In the event a child of compulsory attendance age, over age six and under age sixteen, does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school the child must receive competent private instruction.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student must notify the school district prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the school district.  The forms are available in the central administration office.  One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the school district and another copy will be forwarded to the area education agency.

The superintendent will determine whether the completed form is in compliance with the law.  Specifically, the superintendent will determine whether the individual providing the instruction is either the student’s parent, guardian, legal custodian or an Iowa licensed practitioner; whether the licensed practitioner’s license is appropriate for the age and grade level of the student; that the student is being instructed a minimum of one hundred and forty-eight days per year; that immunization evidence is provided for students placed under competent private instruction for the first time and that the report is timely filed.

The school district will report noncompliance 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 are eligible to request open enrollment to another school district.  Prior to the request for open enrollment, the student will request dual enrollment in the resident district.  The receiving district will 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 will notify the resident district.  The resident district will then report the noncompliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction from a parent, guardian or legal custodian must be evaluated annually by May 1 unless such person is properly licensed.  The parent, guardian or legal custodian may choose either a standardized test approved by the Iowa Department of Education or a portfolio evaluation.  If the parent, guardian or legal custodian chooses standardized testing and the student is dual enrolled, the school district will pay for the cost of the standardized test and the administration of the standardized test.  If the student is not dual enrolled, the parent, guardian or legal custodian will reimburse the school district for the cost of the standardized test and the administration of the standardized test.  If a parent, guardian or legal custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction chooses portfolio assessment as the means of annual assessment, the portfolio evaluator must be approved by the superintendent.  Portfolio evaluators must hold a valid Iowa practitioner’s license or teacher certificate appropriate to the ages and grade levels of the children whose portfolios are being assessed.  No annual evaluation is required for students receiving competent private instruction from an appropriately licensed or certified Iowa practitioner.

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 school district will refer a student who may require special education to the area education agency, Division of Special Education, for evaluation.

Students in competent private instruction must make adequate progress.  Adequate progress includes scoring at the thirtieth percentile on a standardized test or a report by the portfolio evaluator indicating adequate progress.  Students who fail to make adequate progress under competent private instruction provided by the student’s parent, guardian or legal custodian will attend an accredited public or nonpublic school beginning the next school year.  The parent, guardian or legal custodian of a student who fails to make adequate progress may apply to the director of the Department of Education for approval of continued competent private instruction under a remediation plan.

The remediation plan is for no more than one year.  Before the beginning of the school year, the student may be re-tested and if the student achieves adequate progress the student may remain in competent private instruction

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 256.11; 279.10, .11; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24, 299A  (2001).
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  501       Student Attendance
                                 502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       503       Student Activities
                                       507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                       604.8    Dual Enrollment
                                       604.10  Dual Enrollment

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 11-18-91; 11-15-93; 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised 12-16-91; 12-20-93; 05-19-03

The board's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular education program.  Generally, students attending the school district will receive the regular education 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 will 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 is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24; 299A (2001).

Cross Reference:  501.12  Pregnant Students
                                       604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16 
Revised 05-19-03

The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program.  The board will identify students with special abilities and provide education 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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (2001).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.

Cross Reference:  505       Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       604.7    Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16 
Revised 05-19-03

The board recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program.  The board will provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.

It is 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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (2001).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.

Cross Reference:  505       Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       607.1    Student Guidance and Counseling Program

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised 05-19-03

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.

In notifying the superintendent, the parents will abide by the following:

        ·        The notice is in writing;

        ·        The objection is based on religious beliefs;

        ·         The objection will state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;

        ·         The objection will state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and

        ·         The objection will state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The superintendent will have discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent will 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.

Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs are required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

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 Code §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (2001).

Cross Reference:  603       Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.4    School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised 05-19-03

Students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or vocational-technical credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions.  The student may receive academic or vocational-technical credits through an agreement between a post-secondary educational institution or with the board's approval on a case-by-case basis.

Students in grades nine through twelve who successfully complete courses in post-secondary educational institutions under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution will receive academic and vocational-technical credits in accordance with the agreement.

Students who have completed the eleventh grade but who have not completed the graduation requirements set out by the board may take up to seven semester hours of credit at a post-secondary educational institution during the summer months when school is not in session if the student pays for the courses.  Upon successful completion of these summer courses, the students will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board.  Successful completion of the course is determined by the post-secondary educational institution.  The board will have complete discretion to determine the academic credit to be awarded to the student for the summer courses.

The following factors are considered in the board's determination of whether a student will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for a course at a post-secondary educational institution:

      ·    the course is taken from a public or accredited private post-secondary educational institution;

      ·    a comparable course is not offered in the school district.  A comparable course is one in which the subject matter or the purposes and objectives of the course are similar, in the judgment of the board, to a course offered in the school district;

      ·    the course is in the discipline areas of mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, vocational-technical education, or a course offered in the community college career options program;

      ·    the course is a credit-bearing course that leads to a degree;

      ·    the course is not religious or sectarian; and

      ·    the course meets any other requirements set out by the board.

Students in grades eleven and twelve who take courses, other than courses taken under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution, are responsible for transportation without reimbursement to and from the location where the course is being offered.

Ninth and tenth grade talented and gifted students and all students in grades eleven and twelve will be reimbursed for tuition and other costs directly related to the course up to $250.  Students who take courses during the summer months when school is not in session are responsible for the costs of attendance for the courses.

Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit will reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course.  Prior to registering for the course, students under age eighteen will have a parent 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 for the course.  Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course for reasons beyond their control, including, but not limited to, the student's incapacity, death in the family or a move to another district, may not be responsible for the costs of the course.  The school board may waive reimbursement of costs to the school district for the previously listed reasons.  Students dissatisfied with a school board's decision may appeal to the AEA for a waiver of reimbursement.

The superintendent is responsible for annually notifying students and parents of the opportunity to take courses at post-secondary educational institutions in accordance with this policy.  The superintendent will also be responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 261C; 279.8; 280.3, .14 (2011).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12, 22.

Cross Reference:  505       Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       604.3    Program for Talented and Gifted Students

Approved 01-15-90                              
Reviewed 03-16-92; 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised 04-20-92

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district.  The student is considered under dual enrollment.  The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary prior to the third Friday of September each year 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 the fees required for participation.

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.

The school district will notify the dual enrollment student of the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student wishes to participate.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A (2001).
                                       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    Competent Private Instruction
                                       604.10  Home School Assistance Program

Approved 12-16-91                        
Reviewed 11-15-93; 04-10-03; 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised 12-20-93; 04-19-03

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization.  Foreign students must be approved by the board.  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:

        ·        The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;

        ·        The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or

        ·        The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and

        ·        The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2001).

Cross Reference:  501       Student Attendance
                                       507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved 05-19-03                        
Reviewed 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised                   

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 is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 299A (2001).
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  504       Student Activities
                                       507       Student Health and Well-Being
                                       604.1    Competent Private Instruction
                                       604.8    Dual Enrollment

Approved 05-19-03                        
Reviewed 11-17-08; 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised                   

The board recognizes that on-line 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 a maximum of _________ credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing on-line courses offered through agencies approved by the board, such as the Iowa On-Line Learning.  Credit from an on-line or virtual course may be earned only in the following circumstances: 

• The course is not offered at the high school;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirements;
• The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
• The student has been expelled from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or
• The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

Students applying for permission to take a virtual course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an on-line learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an on-line course. The school must receive an official record of the final grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

Provided courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the costs for a virtual course, such as textbooks 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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2005)
                                    281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:  605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                       501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved 11-17-08                        
Reviewed 02-21-12; 05-11-16
Revised__________