West Fargo Public Schools Home Education Handbook. Guidelines And Procedures

Transcription

1 West Fargo Public Schools Home Education Handbook Guidelines And Procedures Revised 8/2008 1

2 Foreword Home education is one of several means by which parents can fulfill their responsibility for educating their children. The North Dakota legislature has enacted laws to ensure that the state s responsibilities and legitimate interests in this endeavor are also guaranteed and protected. With the combined rights and interests of the state and of parents, the state has delegated certain responsibilities to local school districts to work with home educators to assure that all North Dakota students are receiving a quality education. West Fargo Public School District has prepared this booklet to assist home educators by providing information, explaining procedures, and answering common questions. This booklet is published and updated on the West Fargo Public School District website at fargo.k12.nd.us Mrs. Louise Dardis Assistant Superintendent West Fargo Public School District West Main Avenue West Fargo, ND dardis@west fargo.k12.nd.us Dr. Thomas Gravel Home School Coordinator West Fargo Community High School rd St E West Fargo, ND tgravel@west fargo.k12.nd.us 2

3 Table of Contents Foreword... 2 What is home education?... 4 Who can teach a home schooled child?... 4 What are the home school parents responsibilities? Curriculum Can home school students receive a high school diploma?... 6 What are the responsibilities of the Home School Coordinator?... 6 How do home school educators get curriculum materials?... 7 How do home school educators find standardized tests?... 7 Appendices... 8 NDCC Home Education... 9 NDCC Curriculum and Testing Home Education: Frequently Asked Questions, by the N. D. Department of Public Instruction Curriculum Resources Statement of Intent to Home School form (insert form(s) here)

4 What is home education? Home Education is an educational program for a child based in the child s home and supervised by the child s parent or parents. Participation in this program legally fulfills the compulsory instruction requirements of state law. Who can teach a home schooled child? A parent is qualified to supervise a program of home instruction if the parent: Has a baccalaureate degree, or Has a North Dakota teaching license, or Has met or exceeded the cut off score on the national teacher exam A parent who has a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate may supervise home education but the parent must be monitored for the first two years. If a child receiving home education obtains a basic composite standardized achievement test score below the 50th percentile nationally, the parent must be monitored for at least one additional school year and until the child receives a test score at or above the 50th percentile. Once a parent has completed the monitoring requirements for one child, the parent is not required to be monitored with respect to other children being educated at home. Home educators may attend classes, staff development programs, and training sessions provided to WFPS teaching staff. A homeschooled child must be taught by one of the child s parents. State Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem s opinion of February 1, 2007, states, In conclusion, it is my opinion that only a parent, qualified under N.D.C.C and , may provide home based instruction to that parent s child. With respect to home based instruction, North Dakota law does not permit a parent to supervise the education of that parent s child by any other individual. What are the home school parents responsibilities? 1. Each school year the parent must send a completed Intent to Home Educate form (see Appendix) to the Community High School office of the West Fargo Public School District rd Street East, West Fargo, ND. This form must be sent in at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the homeschool program or within 14 days of establishing residency in the district with the intention of home schooling a school aged child. The statement of intent form is included in the Appendix of this booklet and it may be downloaded from 2. The first year the student is home educated the parent must also send in copies of The student s immunization records The student s birth certificate or other proof of identity 4

5 Verification, such as a high school diploma or college transcript, of the parent s highest level of education 3. Supervise the courses required by state statute. The child must receive at least four hours of instruction each day for a minimum of 175 days each year. The curriculum must include: Curriculum Elementary grades (1 8) o English language arts, including reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar, and spelling o Mathematics o Social studies, including, the United States Constitution, United States history, geography, government, and North Dakota studies in the fourth and eighth grades, with an emphasis on the geography, history, and agriculture of this state o Science, including agriculture o Physical education o Health, including physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics Secondary grades (9 12) o Four credits* of English language arts o Two credits of mathematics o Two credits of science o Four credits of social studies, including one credit of world history, one credit of United States history; one credit of world geography; and one half credit of United States government o One half credit of health o One and one half credits of physical education o Eight credits of elective courses *Each high school credit must consist of at least 120 hours of instruction per school year. Credits for the following courses must consist of at least 150 hours of instruction per school year: natural sciences, agriculture, business and office technology, marketing, diversified occupations, trade and industrial education, technology education, and health careers. 4. Maintain an annual record of courses taken by the child the child's academic course grades or record of progress standardized achievement test results documentation of child s work through multiple samples throughout course If the child transfers to a public school district, the parent will need to furnish these records to the school district superintendent or other administrator. 5. Arrange for Standardized testing Children receiving home education must take a standardized, nationally normed achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. The test may be taken in the home or in a school. The test must be 5

6 administered by a teacher licensed to teach by the Education Standards and Practices Board or approved to teach by the E.S.P.B. West Fargo Public Schools will provide a licensed teacher, without charge, to home education parents who request this. If the test is administered by a qualified individual who is selected by the parent, the cost of administering the test is the responsibility of the child's parent. The WFPS Home School Coordinator can provide information on sources of standardized achievement tests, if the parent requests this. Sources of standardized tests and curriculum materials can be found on the Web, also. Many parents use Stanford Achievement Tests (SAT) or Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). Contact the West Fargo Public Schools Home School Coordinator if you want the school district to provide a teacher to administer the test. The parent is responsible for the cost of the test, and test scores must be forwarded to the Home School Coordinator or Assistant Superintendent. If the child's basic composite score on a standardized achievement test is less than the 30th percentile nationally, a multidisciplinary assessment team will assess the child for a potential learning problem. Can home school students receive a high school diploma? West Fargo Public Schools grants diplomas only to those students who have completed all North Dakota and WFPS requirements for a high school diploma. In addition, to be eligible for a West Fargo High School diploma, the student must be enrolled in five semester credits at a WFPS high school during the semester prior to graduation. The child's parent must supply a description of the course material covered in each high school subject, a description of the course objectives, and how the objectives were met. A transcript of the child's grades in courses taken in the home school must be provided to a WFPS high school principal for analysis, to ensure that all necessary coursework will be completed to earn a WFPS diploma. The granting of course credit towards attaining a WFHS diploma rests with the WFHS administration. What are the responsibilities of the Home School Coordinator? 1. Carry out supervisory and administrative requirements of home education 2. Accept and file Statement of Intent submitted by parent choosing to home educate their children 3. Monitor compliance with required nationally normed standardized assessments and assist parents, as requested 4. Monitor required remediation plans and annually make a determination of reasonable academic progress 5. Maintain files for students participating in home education 6. Convene and lead multidisciplinary assessment teams as necessary, per requirements of the North Dakota Century Code 7. Monitor and evaluate the student s progress by Examining the student s program of studies Conferencing with parents about the student Examining academic progress records provided by the parent The compensation of home education monitors hired by the parents is the responsibility of the parents. 6

7 How do home school educators get curriculum materials? Parents are responsible for purchasing all materials. School district textbooks may be borrowed by home school parents if the school has extra copies available. There are many companies and organizations that sell or provide curriculum materials for home schools. You can find these on the Web by using the term Home School in a Google search. You may also contact the North Dakota Home School Association at NDHSA, th St NE, Bottineau, ND Telephone: office@ndhsa.org Website: ndhsa.org Office Hours: Monday Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. How do home school educators find standardized tests? Here are some sources of standardized tests frequently used by home school parents: Iowa Test of Basic Skills Riverside Publishing Company PO Box 1970 Iowa City, Iowa Stanford Achievement Tests The Psychological Corporation 757 3rd Avenue New York, NY Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) Scholastic Testing Service, Inc. 480 Meyer Road Bensenville, IL Miscellaneous testing materials Bob Jones University Greenville, SC

8 Appendices 8

9 NDCC Home Education HOME EDUCATION Home education - Definition. For purposes of this chapter, "home education" means a program of education supervised by a child's parent, in the child's home, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter Statement of intent to supervise home education. At least fourteen days before beginning home education or within fourteen days of establishing a child's residence in a school district, and once each year thereafter, a parent intending to supervise or supervising home education shall file a statement, reflecting that intent or fact, with the superintendent of the child's school district of residence or if no superintendent is employed, with the county superintendent of schools for the child's county of residence. 1. The statement must include: a. The name and address of the child receiving home education; b. The child's date of birth; c. The child's grade level; d. The name and address of the parent who will supervise the home education; e. The qualifications of the parent who will supervise the home education; f. Any public school courses in which the child intends to participate and the school district offering the courses; and g. Any extracurricular activities in which the child intends to participate and the school district or approved nonpublic school offering the activities. 2. The statement must be accompanied by a copy of the child's immunization record and proof of the child's identity as required by section Home education - Parental qualifications. A parent may supervise home education if the parent: 1. Is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board; 2. Holds a baccalaureate degree; 3. Has met or exceeded the cutoff score of a national teacher examination given in this state or in any other state if this state does not offer such a test; or 4. Meets the requirements of section Home education - Required subjects - Instructional time. A parent supervising home education shall include instruction in those subjects required by law to be taught to public school students. The instruction must have duration of at least four hours each day for a minimum of one hundred seventy-five days each year Home education - Academic records. A parent supervising home education shall maintain an annual record of courses taken by the child and the child's academic progress assessments, including any standardized achievement test results. If the child transfers to a public school district, the parent shall furnish the record, upon request, to the school district superintendent or other administrator Home education - Required monitoring of progress. A parent who has a high school diploma or a general education development certificate may supervise home education but must be monitored in accordance with section for the first two years. If 9

10 a child receiving home education obtains a basic composite standardized achievement test score below the fiftieth percentile nationally, the parent must be monitored for at least one additional school year and until the child receives a test score at or above the fiftieth percentile. If testing is not required by section during the first two years of monitoring, the period of monitoring may not be extended, except upon the mutual consent of the parent and the monitor. If a parent completes the monitoring requirements of this section for one child, the parent may not be monitored with respect to other children for whom the parent supervises home education Home education - Required monitoring of progress - Reporting of progress - Compensation. 1. If monitoring is required under section , the school district shall assign and compensate an individual to monitor a child receiving home education unless the parent notifies the school district that the parent shall select and compensate an individual to monitor the child. 2. The individual assigned by the school district or selected by the parent under subsection 1 must be licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board. 3. Twice during each school year, the individual shall report the child's progress to the school district superintendent or to the county superintendent if the district does not employ a superintendent. 4. If one child receives home education, the individual shall spend an average of one hour per week in contact with the child and the child's parent. If two or more children receive home education, the individual shall spend one-half hour per month for each additional child receiving home education. If the child attends a public or an approved nonpublic school, the time may be proportionately reduced Monitoring or test administration. An individual who in accordance with this chapter monitors a child receiving home education or who administers a standardized achievement test to a child receiving home education shall notify the child's school district of residence Home education - Standardized achievement test. While in grades four, six, eight, and ten, each child receiving home education shall take a standardized achievement test used by the school district in which the child resides or, if requested by the parent, shall take a nationally normed standardized achievement test. The child shall take the test in the child's learning environment or, if requested by the child's parent, in a public school. An individual licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board shall administer the test Home education - Standardized achievement test - Cost. 1. If a child receiving home education takes the standardized achievement test used by the school district in which the child resides, the school district is responsible for the cost of the test and for the cost of administering the test. The school district shall ensure that the test is administered by an individual who is employed by the district and who is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board. 2. a. If the child takes a nationally normed standardized achievement test not used by the school district in which the child resides, the child's parent is responsible for the cost of the test. b. The cost of administering a test under this subsection is the responsibility of the child's parent if the test is administered by an individual who is selected by the parent. An individual selected by the child's parent to administer a test under this subsection must be licensed to teach by the 10

11 education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board. c. The cost of administering a test under this subsection is the responsibility of the school district if, at the request of the child's parent, the school district administers the test. The school district shall ensure that the test is administered by an individual who is employed by the district and who is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board Home education - Standardized achievement test - Results. 1. A parent supervising home education shall file the results of the child's standardized achievement test with the superintendent of the district in which the child resides or with the county superintendent if the district does not employ a superintendent. 2. If the child's basic composite score on a standardized achievement test is less than the thirtieth percentile nationally, a multidisciplinary assessment team shall assess the child for a potential learning problem under rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction. 3. If the multidisciplinary assessment team determines that the child is not disabled and the child's parent wishes to continue home education, the parent, with the advice and consent of an individual who is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board, shall prepare a remediation plan to address the child's academic deficiencies and file the plan with the superintendent of the school district or with the county superintendent if the district does not employ a superintendent. The parent is responsible for any costs associated with the development of the remediation plan. If the parent fails to file a remediation plan, the parent is deemed to be in violation of compulsory school attendance provisions and may no longer supervise the home education of the child Home education - Remediation plan. The superintendent of the school district shall use the remediation plan required by section as the basis for determining reasonable academic progress. The remediation plan must remain in effect until such time as the child achieves on a standardized achievement test a basic composite score at or above the thirtieth percentile or a score, which when compared to the previous year's test score, demonstrates one year of academic progress. At the option of the parent, the test may be one required by section or one administered in a higher grade level. The child's parent, with the advice and consent of an individual who is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or who is approved to teach by the education standards and practices board, may amend the remediation plan from time to time in order to accommodate the child's academic needs. If after a remediation plan is no longer in effect the child fails to demonstrate reasonable academic progress on a subsequent test required by this section, a remediation plan must again be developed and implemented Home education - Disabilities - Services plan. 1. a. If a multidisciplinary assessment team, using eligibility criteria established by the superintendent of public instruction, determines that the child is disabled, that the child requires specially designed instruction due to the disability, and that this instruction cannot be provided without special education and related services, the parent may continue to supervise home education, provided that: (1) The parent files with the school district superintendent a services plan that was developed privately or through the school district; and (2) The services plan demonstrates that the child's special needs are being addressed by persons qualified to provide special education or related services. 11

12 b. If the multidisciplinary team determines that the child has a developmental disability, the parent may continue to supervise home education under the provisions of sections and Annually, the superintendent of the child's school district of residence shall determine reasonable academic progress based on the child's services plan. 3. If a parent fails to file a services plan as required by this section, the parent is deemed to be in violation of the compulsory school attendance provisions and may no longer supervise the home education of the child. 4. A child who was once evaluated by a multidisciplinary assessment team need not be reevaluated for a potential learning problem upon scoring below the thirtieth percentile on a subsequent standardized achievement test unless the reevaluation is performed pursuant to the child's services plan Child with a developmental disability - Home education. A parent may supervise home education for a child with a developmental disability if: 1. The child has been determined to have a developmental disability by a licensed psychologist; 2. The child's parent is qualified to supervise home education under this chapter; and 3. The child's parent files with the superintendent of the child's school district of residence: a. A notice that the child will receive home education; b. A copy of the child's diagnosis of a developmental disability prepared and attested to by a licensed psychologist; and c. A services plan developed and followed by the child's school district of residence and the child's parent; or, after providing written notice to the superintendent of the child's school district of residence, a substitute services plan, developed and followed, according to section , by a services plan team selected by and compensated by the child's parent Child with a developmental disability - Home education - Progress reports. 1. On or before November first, February first, and May first of each school year, a parent supervising home education for a child with a developmental disability under section shall file with the superintendent of the child's school district of residence progress reports prepared by the services plan team selected under section If at any time the services plan team agrees that the child is not benefiting from home education, the team shall notify the superintendent of the child's school district of residence and request that the child be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team appointed by the superintendent of the child's school district of residence. 2. The superintendent of the child's school district of residence shall forward copies of all documentation required by this section to the superintendent of public instruction Home education - Participation in extracurricular activities. 1. A child receiving home education may participate in extracurricular activities either: a. Under the auspices of the child's school district of residence; or b. Under the auspices of an approved nonpublic school, if permitted by the administrator of the school. 2. For purposes of this section, a child participating under the auspices of the child's school district of residence is subject to the same standards for participation in extra-curricular activities as those required of full-time students enrolled in the district. 3. For purposes of this section, a child participating under the auspices of an approved nonpublic school is subject to the same standards for participation in extracurricular activities as those required of full-time students enrolled in the school. 12

13 4. Once a child's parent has selected the public school district or the approved nonpublic school in which the child will participate for purposes of extracurricular activities and has provided notification of the selection through the statement required by section , the child is subject to the transfer rules as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the North Dakota high school activities association Home education - High school diplomas. 1. A child's school district of residence, an approved nonpublic high school, or the center for distance education may issue a high school diploma to a child who, through home education, has met the issuing entity's requirements for high school graduation provided the child's parent submits to the issuing entity a description of the course material covered in each high school subject, a description of the course objectives and how the objectives were met, and a transcript of the child's performance in grades nine through twelve. 2. In the alternative, a high school diploma may be issued by the child's school district of residence, an approved nonpublic high school, or the center for distance education provided the child, through home education, has completed at least twenty-one units of high school coursework from the minimum required curriculum offerings established by law for public and nonpublic schools and the child's parent or legal guardian submits to the issuing entity a description of the course material covered in each high school subject, a description of the course objectives and how the objectives were met, and a transcript of the child's performance in grades nine through twelve. The issuing entity may indicate on a diploma issued under this subsection that the child was provided with home education. 3. If for any reason the documentation required in subsection 1 or 2 is unavailable, the entity issuing the diploma may accept any other reasonable proof that the child has met the applicable requirements for high school graduation Home education - Liability. No state agency, school district, or county superintendent may be held liable for accepting as correct the information on the statement of intent or for any damages resulting from a parent's failure to educate the child Home education - State aid to school districts. For purposes of allocating state aid to school districts, a child receiving home education is included in a school district's determination of average daily membership only for those days or portions of days that the child attends a public school. 13

14 NDCC Curriculum and Testing Elementary and middle schools - Required instruction. In order to be approved by the superintendent of public instruction, each public and nonpublic elementary and middle school shall provide to students instruction in: 1. English language arts, including reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar, and spelling. 2. Mathematics. 3. Social studies, including: a. The United States Constitution; b. United States history; c. Geography; d. Government; and e. North Dakota studies, with an emphasis on the geography, history, and agriculture of this state, in the fourth and eighth grades. 4. Science, including agriculture. 5. Physical education. 6. Health, including physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics High schools - Required units. 1. In order to be approved by the superintendent of public instruction, each public and nonpublic high school shall make available to each student: a. Four units of English language arts; b. Four units of mathematics; c. Four units of science; d. Four units of social studies, including one of world history and one of United States history; e. One-half unit of health; f. One-half unit of physical education during each school year, provided that once every four years the unit must be a concept-based fitness class that includes instruction in the assessment, improvement, and maintenance of personal fitness; g. Two units of fine arts, at least one of which must be music; h. Two units of the same foreign language; and i. Two units of career and technical education. 2. In addition to the requirements of subsection 1, each public and nonpublic high school shall make available to each student, at least once every two years, one-half unit of North Dakota studies, with an emphasis on the geography, history, and agriculture of this state. 3. Each unit which must be made available under this section must meet or exceed the state content standards. 4. For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "make available" means that: a. Each public high school and nonpublic high school shall allow students to select units over the course of a high school career from a list that includes at least those required by this section; b. If a student selects a unit from the list required by this section, the public high school or the nonpublic high school shall provide the unit to the student; and c. The unit may be provided to the student through any delivery method not contrary to state law and may include classroom or individual instruction and distance learning options, including 14

15 interactive video, computer instruction, correspondence courses, and postsecondary enrollment under chapter The board of a school district may not impose any fees or charges upon a student for the provision of or participation in units as provided in this section, other than the fees permitted by section If in order to meet the minimum requirements of this section a school district includes academic courses offered by a postsecondary institution under chapter , the school district shall: a. Pay all costs of the student's attendance, except those fees that are permissible under section ; and b. Transport the student to and from the location at which the course is offered or provide mileage reimbursement to the student if transportation is provided by the student or the student's family. 7. The requirements of this section do not apply to alternative high schools or alternative high school education programs. 8. The requirements of subdivisions g and h of subsection 1 do not apply to the North Dakota youth correctional center High school graduation requirements. Before a school district, a nonpublic high school, or the center for distance education issues a high school diploma to a student, the student must have successfully completed at least twenty-one units of high school coursework from the minimum required curriculum offerings established by section Beginning with the school year, the number of units required by this section increases to twenty-two and beginning with the school year, the number of units required by this section increases to twenty-four High school coursework requirements. 1. Beginning with the school year, no student may graduate from a high school in this state unless the student demonstrates successful completion of the following: a. Four units of English language arts; b. Two units of mathematics; c. Two units of science; d. Three units of social studies, which may include one-half unit of North Dakota studies and one-half unit of multicultural studies; e. One unit of physical education, which may include up to one-half unit of health; and f. One unit of a foreign or native American language, fine arts, or career and technical education. 2. The superintendent of public instruction shall work with each school district to identify course offerings that meet the requirements of subdivisions a through f of subsection Before September first of each year, each school district shall file a copy of its graduation requirements with the superintendent of public instruction. 4. A school district may not reduce its graduation requirements below those in existence on June 30, High school unit - Instructional time. 1. Except as provided in subsection 2, each unit must consist of at least one hundred twenty hours of instruction per school calendar. 2. The following units must consist of at least one hundred fifty hours of instruction per school calendar: natural sciences, agriculture, business and office technology, marketing, diversified occupations, trade and industrial education, technology education, and health careers. 15

16 3. The hour requirements of this section are subject to reductions resulting from the holidays and nonstudent contact days provided for in section This section does not apply to schools or school districts having block schedules approved by the superintendent of public instruction Minimum high school courses - Alternative curriculum plans. 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each student shall enroll in at least four units of high school work in each grade from nine through twelve. 2. A student in grade twelve may enroll in fewer than four units of work, provided: a. The student requires fewer than four units of work for graduation; and b. The board of the school district has adopted an alternative high school senior curriculum plan. 3. An alternative high school senior curriculum plan becomes effective if: a. It is adopted by action of the school board; b. It contains specific criteria under which a high school senior may enroll in fewer than four units of work; and Page No. 3 c. It has been submitted to and approved by the superintendent of public instruction Indian education curriculum. The superintendent of public instruction may develop an Indian education curriculum to be implemented within the minimum curriculum requirements for elementary and secondary schools. The superintendent shall provide for continuing research and evaluation and for in-service training necessary to implement an Indian education curriculum Goals Participation voluntary. The board of a school district may choose to participate or not to participate in the Goals 2000 Educate America Act [Pub. L ; 108 Stat. 125; 20 U.S.C et seq.]. A board that chooses to participate and directly or indirectly receives federal funds for its participation shall expend the funds in the manner it determines best meets the goal of educational enhancement in the school district, in accordance with the district's locally developed goals 2000 educational improvement application plan. The superintendent of public instruction may not impose any financial penalty or other sanction on a school or school district if the school board chooses, at any time, to terminate participation in the Goals 2000 Educate America Act School-to-work - Student participation voluntary. Before an elementary or secondary school student may participate in any course, program, or project offered under the auspices of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 [Pub. L ; 108 Stat. 568; 20 U.S.C et seq.], the student's school principal shall obtain the written consent of the student's parent or legal guardian. Participation by a student is voluntary and may not be deemed a condition of graduation. Neither school personnel, school district personnel, nor the superintendent of public instruction may impose any academic penalties or any other sanctions on a student for failure to participate. A student's participation in a course, program, or project offered under the auspices of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 is subject to all state and federal child labor laws Reading, mathematics, and science - Administration of test. 1. The superintendent of public instruction shall administer to public school students a test that is aligned to the state content and achievement standards in reading and mathematics. This test must be administered to all public school students in at least one grade level selected within each of the following grade spans: grades three through five; grades six through nine; and 16

17 grades ten through twelve. Beginning no later than the school year and annually thereafter, the superintendent of public instruction shall administer the reading and mathematics test to all public school students in grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and eleven. 2. Beginning no later than the school year and annually thereafter, the superintendent of public instruction shall administer a test that is aligned to the state content and achievement standards in science. This test must be administered to all public school students in at least one grade level selected from three through five; in at least one grade level selected from six through nine; and in grade eleven. The superintendent of public instruction may not administer the grade eleven test after December first of each school year Test scores - Compilation. The superintendent of public instruction shall arrange for the compilation of test scores in a manner that indicates achievement and allows a comparison of individual students, classrooms within a given school and school district, schools within the state, and school districts within the state. The test scores must also allow for comparisons based on students' gender, ethnicity, economic status, service status, and assessment status, unless doing so enables the identification of any student Test scores - Publication. Upon receiving notice that the compilation of test scores has been completed, the superintendent of public instruction shall inform the legislative council. The superintendent shall present the test scores publicly for the first time at a meeting of a legislative committee designated by the legislative council. At the meeting, the superintendent and representatives of the testing service that created the tests shall provide detailed testimony regarding the testing instrument, the methodology used to test and assess the students, the established cut scores, the methodology used to determine the cut scores, the validation of all test products, and the significance of the test scores Superintendent of public instruction - Review of test questions. The superintendent of public instruction shall require that the entity developing a test to be administered under section not include questions that might be deemed personal to a student or to the student's family and that the entity developing the test not include questions requiring responses that might be deemed personal to a student or to the student's family. Before a test is finalized for use in this state, the superintendent shall require that the test be reviewed by a standards alignment committee appointed by the superintendent to ensure that the test meets the requirements of this section Professional development - Use of available funds. 1. On or before October first of each year, each school district shall file a report with the superintendent of public instruction indicating: a. The amount and source of funds that were made available to the district for professional development during the preceding school year; b. The amount and source of funds that were expended by the district for professional development during the preceding school year; and c. A separate list of the professional development activities in which the district participated during the preceding school year and the amount of time committed to the activities. 2. The superintendent of public instruction shall compile the information submitted under this section to determine how much of the available funding for professional development was used by school districts in this state and, beginning with the reports due on or before October 1, 2002, whether the expenditure correlated with increased student achievement on the reading and mathematics tests required by section

18 Content standards - Translation - Curriculum. Each district shall provide upon request a copy of its content standards in the areas of reading and mathematics, a translation of the district's content standards in the areas of reading and mathematics for individuals who do not have a background in elementary or high school education, and a copy of the curriculum or syllabus used by each teacher of reading and mathematics Test - Availability for viewing. Upon request, a school district must allow any individual over the age of twenty to view any test administered under sections through this section as soon as the test is in the possession of the school district (Effective after June 30, 2009) Electronic course delivery - Approval process. 1. Before a person may provide elementary or high school courses electronically to a student, school, or school district in this state, the person must obtain annual approval from the superintendent of public instruction. The electronic delivery of a course includes online and technological delivery methods. 2. Before the superintendent of public instruction may grant approval to a person under this section, the superintendent shall verify that: a. All courses offered by the person in this state are aligned with the state content and performance standards and if standards do not exist for a particular course, the criteria must ensure that the course content is sufficiently challenging for students, given the grade level at which it is offered; b. All teachers involved in the electronic delivery of a course meet or exceed the qualifications and licensure requirements placed on the teachers by the state in which the course originates; and c. All students receiving a course electronically have ongoing contact time with the teachers of the course. 3. The approval process provided for in this section does not apply to a course provided electronically between approved schools in this state. 18

19 Home Education: Frequently Asked Questions, by the N. D. Department of Public Instruction Note: This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document was created by the Department of Public Instruction to provide assistance to parents and schools in understanding the North Dakota Home Education law. (NDCC ) 1. What is the definition of home education? A program of education supervised by a child s parent, in the child s home, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. (NDCC ) 2. Can a parent start a home education program at any time; before or during a school term? Yes, however, there is a waiting period after the statement of intent form (SFN 16909) is submitted to the school superintendent. A parent must wait 14 days from the time the statement of intent is submitted before beginning home education. (NDCC ) 3. Where can one obtain the statement of intent to home educate? The statement of intent form (SFN 16909) can be downloaded from the Department s website ( Page 26 of this handbook has a form that can be used. 4. Where does a family that is home educating a high school-aged child submit the statement of intent form when they reside in a school district that does not have a high school with the school district of residence, with the school district that the child would attend high school, or both? NDCC requires attendance for children between the ages of 7 and 16. If the child does not intend to participate in a subject area or extra-curricular activities, then they only need to submit the statement of intent to the school district of residence. If the child intends to participate in a subject area or extra-curricular activities in a school other than the public school district of residence, then they should submit the statement of intent with both schools. (NDCC , ) 5. What are the responsibilities of the parent when providing home education? It is the responsibility of the parent to: File a statement of intent annually with the local superintendent for each student who is to receive home education (NDCC ); Supervise the courses required by statute (NDCC ); Conduct classes for the required length of time and number of days (NDCC ); Maintain a student academic record for each student receiving home education (NDCC ); Arrange for testing using a nationally normed standardized achievement testing instrument as required by statute (NDCC , , ); Serve on a multidisciplinary assessment team for the purpose of evaluating the student who scores below the thirtieth percentile on the nationally normed standardized achievement test (NDCC , , ); and Transfer the student academic record, upon the request of the local superintendent, if the student enrolls in a public or nonpublic school. (NDCC ) 19

20 6. What qualification does the parent need to have to supervise a child in home education? A parent is qualified to supervise a program of home education if the parent is licensed to teach in North Dakota; has a baccalaureate degree; or has met or exceeded the cutoff score on the national teacher exam given in North Dakota, or in any other state if North Dakota does not offer such a test. (NDCC ) The parent qualifications can be accessed at 7. What must a parent keep in the academic folder for each student provided home education? The material contained in the student academic record must include an annual record of courses taken by the child and the child s academic progress assessments, including any standardized achievement test results. For ease in possible re-entry into a school setting, parents may wish to include in the student record the documentation of meeting the minimum content area requirements as required in NDCC , a description of the courses completed, course material covered, the course objectives, how the objectives were met and a record of the students performance in the course. (NDCC , , ) 8. What does a parent need to provide to a public or nonpublic school when transferring a student who was home educated? In the event a student transfers to a public school or state-approved nonpublic school, the parent must provide documentation of courses taken and academic progress assessments, including any standardized achievement test results upon request of the local superintendent. (NDCC ) 9. Is it necessary that a monitor be provided if the parent holds a baccalaureate degree? No, monitoring is necessary if the parent only has a high school diploma or GED certificate. (NDCC , ) 10. Does the school have to provide a monitor when the parent is providing home education for a child? Yes, if requested by the parent or if the parent qualification to supervise a child requires monitoring by law, the school must provide a licensed teacher to monitor at the school s expense. However, if the parent wishes to obtain his or her own monitor, the parent is responsible for the expenses. (NDCC , ) 11. What information needs to be submitted to the school superintendent if a parent does not need monitoring? The statement of intent form (SFN 16909) and the standardized achievement test results. (NDCC , ) 12. What is the monitor supposed to do when monitoring? The monitor is to gather and report student progress to the school superintendent at least twice annually. The monitor is also required to spend an average of an hour a week in contact with the first student and the child s parent. With two or more children under supervision, the monitor shall spend one-half hour per month for each additional child receiving home education. Other duties of the monitor are not outlined in statute. The monitor may assist the parent supervising home education in maintaining an annual record of courses taken by the child and the child s academic progress assessments, including any standardized achievement test results. (NDCC , ) 20

21 13. Testing requirements for home education students (from Section VII of the ND Assessment Programs FAQ s). What are the mandated testing grades for home educated students? NDCC states While in grades four, six, eight, and ten, each child receiving home education shall take a standardized achievement test used by the school district in which the child resides or, if requested by the parent, shall take a nationally normed standardized achievement test. Who is responsible to pay for test materials for home educated students in the required testing grades? NDCC addresses cost. If a child receiving home education takes the standardized achievement test used by the school district in which the child resides, the school district is responsible for the cost of the test and for the cost of administering the test. However, if the child takes a nationally normed standardized achievement test not used by the school district in which the child resides, the child's parent is responsible for the cost of the test. Who is responsible for administering mandated tests to home educated students? NDCC addresses test administration. If the child takes a nationally normed standardized achievement test not used by the school district in which the child resides, the child's parent is responsible for the cost of the test. In addition, the cost of administering a test under this subsection is the responsibility of the child's parent if the test is administered by an individual who is selected by the parent. An individual selected by the child's parent to administer a test under this subsection must be licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board. The cost of administering a test under this subsection is the responsibility of the school district if, at the request of the child's parent, the school district administers the test. The school district shall ensure that the test is administered by an individual who is employed by the district and who is licensed to teach by the education standards and practices board or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board. Does the ND State Assessment (NDSA) meet the requirement for home education reporting of achievement to the school district? No. The ND State Assessment is a criterion referenced test and does not yield percentiles and other nationally norm referenced test statistics that are required for reporting under NDCC. (NDCC , , , , , , , ) Who pays for administration of a grade 10 home education test if the home education parent chooses a nationally normed achievement test not used by the school district, or if the school district administers no non-mandated testing in which a home education student can participate? The home education parent pays for the cost of the test material and administration. (NDCC ) Are results for home educated students included in a school s Adequate Yearly Progress Report? No. (See North Dakota Consolidated State Application and Accountability Workbook.) 21