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HOME SCHOOL/ONLINE SCHOOL POLICY 4095

1. PHILOSOPHY

1.1 The Sevier School District Board of Education recognizes that a quality education is the right of every school age child everywhere; that it is the desire and responsibility of the Board to ensure a quality education for every school-age child in the Sevier School District in compliance with the compulsory education laws; that it is the duty of the Board to enforce the compulsory attendance laws by placing responsibility on parents to comply or to face penalty for noncompliance; that in all decisions what is best for the individual child and/or the children within the district boundaries will be the first consideration of decision-makers.

1.2 Sevier School District will make every effort to fulfill its obligation to the school age children within its jurisdiction by providing a free and appropriate public education (F.A.P.E.) that includes the courses prescribed by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as well as a broad range of electives designed to equip students with the experiences to become academically, culturally, and consciously contributing citizens.

1.3 The Sevier School District Board of Education further believes that the educational needs of its students can best be met in the classrooms of the Sevier District schools where core curriculum and enrichment are taught by certificated teachers. However, the Board recognizes that if it is the wish of a parent to have his child/children educated in an alternative setting to public education, namely, home school or online, the District will cooperate in suggesting an educational plan that sincerely promotes what is best for the child.

1.4 With the approval of the public school which the student would attend, the home schooled or online student may be enrolled there for some periods and/or particular activities in accordance with UCA 53A-11-102.5. This dual enrollment would provide the student with the opportunities for group participation that may not be available in the home school or online.

1.5 Therefore, Sevier School District Board of Education recognizes that the home school or online school may be a viable alternative to public school in some instances and that a parent can provide a quality education at home if he/she is qualified, dedicated, and sincere in the purpose for his/her choice.

1.6 When home school providers and public school officials agree on what is best for the child and both work to provide a quality education, the child will be the beneficiary.

1.7 The requirements and procedures herein described should be regarded as policy by the home school or online school parent.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 Curriculum: the courses offered by an educational institution, herein used to refer to the course of study offered in Sevier School District schools as mandated by Utah law.

2.2 Home school: a school in which a parent educates his/her own child/children at home, not a group of unrelated children; attendees must be officially excused by the district from the compulsory public school attendance law.

2.3. Home school student: To be considered a home school student the child/children cannot be enrolled in any public school, to include online, or charter school unless dual enrollment has been granted by the Sevier School District.
2.4 “Home school” means a school, other than a private school, comprised of one or more students officially excused from compulsory public school attendance under this policy and UTAH CODE ANN., § 53G-6-204.
2.5 Dual enrollment student: Any child who is enrolled in a regularly established private school, a home school, or Sevier Connection Online and is also enrolled as a student with a school in Sevier School District. A child cannot dual enroll with Sevier School District if currently enrolled in another public school other than Sevier including online or charter. Dual enrollment will only be allowed under reasonable circumstances and upon approval of District administration.
2.6 A student enrolled in a dual enrollment program is considered a student of the District for purposes of state funding to the extent of the student’s participation in the District school’s programs. A student attending activities or a portion of the school day under the dual enrollment program shall be subject to the same behavior and discipline rights and requirements of a full- time student, and shall be subject to administrative scheduling and teacher discretion of the District school.
2.7 Extracurricular Activities. Students exempt from compulsory education requirements may be eligible for participation in extracurricular public school activities. Such participation is governed and more fully described by UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-703, UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-494, Sevier School District Policy #3050A, Eligibility to Participate in Extracurricular Activities and District administrative directives .(Elementary and Middle schools do not offer any kind of extracurricular activities.)
2.8 Fees. Students exempt from compulsory education requirements who also participate in extracurricular activities or dual enrollment in the District are responsible for school fees in the same manner as full-time District students as set forth in Sevier School District policy #3035 School Fee Guidelines. School fees may be waived in accordance with applicable law.
2.9 Online student: A child who participates in an online education program sponsored or supported by the State Board of Education, a school district, or a charter school and who generates funding for the school district or school under Utah Cone Ann. § 53A*17a-103(4) and State Board of Education Rules.
2.10 Extracurricular Activity: Any interscholastic competition of athletic teams sponsored and supported by a public school; or an interscholastic contest or competition for music, drama, or forensic groups or teams sponsored and supported by a public school.
2.11 Home School Waiver: An exemption from a known right or responsibility, herein used to refer to the certificate issued by the District to exempt a school age child from the compulsory public school attendance law to attend the home school provided by his/her parent for one, and only one, school year (beginning date of school year to the last day of that school year).

2.12. Sevier Connection Online K-8: An online public school offering kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum. It is offered in an effort to provide appropriate educational support to home school students or to students with circumstances that would require this offering upon approval.

2.13. Sevier Connection Online High School: An online public school offering 9th - 12th grade curriculum. It is offered in an effort to provide appropriate educational support home school students or to students with circumstances that would require this offering upon approval. Credit and diploma offered through Cedar Ridge High School.

3. LAW COMPULSORY EDUCATION

3.1 Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the parent of a minor student is required to enroll and send the student to a public or regularly established private school. UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-202. A public school may include a District school, a school in another district wherein the student may be legally enrolled, or a charter school. A student who is not attending a public school or a regularly established private school must obtain an exemption certificate as provided herein.

3.2 See Sevier School District policy #3020 for details concerning attendance.

3.3 In order to earn a diploma from high school in Sevier School District, the student must have earned enough credit from an accredited school to satisfy the graduation requirements established by the Board of Education.
3.3.1 The Utah State Law concerning compulsory attendance provides the legal basis for the establishment of home schools. The pertinent part of the law is: Section 101.5
3.3.1.1 A person having control of a minor between six and 18 years of age is exempt from UCA §53A-11-101 (school attendance) if the minor is excused from attendance by the local board of education for one of the following reasons:

3.3.1.2 A minor over age 16 may receive a partial release from school to enter employment if the minor has completed the eighth grade. Minors excused under this subsection are required to attend part-time schooling or home schooling as prescribed by the board; or

3.3.1.2.1 Students may be excluded from the compulsory attendance requirement in the following circumstances:

3.3.1.2.2 The minor has completed the work required for graduation from high school.

3.3.1.2.3 The minor is taught at home in the subjects required by the Utah State Board of Education (USOE) in accordance with requirements established by USOE and the Sevier School District Board of Education for the same length of time as minors are required by law to be taught in the district schools.

3.3.1.3 In each case, evidence of reasons for granting an exemption must be sufficient to satisfy the local board.

3.3.1.4 Boards excusing minors from attendance shall issue a certificate stating that the minor is excused from attendance during the time specified on the certificate.

4. SERVICES

4.1 Board Release
4.1.1 Students who meet one or more of the following conditions to the satisfaction of the Board shall be exempt from the compulsory education requirements and shall be given a certificate stating that the student is excused from public school attendance during the time specified on the certificate.
4.1.1.1 A student over age sixteen (16) may receive a partial release from school to enter employment or attend a trade school if the student has completed the eighth (8th) grade. Minor students receiving this exemption must still attend school or home school part-time as required by the Board.
4.1.1.2 On an annual basis, a minor student may receive a full release from attending a public, regularly established private, or part-time school or class if any one of the following is established to the Board’s satisfaction:
4.1.1.2.1 The minor student has already completed the work required for graduation from high school;
4.1.1.2.2 The minor student is in a physical or mental condition, certified by a competent physician, which renders attendance inexpedient and impracticable;
4.1.1.2.3 Proper influences and adequate opportunities for education are provided in connection with the minor student’s employment; OR
4.1.1.2.4 The Superintendent determines that the minor student, if over the age of sixteen (16), is unable to profit from attendance at school because of inability or a continuing negative attitude toward school regulations and discipline.

4.2 Home School Exemption
4.2.1 The Board will excuse a student from attendance if the student’s parent files a signed and notarized Home School Affidavit with the District, as described in section 5, stating that:

4.2.1.1 the minor student will attend a home school; and

4.2.1.2 the parent assumes sole responsibility for the education of the student, except to the extent the student is dual enrolled as provided in section 8.

4.2.2 The parent of a minor student who attends a home school is solely responsible for:

4.2.2.1 The selection of instructional materials and textbooks;

4.2.2.2 The time, place, and method of instruction; AND

4.2.2.3 The evaluation of the home school instruction.

4.2.3 The Board may not:

4.2.3.1 Require a parent of a minor student who attends a home school to maintain records of instruction or attendance;

4.2.3.2 Require credentials for individuals providing home school instruction;

4.2.3.3 Inspect home school facilities; OR

4.2.3.4 Require standardized or other testing of home school students.

4.2.4 In an effort to provide appropriate educational support to home schools or online students, the Board of Education will upon request:

4.2.4.1 Allow enrollment to Sevier Connection Online schools to the appropriate grade level. Access to curriculum, textbooks, and other educational resources are available through Sevier Connection Online.
4.2.4.2 Allow home school, private school or Statewide Online program online students to dual enroll and attend classes at schools in their attendance area. Home school, private school or Statewide Online program online students are eligible to participate in the extracurricular activity programs if school and Utah High School Activities Association eligibility rules are met.
4.2.4.3 The Sevier School District Board of Education places the following conditions upon students returning to the public schools from home schools: or Sevier Connection Online:
4.2.4.4 Upon students returning to the public school system, some testing may be required to place students in an appropriate grade level.
4.2.4.5 To obtain a release from school the parent or guardian will complete a “Home School Waiver.” Upon completion the waiver will be submitted to the Superintendent, who is the Board’s designee for approval.
4.2.4.6 The District must also receive assurance that reasonable academic progress is being (has been) made by the student. Evidence of this progress can be provided by (1) standardized testing, (2) end of level testing, (3) summative tests, (4) student portfolio with records of progress and samples of work to be reviewed by District personnel, (5) interview with student by district personnel, (6) other methods agreed upon by the District and home school instructor, and (7) a combination of these.

5. PROCEDURES FOR HOME SCHOOL

5.1 As required by law, parents who wish to home school their minor child or children are required to notify the District by properly completing, executing, and filing with the Coordinator of School and Student Services, or designee, a signed and notarized Home School Affidavit. The Home School Affidavit shall contain the following information:
5.1.1 The parent's name, address, and telephone number;
5.1.2 The student name(s), birth date(s);
5.1.3 Assurance that the parent assumes sole responsibility for the education of the minor student, except to the extent the minor student is dual enrolled under section 2.2;
5.1.4 The home school provider is responsible for all the teaching tools, including textbooks that are required to give the child/children a quality education. The District is in no way responsible for providing facilities, transportation or supplies;
5.1.5 A statement that the parent has not been convicted of child abuse or been the subject of a substantiated finding of child abuse by a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-204.
5.2 A signed and notarized affidavit shall remain in effect as long as the minor student attends a home school and remains a resident of the District. A copy of the signed and notarized affidavit may be given to the parent and serves as the certificate described in subsection 6.2.

5.3 The procedures to be followed by parents desiring to establish a home school and to teach their own children at home are outlined below. Annual reapplication is required.
5.3.1 The parent must notify the District of his intent to establish a home school. This may be done by letter or by going to the District Office.

5.3.2 The parent must obtain a Home School Wavier application form provided by the District, which he must complete and return to the District Office for consideration. The application must not be altered, nothing should be omitted and nothing should be changed on the form. Such action will invalidate the application making it ineligible to be considered. Parents will be required to meet with a representative of Sevier Connection Online prior to the application being considered by the Superintendent.

5.3.3 The District Superintendent, so directed by the Board of Education, will consider the application, evaluating the information provided by the parent in his application. There must be evidence that the child/children will receive instruction in the required areas as mandated by law; that the schedule will provide for the required number of hours and meet for the required number of days in the school year; that the home school provider is trained and competent in the areas required by law to be taught.

5.3.4 After due consideration by the Superintendent, the parent will receive notification of the approval or rejection of the application to home school.

5.3.5 If the application has been approved, the parent will receive a certificate of exemption from the compulsory public school attendance law for the child/children to be home schooled. The parent should file this certificate after showing it to the principal of the school the child is/would be attending. The parent may then withdraw his child from the public school and place him in the home school.

Note: A parent who is planning to provide home schooling for his child may not legally withdraw his child from public school until the child is duly registered on the District form filed in the District Office. If withdrawn prematurely, the child is considered truant. A child who has been absent from school without permission is deemed to be a habitual truant (see Sevier School District Attendance Policy # 3020). In the case of habitual truancy, the parents may be called to respond to the courts.

5.3.6 The District will require evidence that the child/children being instructed in the home school are receiving an education comparable to that of students of the same age/grade in the public schools and are making progress comparable to their public school peers. The tools to be used to make these determinations will be agreed upon at the time of the issuing of the exemption certificate and may include standardized testing, end-of-level testing, benchmark examinations or other methods of evaluation used in the public schools.
5.3.6.1 These evaluations will also be used in determining the eligibility of the home school to operate the following school year if the parent applies again.

5.3.6.2 It is important for the District to evaluate to satisfy the requirements of the Utah State Board of Education that districts provide a free and appropriate education for all school age children residing in their districts, whether in the public school system or an alternative educational environment approved by the District.

5.3.6.3 The certificate of exemption expires at the end of the school year. If the parent chooses to continue instructing his child/children in his home, he will be required to repeat the above steps before the beginning of the next school year.

5.3.6.4 If the parent determines that the challenging task of educating his child/children at home combined with the demands of time and the responsibility of parenting are depriving his family of the informality and quality time together without school pressure they are accustomed to, he may notify the District that his children will be in the public school system rather than the home school.

5.3.6.5. It is the duty of the District and/or the principal of the public school the child will be re-entering or enrolling in, if not previously a student there, to evaluate the child upon his return to public school after being instructed in a home school. The public school is not required to place the child in the grade his age peers are unless he is ready for that grade as determined through the evaluation process. One response the District may choose to make is to place the child on a form of probation with their age appropriate peers.

This will give the school time to assess the work the child should have done prior to enrolling in the public school, and still gives the school the option of moving the child if he cannot be successful at the placement level.

6. PROCEDURES FOR ONLINE SCHOOL

6.1 Contact the online school coordinator at Sevier School District and follow appropriate school enrollment policies and procedures.
6.2 A student enrolled in Sevier Connection Online as a full-time student is not considered home schooled and the Home School Waiver is not required.
6.3 Online students are required to complete a minimum of 990 instructional hours as required by law. Please see SSD Policy 3020 for specifics on attendance and course credit requirements as they relate to attendance.
6.4 Online students choosing to dual enroll are required to take a minimum of three online courses. The remaining balance of courses must be taken at a school within Sevier School District.
6.5 Sevier School District provides accommodations for Special Education Programs in accordance with federal and state regulations and guidelines. Any questions related to these services can be directed to the school in your attendance area.

7. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 For a board release under subsection 4.1, a certificate may be issued according to the following procedures.

7.1.1 The Coordinator of School and Student Services will evaluate each proposed compulsory attendance exemption submitted under subsection 4.1 and make a recommendation to the Superintendent regarding whether to issue an exemption certificate to the parents.
7.1.2 The Superintendent will then present the matter to the Board, who will ultimately decide whether to excuse the school-age minor from public school attendance under this policy.
7.1.3 When the Board excuses a minor student from public school attendance pursuant to an exemption provided in subsection 4.1, the Board shall cause a certificate to be issued by the District excusing the minor student from attendance during the time specified on the certificate, pursuant to UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-204. For all Board approved exemptions under subsection 4.1, the Superintendent or designee shall sign the Certificate.
7.2 For a Home School Exemption under subsection 4.2, the following procedures apply.
7.2.1 Within 30 days after receipt of the signed and notarized affidavit described in section 5, the Board shall approve the exemption.
7.2.2 A copy of the affidavit serves as a certificate exempting the student from attendance.
7.2.3 A student may be withdrawn from school as soon as the completed affidavit is submitted to the District in accordance with section 5.
7.2.4 The provider is responsible for accurate attendance records, lesson plans, schedule, discipline, instruction, and all other facets of providing a quality education in the home school.

7.2.5 The Superintendent is responsible for his/her being informed about the established home schools in the District. He/she must be able to answer questions from concerned tax paying citizens, and when there is reasonable doubt about the quality of the education being delivered in the home school as reported to the Superintendent, it is his/her right and responsibility to request the attendance records and/or records of work completed by the students in the school.
7.2.6 It must be that the Superintendent/District is responsible for the appropriate education for every school age child in the District.

8. DISTRICT PARTICIPATION
8.1 A student enrolled in a dual enrollment program is considered a student of the District for purposes of state funding to the extent of the student’s participation in the District school’s programs. A student attending activities or a portion of the school day under the dual enrollment program shall be subject to the same behavior and discipline rights and requirements of a full- time student, and shall be subject to administrative scheduling and teacher discretion of the District school.
8.2 Extracurricular Activities. Students exempt from compulsory education requirements may be eligible for participation in extracurricular public school activities. Such participation is governed and more fully described by UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-703, UTAH ADMIN. CODE R277-494,Sevier School District policy 3050A Eligibility to participate in Extra-curricular Activities and District administrative directives .

8.3 Fees. Students exempt from compulsory education requirements who also participate in extracurricular activities or dual enrollment in the District are responsible for school fees in the same manner as full-time District students as set forth in Sevier School District policy #3035 School Fee Guidelines. School fees may be waived in accordance with applicable law.

8.4 Students who have attended a home school pursuant to section 5 above may enroll in the District’s schools consistent with Sevier School District policy #3185, Open Enrollment/Transfer Policy and Form and subject to all eligibility requirements imposed by District policy and state and federal laws and regulations. Sevier School District believes students are best served within their age group cohort. See Policy #3015, Accelerated Promotion Policy: Administrative Guidelines.

8.5 When a home school student transfers from a home school to a school within the District, the District will place the student in the grade levels, classes, or courses that the student’s parent or guardian, in consultation with the school administrator, determine are appropriate based on the parent’s or guardian’s assessment of the student’s academic performance. UTAH CODE ANN. § 53G-6-706.

8.6 Within 30 days of a home school student’s placement in a school grade level, class, or course, either the student’s teacher or the student’s parent or guardian may request a conference to consider changing the student’s placement.

8.6.1 If the student’s teacher and the student’s parent or guardian agree on a placement change, the school will place the student in the agreed upon grade level, class, or course.
8.6.2 If the student’s teacher and the student’s parents or guardian do not agree on a placement change, the school will evaluate the student’s subject mastery in accordance with the parent or guardian’s choice between the following options:
8.6.2.1 Allowing the school to administer to the student assessments that are regularly administered to students and used to measure students’ subject matter mastery and determine placement; or

8.6.2.2 Having a private entity or individual administer assessments of subject matter mastery to the student at the parent’s or guardian’s expense.

8.6.3 After an evaluation of a student’s subject matter mastery under subsection 8.6.2, the school may change a student’s placement in a grade level, class, or course.
8.6.4 The Student Services Department will be responsible for coordination of student academic assessments.

Approved: 09/19/12
Revised: 11/15/23