A. The State Board of Education shall solicit proposals for, and if funds are available, make grants to local boards of education for the establishment of pilot projects that would aid in the development of Internet homework tutoring chatrooms. The proposals for the Internet chatrooms shall create a mechanism that will allow students to contact and interact with teachers or other professionals when they are not at school, when the student needs assistance with courses or homework. Funding may cover the cost of equipment, materials, personnel, and any other start-up costs of developing the Internet chatrooms. Projects may involve entire districts, combinations of districts, combinations of schools, or elements of schools individually or in combination.
B. The State Board of Education shall determine pilot project criteria and establish a process for the consideration of proposals. Such proposals for pilot projects shall be considered on a statewide competitive basis. The Board is authorized to promulgate rules for the operation of such projects.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 159, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999.