education programs where students progress by demonstrating mastery of material rather than by attending scheduled classes. School districts and charter schools running these programs would be required to assign a licensed teacher of record to each student, set maximum student-to-teacher ratios, require sequential completion of coursework, and use verified checkpoints to confirm student identity and progress; they would also need written policies covering pacing, teacher-student interaction, and progress monitoring, and must document compliance and report it to the State Board of Education upon request. Advanced students who show proficiency through testing or other evidence could receive waivers from some pacing and coursework requirements, though a teacher of record and progress documentation would still be required. Students in compliant programs would continue to count as full-time students for state funding purposes, and the bill also extends these accountability standards to online courses offered through Utah's Statewide Online Education Program.