Rules and Regulations for Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama

Transcription

1 Rules and Regulations for Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama Alabama State Department of Education Thomas R. Bice, State Superintendent of Education July 9, 2013 For the latest version of this handbook and all other documents go to the ALSDE Non-Public Schools Link at The Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, or age in its programs, activities, or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person is responsible for handling inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Education, PO Box , Montgomery, AL , telephone (334)

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Statutory Governance of Non-Public Alabama Schools 4 Differences in Non-Public Entities 5 Application for Non-Public School License Procedure 8 Application for Certificate of Exemption Procedure 11 Application for Deferred License Procedure 12 Alabama Non-Public School Licensure Fee Schedule 13 USDOE- and State-Recognized Regional and National Institutional Accrediting Agencies 14 Governance of Homeschooled/Private-Tutored Students 20 APPENDICES 23 APPENDIX A NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL FORMS 24 FORM PS-1 LICENSE APPLICATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS 25 FORM PS-2 NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL PERFORMANCE BOND 26 FORM PS-3 NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL AGENT BOND 27 FORM PS-4 APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE PERSONNEL DATA 28 FORM PS-5 APPLICATION FOR AGENT PERMIT 29 FORM PS-6 TEACHER SCHEDULE ATTESTATION 30 New Non-Public School Site Information 31 3

4 STATUTORY GOVERNANCE OF NON-PUBLIC ALABAMA SCHOOLS Certificate of Licensure Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Licensure is to be issued to a private school pursuant to the legal requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama (1975), as implemented by the respective regulations in the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule , et seq. General Statutory Provisions: A private school includes only such schools as hold a certificate [i.e., Certificate of Licensure] issued by the State Superintendent of Education. Ala. Code No K-12 school, unless exempted per state law, shall operate unless the school first secures a license from the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) [i.e., Certificate of Licensure]. Ala. Code (b). A license [i.e., Certificate of Licensure] shall be valid for two (2) years from the date on which it was issued. Ala. Code (g). The issuance of a license [i.e., Certificate of Licensure] shall represent authority to operate an educational institution in Alabama. Ala. Code (p). All private schools, except church schools, shall register annually on or before October 10 with the ALSDE and shall report certain data to the ALSDE. Ala. Code Licensure [i.e., Certificate of Licensure] may not be advertised as an endorsement or recommendation, but it implies compliance with the laws of Alabama. Advertising may indicate only that the school is licensed by the state. Ala. Code (p). The ALSDE may invoke negative actions against any issued license [i.e., Certificate of Licensure] if the licensee school solicits or enrolls students or administers instructions through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation. Ala. Code (l). It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provisions of Chapter 46 of the Code of Alabama (1975). Ala. Code Any person required to have license but does not first obtain such a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine and/or a term of imprisonment. Ala. Code Certificate of Exemption Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Exemption is to be issued to an exempt school pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama (1975), as implemented by the respective regulations in the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule , et seq. General Statutory Provisions: An exemption shall not be construed to constitute approval or endorsement by the State of Alabama for any purpose. Ala. Code (c). Private schools that are exempted may voluntarily request to be licensed. Ala. Code (d). 4

5 DIFFERENCES IN NON-PUBLIC ENTITIES Licensed Non-Public Schools License valid for two (2) years Are accredited by state-recognized accrediting agency Have allowable credits accepted by state colleges and universities Have bonds to cover contractual agreements of parents Have licensed agents to solicit funds Have curriculum comparable to ALSDE standards Have certified teachers teaching courses they are licensed to teach Have specific policies to protect parents and students Meets all local building and zoning codes Maintains personal data records Are monitored by the ALSDE Exempt Schools Certificate valid for three (3) years May have allowable credits accepted by colleges and universities Exempt Church schools provide evidence establishing parochial or religious affiliation, non-profit status, and official catalog listing courses and programs of study May or may not have certified teachers licensed to teach courses Are accredited by state-recognized accrediting agency or have completed a Qualified Schools Statement of Assurances Form Exempt schools may be: A church/parochial school A school operated by a community educational organization or group of parents that is organized as a non-profit educational corporation A private school in operation and nationally accredited continuously since July 1, 1984 Private Tutor Courses must be taught by persons holding a valid Alabama Teaching Certificate in the branches of study to be taught Must be taught a minimum of three (3) hours per day for 140 days per calendar year Must use English language as the language of instruction Must report to the local superintendent of education Courses may or may not be accepted by colleges, universities, public or non-public schools 5

6 Certificate of Licensure Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Licensure will be issued to a private school that conforms to the following requirements (Code of Alabama (1975), ): a. Instruction shall be by persons holding certificates issued by the State Superintendent of Education. b. Instruction shall be offered in the several branches of study required to be taught in Alabama public schools. c. Instruction shall be in the English language. d. A register of attendance shall be kept clearly indicating every absence of every child for a half day or more. Upon satisfactory review of a school, the ALSDE shall issue a license to be publicly displayed on the premises where the school operates (Code of Alabama (1975), (c). Application for a license shall also include: a. The payment of licensing fees. b. Proof of establishment of financial stability. c. Submission of a financial statement. d. Submission of a copy of the current catalog of the school, which shall include numerous items (i). Upon receipt of the required information, the Alabama State Department of Education may issue a license provided the institution is complying with the following standards, per Ala. Code : a. The courses, curriculum, and instructions of such school are consistent, in quality and content, with recognized educational standards as determined by the ALSDE. b. There is adequate space, equipment, instructional material, and instructor personnel to provide training of good quality. c. Adequate records as determined by the ALSDE are kept to show attendance and student progress. d. The school is financially sound and capable of fulfilling its commitments for training. e. Schools or courses domiciled outside Alabama shall designate a state agent. f. A student enrollment agreement shall be utilized. g. The school shall comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 6

7 Certificate of Exemption Upon satisfactory application, the following categories of schools, summarized below, may qualify for a Certificate of Exemption per the Code of Alabama (1975), : a. Schools operated on a non-profit basis whose courses do not lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree and are limited to the preparation for the ministry of any established church or religion. b. Courses conducted by employers or labor unions for employees or members. c. Schools operated by a parochial or religious organization and/or as a ministry of a local church on a non-profit basis: A church school is legally defined in the Code of Alabama (1975), , as a school that: o Offers instruction in Grades K-12 or any combination thereof. o Operates as a ministry of a local church, group of churches, denomination, and/or association of churches on a non-profit basis. o Does not receive any state or federal funding. Schools operated by a community, educational organization, or group of parents organized as a non-profit educational operation. Schools principally supported and operated by the state of Alabama or its political subdivisions. Seminars offered by professional business, trade, or religious organization or public programs of training. Any private school conducting resident courses whose principal base of operation is in Alabama that has been in continuous operation for 20 years or more as of July 1, 2004, and that held accreditation as of that date by an accrediting agency recognized by the USDOE. (An accredited private school whose accreditation is withdrawn, suspended, or revoked shall forfeit its exemption status until accreditation is restored. Code of Alabama (1975), (b) Programs of study regulated by other state public boards, commissions, or agencies requiring school licensure and/or performance bonding except where the appropriate regulatory agency requires a license. 7

8 Application for Private School License Procedure No private school except those enumerated in Code of Alabama (1975), , with supporting documentation as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code, r , shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education. All private schools seeking licensure shall submit the following: 1. Applicant shall complete the online License application forms. A link for non-public schools will be provided at a. A completed license application on Form PS-1. b. A completed form for school personnel data on Form PS-4. AND 2. Applicants shall also provide the following documentation to the Alabama State Department of Education: a. A copy of the Certificate of Existence granted by the Secretary of State s Office (out-of-state or online organizations only). b. A copy of the Accreditation Certificate issued by a state-recognized accrediting agency. c. Name, address, and telephone of the school and its governing body, officials, and faculty. d. A clear and concise statement of the objectives of the training given by the school. e. A tuition and refund policy that is in compliance with the appropriate regulations pursuant to the Code of Alabama (1975), f. A grievance policy that directs aggrieved students to first attempt to resolve complaints through the appropriate school officials. Student grievances not resolved by the school shall be referred to the Alabama State Department of Education. (Online schools, distance learning, or schools offering courses thorough correspondence or other nontraditional settings skip to Step 7) g. A completed form and Application for Agent s Permit on Form PS-5. Form PS-5 must be presented in person to the Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, and be accompanied by a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education in the amount of $100. h. A completed surety bond for a licensed agent of the school on Form PS-3. (1) Present evidence of a surety bond supplied by the school covering each agent in the amount of $5,000. Surety bond should be presented to the Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, and be in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. (2) A completed performance surety bond for the school on Form PS-2 in the amount necessary to assure the performance of agreements or contracts with students. Surety bond should be presented to the Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, 8

9 AND and be in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. To further demonstrate compliance with requirements set forth in Code of Alabama (1975), (j): 3. An attestation affidavit signed by the local building inspector stating that all school facilities comply with local building codes. 4. Attendance reports and school schedules submitted to the LEA a the state-approved student information system format. 5. A copy of the most recent audit conducted that demonstrates the school is financially sound and capable of fulfilling its commitments for training. 6. Applicant shall submit a license fee in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education in the amount of $500 for the initial license and $250 thereafter. 7. Out-of-state or online educational providers authorized under the Code of Alabama (1975), and , shall submit a license fee in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education in the amount equal ½ of 1% of annual gross income from Alabama students, not less than $2,500 and not to exceed $15,000. The initial fee shall be $2,500. a. Included with such payment shall be accurate documentation providing the total tuition collected over the past 12 months from Alabama students. The documentation must be certified as true and accurate by a certifying official of the institution. b. Each school or course/program domiciled outside the state of Alabama shall designate a State Agent who is a resident of Alabama to service all complaints against the school. The resident State Agent is required to have an agent's permit that is issued by the ALSDE. (1) Present evidence of a surety bond supplied by the school covering each State Agent in the amount of $5,000. Surety bond should be presented to Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, and be in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. (2) A completed performance surety bond for the school on Form PS-3 in the amount necessary to assure the performance of agreements or contracts with students. Surety bond should be presented to Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, and be in the form of a cashier s check, money order, or online payment made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. 9

10 An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the Alabama State Department of Education. The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), , with supporting documentation as prescribed by the Alabama Administrative Code, r , shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education. 10

11 Application for Certificate of Exemption Procedure Conditions and exceptions stated in the Alabama Administrative Code, r , shall not apply to certain "exempt schools" that meet the criteria for exempt status enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), Such "exempt schools" shall retain their exempt status only as long as the conditions of exemption remain valid. Schools seeking to be declared as an exempt school shall submit the one of the following three documents to the Alabama State Department of Education: 1. Applicant shall provide a copy of non-profit articles of incorporation or documentary evidence establishing parochial or religious affiliation that may include an official catalog listing sectarian courses and/or programs of study. 2. Applicant shall provide a copy of appropriate license, certificate, or approval by other state public boards, commissions, or agencies requiring both school licensure or performance bonding, or both except where the appropriate agency requires a license under this chapter. 3. Applicant shall provide a copy of the charter or articles of incorporation demonstrating the school was in operation and accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education continuously as of July 1, In addition, schools seeking to be declared as an exempt school shall submit all of the following documents to the Alabama State Department of Education: 1. Applicant shall provide a copy of the charter or articles of incorporation with by-laws establishing a non-profit mode of operation. 2. Applicant shall complete an license application on Form PS-1. A link for non-public schools will be provided at 3. Applicant shall provide a copy of the Accreditation Certificate issued by a state-recognized accrediting agency. 4. Applicant shall provide a certificate fee in the form of an online payment, cashier s check, or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education in the amount of $500. Payment should be sent to the Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL Each certificate issued will be valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance. An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the department. Any school seeking exempt status that cannot provide all necessary documentation must follow procedures for seeking a private school license. The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), , with supporting documentation as prescribed by the Alabama Administrative Code, r , shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education. 11

12 Application for Deferred License Procedure The Code of Alabama (1975), (k), provides that any license applied for pursuant to this section shall be granted, deferred, or denied within 28 days of the receipt of the application by the Alabama State Department of Education. Under extenuating circumstances as approved by the State Superintendent of Education, schools submitting an incomplete application as of October 11 may be eligible to obtain a deferred license. The procedure for obtaining a deferred license is shown below. A link for non-public schools forms will be provided at 1. Applicant shall submit in writing to the State Superintendent of Education a formal request to be considered for a deferred license. This request shall include: a. The area(s) on the license application in which documentation cannot be provided. b. A corrective action plan to address the reasons the documentation cannot be provided. c. A statement of assurance that any and all deficiencies in obtaining a license shall be rectified within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the State Superintendent of Education (not to exceed three [3] years from the date of issuance of a deferred license). 2. Applicant shall submit a completed performance surety bond on Form PS-2 in the amount necessary to assure the performance of agreements or contracts with students. The surety bond should be presented to the Office of Non-Public Licensure at 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104, and be in the form of an online payment, cashier s check, or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. 3. Out of state applicants shall submit a copy of the Certificate of Existence granted by the Secretary of State s Office to the Alabama State Department of Education. 4. Applicant shall submit a license fee in the form of an online payment, cashier s check, or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education in the amount of $500. Each deferred license is valid for one (1) year. Applicants may be issued no more than three (3) consecutive deferred licenses. An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the department. The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), , with supporting documentation as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code, r , shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education. 12

13 Alabama Non-Public School Licensure Fee Schedule License Fee (Two Year) Initial Private School K-12 $500 Out-of-State or Online Provider $2,500 Initial year; thereafter, ½ of 1% of annual gross income from Alabama students, not less than $2,500 and not to exceed $15,000 Renewal Private School K-12 $100 per extension or branch office Deferred License (One Year) Private School K-12 $500 Certificate of Exemption (Three Year) Church Schools/Exempt Schools $500 Initial and Renewal State Agent Permit State Agent $100 Alabama Treatment Center Endorsement Fee Endorsement Fee (Three Year) for State-Supported $0 Treatment Centers Certificate of Exemption (Three Year) for State $500 Supported Treatment Centers Fees are due at the time of application or request; provide gross tuition documentation. Fees are nonrefundable. Fees should be made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. The Alabama State Department of Education reserves the right to adjust fees based upon the cost to enforce the requirements of the Private School/Treatment Center Division. No personal checks accepted; please send cashier s check or money order if not completed online. 13

14 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (USDOE) RECOGNIZED REGIONAL AND NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITING AGENCIES Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training 1978/2008/S2013 Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of institutions of higher education that offer continuing education and vocational programs that confer certificates or occupational associate degrees, including those programs offered via distance education. Title IV Note: Only those institutions classified by this agency as "vocational" may use accreditation by the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. Roger J. Williams, Executive Director 1722 N Street, NW Washington, DC Tel. (202) , Fax (202) address: rjwilliams@accet.org Web address: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools 1956/2011/S2013-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical, or occupational careers, including those that offer those programs via distance education. Albert C. Gray Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer 750 First Street, NE, Suite 980 Washington, DC Tel. (202) , Fax (202) address: agray@acics.org Web address: Commission of Career Schools and Colleges 1967/2011/S2016 Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degreegranting institutions in the United States, including those granting associate, baccalaureate, and master s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade, and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education. Michale McComis, Executive Director 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, Virginia Tel. (703) , Fax (703)

15 address: Web address: Council on Occupational Education 1969/2011/S2013-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidacy Status") throughout the United States of postsecondary occupational education institutions offering non-degree and applied associate degree programs in specific career and technical education fields, including institutions that offer programs via distance education. Gary Puckett, Executive Director 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325 Atlanta, Georgia Tel. (770) , (800) , Fax (770) address: Web address: Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission 1959/2012/S2017 Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary institutions in the United States that offer degree programs primarily by distance education up through professional doctoral degrees, and are specifically certified by the agency as accredited for Title IV purposes; and for the accreditation of postsecondary institutions in the United States not participating in Title IV that offer programs primarily by distance education or correspondence education up through professional doctoral degrees. Title IV Note: Only accredited institutions that are certified by the agency as accredited for Title IV purposes may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility of its degree granting programs to participate in Title IV programs. Michael P. Lambert, Executive Director th Street, NW Washington, DC Tel. (202) , Fax (202) address: Web address: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 1952/2007/F2012 Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidacy status") of institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including distance and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions. Elizabeth H. Sibolski, President 3624 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tel. (267) , Fax (215)

16 address: Web address: Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools 2004/2012/S2014-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation of institutions with postsecondary, non-degree granting career and technology programs in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands including those that offer all or part of their educational programs via distance education modalities. Title IV Note: Only those vocational/technical schools accredited by this agency that offer non-degree, postsecondary education may use that accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. Henry Cram, President 3624 Market Street, 2 West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tel. (267) , Fax (215) address: kkastle@cess-msa.org Web address: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education 1952/2008/S2013 Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidacy status") of institutions of higher education in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont that award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and/or doctoral degrees, including the accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions. This recognition extends to the Board of Trustees of the Association jointly with the Commission for decisions involving pre-accreditation, initial accreditation, and adverse actions. Barbara E. Brittingham, Director 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100 Burlington, Massachusetts Tel. (781) , Fax (781) address:bbrittingham@neasc.org Web address: New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of Education 1952/2007/F2012 Scope of recognition: the accreditation of those degree-granting institutions of higher education in New York, including distance education offered by those institutions, that designate the agency as their sole or primary nationally recognized accrediting agency for purposes of establishing eligibility to participate in HEA programs. John B. King, Jr., Commissioner of Education State Education Department The University of the State of New York 16

17 89 Washington Avenue Albany, New York Tel. (518) Fax (518) address: Web address: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission 1952/2008/F2012-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidate for Accreditation") of degreegranting institutions of higher education in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, including tribal institutions, and the accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions. This recognition extends to the Institutional Actions Committee jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission for decisions on cases for continued accreditation or reaffirmation and continued candidacy. This recognition also extends to the Review Committee of the Accreditation Review Council, jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission, for decisions on cases for continued accreditation or candidacy and for initial candidacy or initial accreditation when there is a consensus decision by the Review Committee. Sylvia Manning, President 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite Chicago, Illinois Tel. (312) , (800) , Fax (312) address: smanning@hlcommission.org Web address: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 1952/2008/S2013 Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidacy status") of postsecondary degree-granting educational institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, including the accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions. Sandra E. Elman, President th Avenue, NE, Suite 100 Redmond, Washington Tel. (425) , Fax (425) address: selman@nwccu.org Web address: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 1952/2012/S2014-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ( Candidate for Accreditation ) of degreegranting institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, including the accreditation of programs offered via distance and correspondence education within these institutions. This recognition extends to 17

18 the SACSCOC Board of Trustees and the Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly on cases of initial candidacy or initial accreditation and for continued accreditation or candidacy. Belle S. Wheelan, President 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, Georgia Tel. (404) , Fax (404) address: Web address: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission 1991/2011/S2013-C Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ( Candidate status ) of Christian postsecondary institutions in the United States that offer certificates, diplomas, and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, including institutions that offer distance education. T. Paul Boatner, President P.O. Box 328 Forest, Virginia Tel. (434) , Fax (434) address: info@tracs.org Web address: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges 1952/2008/F2013 Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation ("Candidate for Accreditation") of twoyear, associate degree-granting institutions located in California, Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including the accreditation of such programs offered via distance education at these colleges. Barbara A. Beno, President 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204 Novato, California Tel. (415) , Fax (415) address: accjc@accjc.org Web address: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities 1952/2007/F2012 Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation ("Candidate for Accreditation") of senior colleges and universities in California, Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including distance education programs offered at those institutions. 18

19 Ralph Wolff President and Executive Director 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, California Tel. (510) , Fax (510) address: Web address: STATE-RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING AGENCIES Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) 1241 Woodley Road Montgomery, Alabama Web site: Phone: (334) Fax: (334) National Christian School Association (NCSA) Box Oklahoma City, OK Web site: Phone: Fax Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) P.O. Box Colorado Springs, CO Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) 5901 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd NE Suite B-200 Atlanta GA

20 Governance of Homeschooled/Private-Tutored Students For a student to be homeschooled in the state of Alabama, the following criteria must be met: 1. The student must be enrolled in a homeschool setting as authorized by an entity that holds a current Certificate of Exemption or Private School License in the state of Alabama. OR 2. The student must be instructed by a private tutor. The requirements for authorized non-public entities are found in the Rules and Regulations for Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama Non-Public Schools Handbook. Requirements of Private Tutors 1. Must hold a certificate issued by the State Superintendent of Education. The certificate must be in the branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of this state. 2. Instruction must be for at least three (3) hours per day for 140 days each calendar year, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 3. Instruction must be in the English language. Reporting Requirements Before instruction begins, file with the local superintendent (of the district in which the student resides) the following: 1. A statement showing the child or children to be instructed. 2. The subjects to be taught. 3. The times and frequency the instruction will be administered. 4. A register of work shall be maintained showing the daily hours used for instruction and the attendance or absence of any child being instructed (for a half day or more). 5. At the end of the fifth (5 th ) day from opening of the public school, the homeschool or private tutor (but not church school) shall report to the superintendent of the district in which the student resides, the following: a. The names and addresses of all children of mandatory age that are enrolled. b. Thereafter, weekly report to said superintendent the names and addresses of all enrolled students that were absent without being excused (or whose absence was not satisfactorily explained by the parent or legal guardian). 6. The enrollment and attendance of a child in a church school shall be filed with the superintendent of the district in which the student resides. 7. The form shall be countersigned by the administrator of the church school and returned to the public school superintendent by the parent. 8. Should the child cease to be enrolled at a church school, the parent or legal guardian shall notify the local public school superintendent that the child is no longer in attendance at a church school. Ala. Code , , , ,