EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.1 - PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
In the event a child of compulsory attendance age does not attend public school or an accredited non-public school, the child must receive competent private instruction or independent private instruction.
A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner, competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual or independent private instruction must meet the requirements outlined under Iowa law.
A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district. The forms are available in the central administration office. One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.
A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual may notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district. The forms are available in the central administration office. One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.
A parent choosing independent private instruction for a student may be asked to provide a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent instruction, and the names of the students enrolled to the district.
The superintendent or superintendent’s designee will determine whether the completed form or report is in compliance with the law. The district shall report non-compliance with the reporting, immunization, attendance, instructor qualifications, and assessment requirements of the compulsory attendance law to the county attorney of the county of residence of the student's parent, guardian, or custodian.
Students receiving competent private instruction or independent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another district. The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements. If the parent, guardian, or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district. The resident district shall then report the non-compliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian, or custodian.
Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner must make adequate progress. Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall be monitored for progress by the supervising teacher. Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner may be assessed annually. The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.
Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual must make adequate progress. Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual shall be evaluated annually by the parent, guardian or legal custodian to ensure adequate progress is being made. Students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may be assessed annually. The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.
Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner and students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may dual enroll with the district. Students receiving individual private instruction may not dual enroll with the district.
Upon the request of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction or upon referral of a licensed practitioner who provides instruction or instructional supervision of a student under competent private instruction, the district shall refer a student who may require special education to the appropriate Area Education Agency, Division of Special Education, for evaluation.
Approved: 10/17/1991
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 1/20/2014, 12/20/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.10 - VIRTUAL/ONLINE COURSES
The board recognizes that online coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements but, also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.
High school students may earn credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through the district or through agencies approved by the board and the Iowa Department of Education. Credit from an online course may be earned only in the following circumstances:
Students applying for permission to take an online course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in the online learning environment. In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course. The school must receive an official record of the student’s final percentage score and suggested grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.
Provided online courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the tuition costs for an online course shall be borne by the school district during the fall and spring semesters, but may be passed on to the parent/guardian during the summer semester. Any additional costs such as textbooks, rentals or school supplies, shall be borne by the (pick one – school district, parents) for students enrolled full-time.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.
NOTE: This policy does not apply to Senior Year Plus programs.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 256.9(55); 279.8.
281 I.A.C. 15
Cross Reference: 605.6 Internet Appropriate Use
501.6 Student Transfers In
Approved: 06/21/10
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 06/21/10, 12/20/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.1E1 - COMPETENT PRIVATE INSTRUCTION REPORT
Directions: Complete one form in duplicate (carbon or photostatic copy) for each child for whom the compulsory education law is being met in other than regular enrollment in a public school or accredited nonpublic school. NO REPORT IS NECESSARY if the child is not of compulsory attendance age (6-16 with birth date prior to September 15) or if the child is enrolled in a home school assistance program in a public or a state accredited nonpublic school. Reporter should retain a copy of this report for personal records.
Return to school district secretary by the first day of school or within 14 calendar days of removing the child from public or accredited nonpublic school.
A. MANDATORY INFORMATION. (This information is required by Iowa Code §299.4).
1. Name and birth date of child under private instruction. (Use one form for each child.)
child's name birthdate
2. Name and address of person filing report:
Name
circle one:
address parent guardian custodian
city/state/zip
3. School year and resident school district:
(e.g., 199 -9 ) resident school district
4. Number of days of instruction for the school year (min. 148)
5. Name and address of person providing instruction to the child, and relationship to child.
Name
address
city/state/zip
Circle one: parent, guardian, custodian, licensed teacher
6. Will instruction be provided or supervised by a person with a valid Iowa teacher's license/certificate appropriate for the age and grade level of the child?
yes no
If yes, print folder number of teacher:
folder no.
Name of Iowa licensed teacher:
Note: if properly licensed teacher provides or supervises instruction in accordance with 281 I.A.C. 31 of the rules of the Iowa Department of Education, no annual assessment is required. Otherwise a baseline test the first year and annual assessments thereafter are required of all students over 7 years of age who are in private instruction.
7. List subjects covered in instruction and approximate amount of time spent on each. Use extra sheet if necessary.
Circle one: daily weekly monthly quarterly by semesters annually
8. Identify texts used including title and author or publisher and grade level series. Use extra sheet if necessary.
9. If the child is being placed under private instruction for the first time, or for all children for whom no evidence was provided in a previous school year, attach evidence of the child's immunizations as required by Iowa law. Evidence includes a doctor's statement, a copy of a public health record, or the name and address of last school attended, or any other formal evidence of the dates and types of inoculations.
attached previously provided to:
(tell where, when and to whom evidence was provided)
Please attach lesson plans for the period of instruction for the academic school year as required by Iowa Code §299.4.
B. OPTIONAL INFORMATION (Note: Although not required by law for reporting purposes under Iowa Code §299.4, failure to respond may result in loss of some privileges or available options to parents, guardians or custodians.)
10. a. Indicate whether or not you desire dual enrollment in the public school for the child under competent private instruction.
yes no
b. Indicate whether dual enrollment is desired for
academics extra curricular activities both
11. If the child is dual enrolled in the public school, please specify in which grade level you wish to include the child for the purposes of academic or extracurricular activities.
grade level
12. If the child is dual enrolled, of which activities do you wish to be notified (e.g., field trips, vocal or instrumental music opportunities, physical education class, drama, art, music, science lab, driver's ed, track, volleyball, academic decathlon, mock trial, etc.)?
13. Is the child currently identified as a child requiring special education: yes no
(If "yes," approval of the AEA Director of Special Education is required before the child can be placed under competent private instruction.)
/Date __________
signature of AEA special education director or designee
14. If the answer to question 6 is no, please indicate the desired method of assessment:
Standardized testing Portfolio evaluation
A baseline test is required the first year of home schooling regardless of which type of assessment is chosen if the child is under the annual assessment requirement.
15. Please indicate which test you desire to use for Baseline (B) or Annual Assessment (AA) purposes:
B AA
_ __ California Achievement Test (CAT)
_ __ Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT)
_ __ Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS)
_ __ Stanford Achievement Test
_ __ Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) grades K-9 only
_ __ Stanford Achievement Test (Abbrev.)
_ __ Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) grades 9-12 only
Grade level of test desired
Fall Norms Winter norms Spring norms
16. If your answer to question 14 is portfolio evaluation, please provide name of portfolio evaluator, if known, and folder number
portfolio evaluator folder number
Please provide me with a list of trained portfolio evaluators.
17. Do you wish to have the school district or Area Education Agency notify you of the dates it will be conducting testing sessions, so your child can take a baseline or annual assessment test at the same time?
Yes No
18. If you answered yes to questions 10 or 17, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of the person who desires to be notified.
name address
telephone number city/state/zip
It is the responsibility of the test administrator to submit the results of the child's baseline test, and if standardized testing form of assessment is chosen, the annual standardized test results to the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child; to the district of residence; and to the Iowa Department of Education annually by June 30. If portfolio assessment is chosen, the responsibility of the portfolio evaluator is to provide a narrative report assessing the child's progress to the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian; to the district of residence; and to the Iowa Department of Education by June 30 annually. All reports to the Department should be sent to: Iowa Department of Education, Attn: Student Assessment Results, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319-0146.
Reviewed: 12/20/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.2 - INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION
The board's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular educational program. Generally, students attending the school district shall receive the regular educational program offered by the district. Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.
Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction shall state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24; 299A (1995).
Cross Reference: 501.12 Pregnant Students
604.1 Competent Private Instruction
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.3 - PROGRAM FOR TALENTED AND GIFTED STUDENTS
The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program. The board will identify students with special abilities and provide educational programming.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.
Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
604.6 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Education Institution
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.4 - PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS
The board recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program. The board shall provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.
Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
607.1 Student Guidance and Counseling Program
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.5 - RELIGIOUS-BASED EXCLUSION FROM A SCHOOL PROGRAM
Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent. The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest. Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations. Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.
In notifying the superintendent, the parents shall abide by the following:
The superintendent shall have discretion to make this determination. The factors the superintendent shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.
NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa law regarding parents removing their children from parts of the education program.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
Iowa Codes §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (1995).
Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum
606.2 School Ceremonies and Observances
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.6 - INSTRUCTION AT A POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
In accordance with this policy, students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or career and technical education credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions. Students and parents or guardians shall be made aware of the post-secondary instructional opportunities as part of the development of each student’s individual career and academic plan as required by law. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy and the following post-secondary educational opportunities:
Concurrent Enrollment
The board may, in its discretion, enter into a contractual agreement with a community college to provide courses for eligible students in grades nine through twelve when comparable courses are not offered by the school district. Notice of the availability of the concurrent enrollment program shall be included in the school district’s registration handbook, and the handbook shall identify which courses, if successfully completed, generate post-secondary credit. Students shall not be charged tuition for concurrent enrollment courses and shall not be required to reimburse the school district for tuition if they do not successfully complete a course. Students or their parents or guardians may be required to pay a fee consistent with the school district’s established textbook policy and other materials for the concurrent enrollment course to the extent permitted by law. Students or their parents or guardians may also be required to provide their own transportation to and from concurrent enrollment courses to the extent permitted by law. However, transportation shall be the responsibility of the school district for any contracted course that is used to meet school district accreditation requirements.
Students who successfully complete a concurrent enrollment course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit in accordance with the institution’s policies and high school credit that will be reflected on their high school transcript. The Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a concurrent enrollment course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Option
Ninth and tenth grade students who have been identified by the school district as gifted and talented, and eligible eleventh and twelfth grade students, may utilize the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (“PSEO”) program. To qualify, a course must be a nonsectarian, credit-bearing course that leads to a degree, and in the areas of: mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, career and technical education. A course is not eligible for PSEO if a comparable course is offered by the school district. In addition, courses at a community college with which the district has a concurrent enrollment agreement are not eligible for PSEO. Students shall not be charged for tuition, textbooks, materials, or fees related to a PSEO course with the exception of equipment that becomes the property of the student.
The school district shall reimburse the post-secondary institution for tuition and other expenses for each PSEO course up to $250. Students who successfully complete a PSEO course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit and high school credit. The Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a PSEO course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed.
Transportation to and from the postsecondary institution is the responsibility of the student or parent or legal guardian of the student enrolled in a PSEO course. Eligible students may take up to seven hours of post-secondary credit during the summer months and receive high school credit upon successful completion of a post-secondary course. However, the student or student’s parent or legal guardian are responsible for all costs associated with courses taken during the summer.
Students who fail a PSEO course and fail to receive credit are required to reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course up to the $250.00 reimbursement maximum. Prior to registering, students under the age of eighteen are required to have a parent or guardian sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit. Reimbursement waivers may be granted by the board if sufficient verification is provided to show that the student was unable to complete the course for reasons outside the student’s control, including but not limited to physical incapacity, a death in the student’s immediate family, or a move out of the school district.
If a student is unable to demonstrate proficiency or the school district or accredited nonpublic school determines that the course unit completed by the student does not meet the school district’s standards, the superintendent shall provide in writing to the student’s parent or guardian the reason for the denial of credit.
Legal References: Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11; 258; 261E; 279.61, 280.3, 280.14
281 I.A.C. 12 and 22
Cross References: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
604.3 Program for Talented and Gifted Students
Approved: 8/15/91
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 10/7/99, 12/20/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.7 - DUAL ENROLLMENT
The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district in accordance with state law and policy. The student is considered under dual enrollment. The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary no later than September 15 of the school year in which dual enrollment is sought on forms provided by the school district. On the form, they will indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the central administration office.
A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the school district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school district. The policies and administrative rules of the school district will apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled the school district. These policies and administrative rules will include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of applicable fees.
A dual enrollment student whose parent, guardian, or custodian has chosen standardized testing as the form of the student's annual assessment will not be responsible for the cost of the test or the administration of the test.
After the student notifies the school district which activities in which they wish to participate, the school district will provide information regarding the specific programs.
The applicable legal requirements for dual enrollment including, but not limited to those related to reporting and eligibility, shall be followed. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa's dual enrollment law.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A.
281 I.A.C. 31.
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being
604.1 Private Instruction
604.9 Home School Assistance Program
The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by a non-licensed individual may also enroll the student in the district. The student shall be considered under dual enrollment. The parent, guardian or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the superintendent prior to October 1st each year on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education. On the form, the parent, guardian or custodian shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the central administration office.
A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the District. The policies and administrative rules of the District shall apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled in the District. These policies and administrative rules shall include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation.
APPROVED: 10/17/1991
REVIEWED: 10/19/15
REVISED: 1/20/2014
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.8 - FOREIGN STUDENTS
Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization. The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted. Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:
NOTE: The only legal requirement for foreign students is stated in the second bullet. However, the other requirements are strongly recommended.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
604.9 - HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The board, recognizing alternatives to education outside the formal public school system, authorizes the establishment of a home school assistance program. This program will assist students receiving competent private instruction by providing licensed employees of the school district to assist the parent, guardian or legal custodian in the education of the student.
The parent, guardian or legal custodian registering for the home school assistance program will agree to comply with the requirements established by the faculty of the program.
Students registered for the home school assistance program will be counted in the basic enrollment.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 299A (1995).
281 I.A.C. 31.
Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being
604.1 Competent Private Instruction
604.7 Dual Enrollment
Approved: 10/7/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND INSTRUCTION
604.9.1 - REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
To be eligible to receive a Home School Assistance Program Certificate of Completion, a student must participate in the WACO Home School Assistance Program for at least two years immediately prior to completion of the program. In addition, the student must have taken a standardized achievement test such as the Iowa Test of Educational Development or equivalent at least twice during four years. The results of these standardized tests must be reviewed by the Home School Assistance Program teacher.
A student must complete the minimum number of credits required for graduation from the WACO Community School District. This includes the core courses required for WACO students and the additional electives required for graduation at the time the certificate of completion is to be issued. Students issued a Home School Assistance Program Certificate of Completion will be eligible to participate in the WACO graduation exercises.
Credit will be given for the following courses:
A. Courses taught by the home school assistance teacher(s).
B. Courses taken at an accredited school or community college that would be accepted for credit by the WACO Community School District.
C. Courses taught by parents that meet the following criteria:
Approved: 2/20/97
Revised: 7/20/09
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 12/20/21