HOME SCHOOLING - PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The School Committee acknowledges the provisions for equivalent instruction under Maine law. It further recognizes that the term "equivalent" is intended to mean "alternate" or "other" and is not intended to mean equal or same. The School Committee further desires to provide for the needs of all children whose parents reside within the boundaries of the school system and intend that services and resources of the school system be made available to equivalent instruction (home-schooled) students within the provisions outlined in this policy.

In order to maintain an efficient and orderly school program, the School Committee directs the administration to develop procedures, as appropriate, regarding the availability of school system resources and services in support of equivalent instruction programs that have been approved by the Commissioner. The procedures shall be in accord with the following provisions.

Required Participation

A. Maine Educational Assessment: If a parent of a student in an equivalent instruction program decides to have the student participate in the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA), there must be compliance with all rules and procedures governing testing conditions in this public school system.

B. Special Education Services: Such services will be available for eligible special education students in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Permitted Participation

A. Participation in Regular Classes: Home instruction students may enroll in specific classes provided that the student's attendance is regular, the student completes all assignments and tests as are required of other students in the class, the class is deemed to be age and grade appropriate, and all prerequisite course requirements are met.

B. Participation in Co-curricular Activities: Students may participate in co-curricular activities such as field trips, assemblies, and academically -related fairs provided that prior written permission is obtained from both the parent and the principal, and that the student has agreed to abide by the same code of conduct as other participating students.

C. Participation in Extracurricular Activities: Students may participate in extracurricular activities provided the student meets the same academic, physical examination, insurance, age, and semester eligibility requirements as regularly enrolled students, the student maintains the same code of behavior as other participating students, the student travels to and from team events with the team, and the student is not enrolled in another school.

D. Use of Facilities and Equipment: Home-schooled students may use school facilities and equipment on the same basis as regularly enrolled students provided the use does not disrupt regular school activities, the use has been approved by the school principal, the use will not create additional expense to the school system, the use is directly related to the school program, and the use does not involve removing furniture or equipment from the school premises.

E. Use of School Texts and Library Materials: Home-schooled students may use school texts and library materials provided they are appropriate to the age and grade of the student, they are signed out for the same length of time as for other students, and the parent agrees to pay the school system for all lost, damaged or unreturned texts and/or library materials.

Other

A. Annual Assessment of Academic Progress: The school system may allow inclusion of home-schooled children in the annual standardized assessment programs, provided that there is no interference with or disruption of the regular program, and that there is full compliance with all established testing conditions.

B. Course Credit and Diploma Eligibility: No high school credit will be awarded for course work completed through home instruction except in such cases where the school principal has determined that the course work meets all requirements of School Committee policy. Specific course credit requirements, as specified in School Committee policy, must be met prior to the awarding of a high school diploma.

C. Re-admission to the School Pro gram : Placement of home -schooled students who wish to be re-admitted to the school program will be determined by the school principal who shall consult with members of the professional staff to the extent appropriate . The principal may direct that a test or tests be administered to help determine grade level. The decision of the principal may be appealed to t he superintendent whose decision will be final.

Legal Reference: TITLE 20A MRSA SEC. 5001-A.3

BASIC SCHOOL APPROVAL REG., CHAP. 125.1 RULES FOR EQUIVALENT INSTRUCTION THROUGH HOME INSTRUCTION, CHAP. 130

Adopted: 6-2-98