1. (1) "Educational service provider" means a third-party entity contracted by an LEA to provide:

   1. (a) courses or instructional services that:

      1. (i) generate average daily membership for the LEA; or
      2. (ii) count toward graduation requirements; or
   2. (b) curriculum, grading services, or educator services for courses described in Subsection (1)(a).

2. (2) "Learner validated program" means an educational program specifically designed for competency-based or self-paced learning where:

   1. (a) student participation is measured by demonstrated academic progress and completion of learning objectives, rather than by attendance at scheduled instructional periods; and

   2. (b) the LEA has established a written policy that:

      1. (i) defines:

         1. (A) continuing enrollment measurement requirements;
         2. (B) standards for demonstrating academic progress;
         3. (C) methods for calculating equivalent instructional hours; and
         4. (D) procedures for ensuring equivalent educational rigor and support as provided in attendance validated programs; and
      2. (ii) meets any additional criteria the state board requires.
3. (3) "Online course" means a course delivered primarily through digital or internet-based platforms where instruction occurs outside a traditional classroom setting.

4. (4) "Teacher of record" means a licensed educator employed by the LEA who:

   1. (a) has direct responsibility for a student's educational progress;
   2. (b) maintains oversight of curriculum quality and alignment with state standards; and
   3. (c) documents the student's academic participation and progress.

Enacted by Chapter 199, 2026 General Session