HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Transcription

1 HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Nikolai P. Vitti, Ed.D., Superintendent Jacksonville, Florida

2 FOR PARENTS PARTICIPATING IN A HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 1002, FLORIDA STATUTES Home Education is a parent-directed education alternative. Home Education allows the freedom to explore and learn at the pace of the individual student. Parents who provide instruction to their children at home are requested to read carefully and comply with all of the state statutes and regulations governing the operation of a Home Education Program. In order to properly notify the superintendent of schools of their intent to establish a Home Education Program, parents are requested to complete the enclosed notification form and mail or fax it WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM. Parents who desire to use the same textbooks as those used in the Duval County Public Schools can receive information from the Education Media Textbook Section at Parents may purchase their books (new) through the Florida Book Depository at the following address: 1125 North Ellis Road (1 block north of Commonwealth Avenue) Phone: You must provide proof that you are currently enrolled in the home school program. Used textbooks may be obtained by contacting the following office on Wednesdays (between the hours of 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.). Please note that the used textbooks are 1.) off-adoption and may not be what is currently being taught in public schools and, 2.) textbooks for all subjects and/or grade levels may not be available. Consolidated Service Center (4880 Bulls Bay Highway) Phone: For assistance with curriculum planning and annual evaluations, parents may contact: Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.) Phone: (Web Site: Parents are requested to submit the results of the annual evaluation data to the following address no later than oneyear from the date the county receives your notice of intent to establish a home education program: Home Education Office, 4 th Floor, Room Prudential Drive Jacksonville, Florida Phone: or 2476 Fax: For additional information regarding textbooks, accredited correspondence programs, the Florida Virtual High School, etc., contact THE DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO AWARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS TO HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS; NOR ARE CREDITS AWARDED WHILE IN THE HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM. 2

3 GUIDELINES FOR THE HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM A Home Education Program, as defined in Section , Florida Statutes, is the sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his/her parent(s) or guardian in order to satisfy the requirements of Section , (4), and (1). A. Guidelines and Procedures for the Home Education Program 1. The parent shall notify the district school superintendent of the county in which the parent resides of her or his intent to establish and maintain a home education program. The notice shall be in writing, signed by the parent, and shall include the names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled as students in the Home Education Program. The notice shall be filed in the district school superintendent s office within 30 days of the establishment of the home education program. A written notice of termination of the Home Education Program shall be filed in the district school superintendent s office within 30 days after said termination. 2. The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio shall consist of the following: a. a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used and b. samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent for 2 years and shall be made available for inspection by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendent s agent, upon 15 days written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the district school superintendent to inspect the portfolio. 3. The parent shall provide for an annual educational evaluation in which is documented the student s demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability. The parent shall select the method of evaluation and shall file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school superintendent s office in the county in which the student resides. The annual educational evaluation shall consist of one of the following: a. A teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the student s educational progress upon review of the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level; b. The student shall take any nationally-normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher; c. The student shall take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district; d. The student shall be evaluated by an individual holding a valid, active license (as a school psychologist) pursuant to the provisions of s (7) or (8), F.S.; or e. The student shall be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the district school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student s parent resides. 4. The district school superintendent shall review and accept the results of the annual educational evaluation of the student in a Home Education program. If the student does not demonstrate educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability, the district school superintendent shall notify the parent, in writing, that such progress has not been achieved. The parent shall have 1 year from the date of receipt of the written notification to provide remedial instruction to the student. At the end of the 1-year probationary period, the student shall be reevaluated as specified in s (1) (c), F.S. Continuation in a Home Education Program shall be contingent upon the student demonstrating educational progress commensurate with her or his ability at the end of the probationary period. 5. A home education student is eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities at a public school. An extracurricular activity is any school-authorized or education-related activity occurring during or outside the regular instructional school day. A home education student must be able 3

4 to participate in curricular (class) activities if that is a requirement of the extra-curricular activity, such as marching band. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school. (s (3) (a), F.S.) a. The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s , F.S.). b. During the period of participation, the Home Education student must demonstrate educational progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education Program by a method of evaluation agreed upon by the parent and the school principal which may include the following: review of the student s work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent, grades earned through correspondence, grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or standardized test scores above the 35 th percentile, or any other method in s (1) (c), F.S. c. The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or she participates. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school. d. The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities. e. The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for which the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A Home Education student must be able to participate in curricular activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity. f. A student who transfers from a Home Education Program to a public school before or during the first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful evaluation from the previous year. g. Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate as a Home Education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in Home Education fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s (3) (a) 2, F.S.) to become eligible to participate as a Home Education student. Any insurance provided by the district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities shall cover the participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for such coverage, the participating Home Education student shall pay the premium (s (7), F.S.). 6. Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s , F.S., registered with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test score requirements for Home School Programs are eligible to participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of ss , F.S. 7. Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with the provisions of ss (4); (10), F.S. Home Education students are not eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment through the Duval County Public Schools articulation agreements. Home Education students must enter into their own articulation agreement with the college or university. 8. Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s (1), F.S. FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS GRANTED EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. 4

5 August September October November December January February March April May B. Guidelines and Procedures for Students Who Have Left The Home Education Program to Return to Duval County Public Schools 1. GRADE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES K 5. KINDERGARTEN PLACEMENT: A student who enters a Duval County Public School from a kindergarten Home Education Program must meet the entrance requirements for kindergarten as outlined in Section I: Enrollment and Promotion within the Elementary School in the Student Progression Plan. a. FIRST GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program and verification that the student meets the age requirement for entrance in to first grade, a student shall be provisionally placed in a first grade class. During the first 20 days of enrollment, the student shall be assessed through teacher observation and district and state assessments to demonstrate mastery of the applicable state standards for kindergarten. If the student does not demonstrate mastery of the standards, he/she shall be reassigned to and placed in kindergarten. b. SECOND THROUGH FIFTH GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades. This provisional placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days in the program as follows: i. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C, and ii. A minimum Grade Equivalent score (see Table A) on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT). NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score. Student is entering the following grade: TABLE A: Minimum Grade Equivalent Scores for SDRT and SDMT Grades 2 5 Student enters during the following month: Grade Grade Grade Grade GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 6 With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in the regular program for 6 th grade. This provisional grade level placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days in the program as follows: a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C, and b. a minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level. 5

6 NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score. 1. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES 7 AND 8 With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in the regular program for grades 7 and 8. a. This provisional grade level AND course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of enrollment. (S.B.R. 6A ) 1) Validation of courses/grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the receiving school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will determine if the grade level/course placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation of grade/course placement and acceptance of grades/credits will not be necessary. 2) If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation is required. Validation methods may include the following: Portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee; A passing score of 60% or higher on a District End-of -Course Exam (EOC) can be used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit. [To determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses without an EOC, a teacher-made test, benchmark assessments, if appropriate, and/or any other valid measurement tool shall be used for validation.]; Written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and approved by the principal; Demonstrated proficiencies on Compass Odyssey assessment(s); or Demonstrated proficiencies on the FCAT 2.0 in appropriate subject areas. Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of enrollment to prepare for validation assessments outlined above. b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory. c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that may be accrued through the Student Progression Plan. d. Students cannot be promoted to Grade 9 without official documentation of courses/grades/gpa earned in grades 6-8. NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score. 3. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 9 With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades. This provisional grade level/course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of enrollment as follows: a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C, and b. a minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level. 6

7 NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score. If a student has a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment further validation of grade level/course placement will not be necessary. 1. GRADE/LEVEL COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades. a. This provisional placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of enrollment in the program. (S.B.R. 6A ) i. Validation of course grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the receiving school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will determine if the grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation of credits will not be necessary. ii. If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation is required. Validation methods may include the following: portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee; a passing score of 60% or higher on the District s End-of-Course Exam (EOC) may be used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit. [To determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses without an EOC, a teacher-made test, district benchmark, if appropriate, or any other valid measurement tool shall be used for validation.]; demonstrated proficiencies on Compass Odyssey assessments; written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and approved by the principal; demonstrated proficiencies on nationally-normed standardized subject area assessments, such as the SAT Subject Area Tests; or demonstrated proficiencies on the FCAT 2.0 in appropriate subject areas. Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of entry to prepare for validation assessments outlined above. b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory. c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that may be accrued through the Student Progression Plan. NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score. C. High School Completion/Diploma (S.B.R. 6A ) 1. To receive a four-year, 24-credit standard high school diploma, a transfer student must pass the Grade 10 FCAT 2.0 or an alternate assessment as provided by Florida law and earn a 2.0n GPA in courses taken in a Florida public school, specified in s (3), F.S. Twelfth grade students transferring into DCPS with ninety (90) or fewer school days left of the school year may receive their diplomas from the school from which the student transferred. 2. School districts are not authorized to award a diploma to a Home Education Program student. However, a home education student may take the General Education Development (GED) test at an education center, such as Florida Community College Assessment Centers, and be awarded a GED diploma by the State of Florida, if the student receives a passing score. The toll free number for information pertaining to the GED is To qualify for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, a student must have been enrolled in home school his junior and senior years at the minimum. 7

8 Exceptional Student Education Services DCPS has the child find obligation for students grades PK-12 who are suspected of having an exceptionality. (A private evaluation, at the parent s expense, can also be reviewed.) Parents can make a request for evaluation to determine eligibility to their Support Team Office. Please call or the neighborhood school for the Support Team assignment. K-5 North East K-5 North West K-5 South Middle School High School INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES Home Education students may participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities in accordance with the provisions of s , F.S. a. The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s , F.S.). b. During the period of participation, the Home Education student must demonstrate educational progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education Program by a method of evaluation agreed upon by the parent and the school principal which may include: 1. review of the student s work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent, 2. grades earned through correspondence, 3. grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or 4. standardized test scores above the 35 th percentile, or any other method in s , F.S. c. The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or she participates. d. The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities. e. The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for which the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A home education student must be able to participate in curricular activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity. f. A student who transfers from a home education program to a public school before or during the first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful evaluation from the previous year. g. Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate as a home education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in home education fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s (3)(a)2, f.s.) To become eligible to participate as a home education student. Any insurance provided by district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities shall cover the participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for such coverage, the participating Home Education student shall pay the premium (s (7), F.S.). 8

9 Bright Futures Scholarship Program Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s , F.S., registered with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test score requirements for Home School Programs are eligible to participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of ss , F.S. Dual Enrollment Programs Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with the provisions of ss (4); (10). Home Education students are not eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment through the Duval County Public Schools articulation agreements. Home Education students must enter into their own articulation agreement with the college or university. Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s (7), F.S. FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS GRANT EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. Additional information about home education can be obtained from the following resources: Florida Department of Education School Choice Office 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 522 Tallahassee, Florida /800/ Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) Christie Groff District Four An independent organization that exists solely to serve home education families in Florida LIFE of Florida-An inclusive state support and networking group for home and alternative learners Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.) Phone: Florida Bright Futures Scholarship information for home school students or by telephone, toll-free at Preliminary SAT Information: PSAT: SAT OR ACT Registration: Apply for SAT: Apply for ACT: 9

10 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM This form is to serve as an official notice of my intent to establish and maintain a Home Education Program for my child named below. BEGIN DATE: I certify that I have read and fully understand the provisions of Section , Florida Statutes, and will comply with all requirements as specified in the Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rule 6A and school district procedures pertaining to compliance and enforcement of the compulsory school attendance law. PLEASE PRINT (Child s First Middle Last Name) Date of Birth Current School Grade If enrolling in kindergarten, did your child attend a VPK program? yes or no Asian Black Hispanic Indian Multiracial White Male Female (This information is requested by the State Department of Education for annual survey purposes.) Residential Address City State Zip Current Mailing Address City State Zip Parent/Guardian Name Home Telephone Number Daytime Phone Number Fax Phone Number Address Is your child in an Exceptional Education Program? (Example: Learning Disability Program) Yes No I understand that should this program be terminated, a written notice from me must be filed in the Superintendent's office within 30 days of the termination date (Signature of Parent/Guardian) (Date) Please return Registration Form to: Home Education Office Gloria R. Lockley, Director Phone: (904) / Duval County Public Schools Fax: (904) Prudential Drive, 4 th Floor Jacksonville, Florida

11 NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM DATE: TO: Home Education Office Gloria R. Lockley, Director Duval County Public Schools 1701 Prudential Drive, 4 th Floor Jacksonville, Fl As of, I am terminating the Home Education Program for my child, (Date of Termination), grade. (Child s First Middle Last Name) I will enroll my child at (School Name) for the (School Year Date) school year. Residential Address City State Zip Current Mailing Address City State Zip Parent (guardian) signature Home Education Office Fax # (904) Phone # (904) /

12 PARENT REPORT OF HOME SCHOOL GRADES For students enrolling in a Duval County Public School Student Name Student # Current Grade Current School Please complete for each year student was enrolled in home school. Note: You do not need to fill in quarter grades if the student has completed the course. School Year Grade level Home school provider City/State Course 1 st qtr. grade 2 nd qtr. grade 3 rd qtr grade 4 th qtr. grade Final Grade Language Arts Math Science Social Studies School Year Grade level Home school provider City/State Course 1 st qtr. grade 2 nd qtr. grade 3 rd qtr grade 4 th qtr. grade Final Grade Language Arts Math Science Social Studies School Year Grade level Home school provider City/State Course 1 st qtr. grade 2 nd qtr. grade 3 rd qtr grade 4 th qtr. grade Final Grade Language Arts Math Science Social Studies I certify that the above grades were earned by my child in a home school program. Parent/guardian signature Date submitted Grades entered in Genesis by CRT Date FAX: PHONE:

13 HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM EVALUATION CHECKLIST PLEASE PRINT STUDENT First Name Middle Last Name Date of Birth Grade PARENT (GUARDIAN) TELEPHONE Residential Address City State Zip Current Mailing Address City State Zip Please check the option which satisfies the annual evaluation required in Statute (1) c and send this Evaluation Checklist, with a copy of the evaluation or test results, to Home Education Office, 4th Floor, 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida or fax to no later than one-year from the date of your letter of intent to establish a home education program. a. Portfolio evaluated by a Florida certificated teacher at the elementary or secondary level (evaluation attached). b. Results of a nationally normed achievement test taken by the student (results attached). c. Results of a State Student Assessment Test (results attached). d. Student evaluated by an individual holding a valid active license pursuant to the provisions of s (7) or (8) (results attached). e. Other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools and the parent (results attached). The educational progress of the above named student is commensurate with his/her ability or grade level. Yes No Date Evaluated Signature of Evaluator Certificate No. Expiration Date The evaluator has explained the evaluation to me and I am in agreement with the results and conclusions. Signature of Parent (Guardian)

14 Community Service - Get the Facts Why perform community service? It s the right thing to do to make a difference in your community to learn new skills and meet new people to learn the importance and value of helping others to satisfy the eligibility requirement all 3 Bright Futures Scholarship Awards to enhance your resume for college applications and scholarships. Consider the comments of some great humanitarians: For it is in giving that we receive. Francis of Assisi Our nation became great not because of what the government did, but because of what its people did. George Romney When you cease to make a contribution you begin to die. Eleanor Roosevelt Service is the rent each of us pays for living the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals. Marian Wright Edelman Community Service - Get the FAQS: - Is there a community service requirement for graduation? No. - What is the community service requirement for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program? Community service is required for all three Bright Futures award levels: Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV). All initial applicants must meet the community service requirement, as approved by the school district. No waivers of this requirement can be granted regardless of the method used to qualify (National Merit and Achievement Scholars and Finalists, National Hispanic Scholars International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients). During the academic year, and thereafter, the required community service hours to be completed for the following awards are: AWARD COMMUNITY SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENT FAS 100 hours FMS 75 hours GSV 30 hours - What are the procedures for completing and documenting the hours of service for Bright Futures? District guidelines for community service require the student to identify a social problem, develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem, submit an evaluation of the experience, and verify the completion of service hours. There are two forms available in this packet office, which provide directions and the structure necessary to completing a program of community service: and Verification of Community Service. To complete the program, the following structure is suggested: I. IDENTIFY A SOCIAL PROBLEM - You may choose to personally address one of the following seven social problems: 1. The preservation of the environment and/or the protection of historical sites 2. The promotion of the health, welfare and safety of the community 3. The improvement of the standard of living for residents of our community 4. The encouragement of the growth of the arts in our community 5. The improvement and enrichment of the lives of the mentally and/or physically disabled of our community 6. The promotion of a quality life for the senior citizens of our community 7. The provision of leadership, guidance, and activities for the youth of our community or You may address a combination of the above problems, or You may identify a social problem not covered by one of the above seven areas II.DEVELOP A PLAN - You will need to develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing one of the above social problems. Describe your plan in 50 words or less. III.EVALUATE THE EXPERIENCE When you have completed the service hours reflect on your experience in 100 words or less. V.SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE (Form available in your school s Guidance Office) to give pertinent information about your community service, i.e., date, number of hours, type of work, site, and a verifying signature. - When should the appropriate forms be submitted to the Guidance Office? Community Service hours may be submitted to the Guidance Office at any time prior to graduation. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program at the end of the first semester of their senior year, will receive an award letter. Current seniors who want to be considered for Bright Futures at the seventh semester eligibility review should submit these forms no later than January 15. Seniors who complete their community service hours during the eighth semester and submit the forms prior to graduation will be evaluated following graduation. For Bright Futures, what counts, what doesn't. 1. Service may be volunteered to the school and/or the community. 2. Students must perform volunteer services on their own time, which can include the participant's lunch break. Study hall time may be included for peer counseling activities or service to the school, e.g., office aide. Participation in performances, festivals, or competitions during the school day may count if this meets the criteria under #4 and participating students are given permission by the principal to be absent from class. 3. Participation in performances, festivals or competitions counts if the following apply: a. Volunteer service meets an identified community service need, and b. There is no admission charge accepted for the performance, and c. Student participation is of voluntary nature, and d. The performance does not promote the sponsoring organization, and e. Neither the student organization nor the sponsoring organization receives payment for the performance. If participation meets the above criteria, then partial rehearsal time may be counted. Performing hours may be matched with the same number of rehearsal hours. For example, a chorus member performs 1 hour at a nursing home and is given 2 hours of credit (1 hour for the performance and 1 hour for rehearsal). 4. Students may not be paid for service rendered. 5. Volunteer service involving academic requirements for a class will count. 6. Service rendered as a prerequisite for employment will not count. 7. Attendance at self-improvement workshops or conferences will not count as service. 8. Fundraising for non-profit organizations or charities will count. 9. Service may not be performed for a student's family or for a profit-making organization, except for institutions like hospitals or the human society. 10. Service performed as a result of disciplinary action taken by the school or courts cannot count. 11. Volunteer work for the purpose of promoting a particular religious or political point of view or person cannot count as volunteer hours in this program. For example, if your church youth group helps with the Special Olympics, those hours would count, but not time spent distributing flyers advertising a church revival. 12. Participation in Varsity or Junior Varsity Athletics and regularly scheduled band and chorus performances does not constitute volunteer service under this program. 13. The above criteria will not cover all circumstances. If a question exists regarding the acceptance of an activity for volunteer service, the student's counselor should approve the service prior to the student s participation. A good guideline would be to ask how the activity addresses the social problem that the student has identified to work on as a part of his/her community service plan. 14. Some common activities, which do not count, include: acolyte, altar server, lay reader, vacation Bible School, babysitting, working in church nursery, church choir and clerical work for religious, political, or profit making organizations.

15 BRIGHT FUTURES COMMUNITY SERVICE DOCUMENTATION FORM Date: To Home Education Office: This letter serves as verification that the attached documentation indicates that has completed hours of Community Service. (student s name) (number of hours) Indicate the number of hours completed below: hours earned by January 31 st. (7 th semester/grade) hours earned after January 31 st. (8 th semester/grade) Signed Date: Documentation of community service hours on agency letterhead indicating the number of hours completed at the agency and the timeframe for the completion of the hours must be attached to this form. For Office Use Only Date Received

16 Bright Futures

17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Definition and Responsibilities 1. What is home education? Section , F.S., defines home education as the sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent or guardian, in order to satisfy the requirement for compulsory attendance as defined in Section ; F.S. Current law does not prescribe a curriculum or course of study for home education programs. 2. How long has home education been a means of meeting the regular attendance requirement in Florida? The law creating Florida's home education program became effective June 17, Who may establish a home education program? Any parent who complies with the reporting, record keeping, and student evaluation requirements specified in statutory law may conduct a home education program. The parent is not required to be a certified teacher. 4. What are the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program? As required by Section , F.S., to establish a home education program and maintain compliance with the statute, a parent must: Send a written notice of intent to the district school. Maintain a portfolio of records, consisting of a log of educational activities, writings, worksheets, and creative materials used or developed by the student. Make the portfolio available for inspection by the district school superintendent upon a 15-day notice. (The legislation does not require the superintendent to inspect all portfolios.) Provide an annual educational evaluation for the student's educational process to the school district superintendent. Preserve each student s portfolio for two years. Submit a letter of termination upon completion of the home education program or change of residence. 5. What is the definition of a portfolio? Section , F.S., defines a portfolio as "A log of educational activities which is made contemporaneously with the instruction and which designates by title any reading materials used and samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student." 6. How long must the portfolio be preserved? The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent/guardian for two years and shall be made available for inspection by the superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, upon a 15-day written notice. The superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, is not required to inspect all portfolios.

18 7. Are parents required to have a Florida teaching certificate to home educate? No. A parent is not required to have a valid Florida teaching certificate to home educate a student. Furthermore, the instruction is not required to take place in the home nor must the parent be the person to deliver instruction. 8. Must a district's packet of information regarding home education include a form letter for the registration and termination of home education program? No. School districts are not required to provide forms, although some districts do so to facilitate processing of information. 9. Does the school district have the authority to exceed the Florida Statutes with local policies? The school district must abide by the home education guidelines as listed in Florida Statutes. A district may not enact policies that would apply additional guidelines to home education programs or that would make it more difficult for students to participate in home education. 10. Do parents have access to any state-appropriated funds for home education? No. There are no funds appropriated to a home education student. 11. May a parent implement a home education program for a 5-year old, even though regular attendance requirements begin at age 6? Districts are not required to accept a letter of intent for a 5-year old; however, some districts have chosen to accept these letters. In that case, the home education parent should maintain a portfolio, and the student will be evaluated in the same manner as a student who is subject to regular attendance. 12. What happens to the records of a student who is withdrawn and entered into home education? Cumulative records of a home education student are retained by the school district, pursuant to local board policies. 13. What is the distinction between a home education program and an umbrella school? A home education program is defined in , F.S., and refers to a parent who has registered with the local school district home education office and has agreed to comply with the home education requirements as listed in Florida Statutes. The term umbrella school is sometimes used to refer to a private school offering distance programs or services to enrolled students. 14. How may a parent contact other parents who have chosen home education for their children? Support groups for home educating families exist in every county. In addition to local support groups, there are also statewide groups to support home educators. Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) is an organization that exists solely to provide assistance to home education families in Florida. The FPEA may be contacted toll-free at (877) or online at LIFE of Florida, an inclusive state support and networking group for home and alternative learners, may be accessed at

19 Instruction 1. How can a parent provide sequentially progressive instruction? There are many methods a parent may use to direct a home education program. As reflected in Florida Statute, a parent may: Instruct the student; Enroll the student in courses part-time in a public or private school; Enroll the student online in the Florida Virtual School; Enroll the student in correspondence courses; Choose any other means that provides sequentially progressive instruction directed by the parent If a home education parent employs a tutor to assist in the instruction of his or her student, who is responsible for the records? If the parent is participating in a home education program, as defined in the law, the parent is responsible for all records. 3. Are home education students bound by the required school hours that apply to public school students? No. There are no specific hourly attendance requirements for students in a home education program. 4. Do school districts provide instructional materials to home education students? There is no requirement for districts to provide instructional materials to home education students. 5. How may home education parents obtain instructional materials? Materials to help parents implement a home education program are available from many sources. Parents may, at their own expense, order state adopted instructional materials from the Florida State Book Depository (regional contact information is available from each school district). Many curriculum vendors provide online catalogs, and their Web sites often can be accessed through an Internet search. Local and statewide home education support groups may also offer assistance to families in selecting instructional materials. 6. May home education students take courses from Florida Virtual School? Yes. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a public on-line school providing tuition-free middle and high school courses to Florida students. To enroll a home education student in courses at FLVS, parents must provide FLVS with verification from their district that the student is registered in a home education program. Information about FLVS and home education programs may be accessed at fl

20 7. May home education students participate in local district course offerings? Although there is no requirement to do so, some districts provide opportunities for home education students to enroll in specified courses in district schools. Districts may report FTE funding for home education students enrolled in district courses. 8. How do districts report transcripts to the Department of Education for home education students who take courses at a public school? Districts may report this information using the number This will place home education transcripts in a separate and unique category, identifiable from all other students. 9. May a home education student attend summer school? The student may attend summer school if local district policies make such a provision.

21 Annual Evaluation 1. What does the annual educational evaluation include? A student in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational progress at a level equivalent to his or her abilities. The parent/guardian selects the method of evaluation from those provided in Florida Statute, then files a copy of the evaluation annually in the superintendent's office. The evaluation must consist of one of the following: A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent/guardian may evaluate the child s progress based on the review of the portfolio and discussion with the student; The student may take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher; The student may take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district; The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of Section (7) or (8), F.S.; or The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student s parent/guardian. 2. What requirements must be met by a teacher conducting an annual evaluation of a home education student? As defined in Section , F.S., a teacher who evaluates a home education student must hold current certification in academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level in the state of Florida. Of the five evaluation options described in the law, three involve a certified teacher. 3. How does a parent locate an evaluator for the annual evaluation? Parents may contact the local district home education office or a local parent group to obtain the names of available evaluators. 4. Does the home education student have the right to take standardized tests at the local school district? If a parent has identified the FCAT as the measure of their child's annual progress, home education students may participate in the FCAT administration as directed by the District Coordinator of Assessment. School districts may offer other standardized tests to home education students. 5. May a home education student take the FCAT for reasons other than fulfilling the evaluation requirement of Section , F.S.? The only statutory authority which permits home education students to take the FCAT is the provision that permits parents to elect FCAT as the official annual evaluation. 6. May a home education student use more than one of the methods listed in Section , F.S., to satisfy the annual evaluation component? No. While a parent may utilize several methods to assess student progress in the regular course of providing a home education program, for the purposes of Section , F.S., only one method may be selected and submitted to the school district.