Pupil instruction: nonclassroom-based instruction and independent study: workgroup.

The Charter Schools Act of 1992 authorizes the establishment, operation, and governance of charter schools. Existing law authorizes a charter school to receive funding for nonclassroom-based instruction only if a determination for funding is made by the State Board of Education, as specified. Existing law authorizes a local educational agency, including a charter school, to offer independent study to meet the educational needs of pupils in accordance with certain requirements, as provided. This bill would require the state board to convene a workgroup composed of specified representatives to discuss nonclassroom-based instruction at charter schools and propose recommended updates and revisions to the state board on the determination of funding process and the requirements for educational opportunities offered by a local educational agency through independent study. The bill would require the workgroup, on or before June 30, 2025, to submit to the state board recommendations for any statutory or regulatory changes the workgroup deems advisable, and would require the state board, on or before September 30, 2025, to consider the recommendations of the workgroup and initiate the rulemaking process for any regulatory revisions the state board finds necessary.