In the event a child of compulsory attendance age, over age six and under age sixteen, does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school the child must receive competent private instruction.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student must notify the school district prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the school district.  The forms are available in the central administration office.  One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the school district and another copy will be forwarded to the area education agency.

The superintendent will determine whether the completed form is in compliance with the law.  Specifically, the superintendent will determine whether the individual providing the instruction is either the student's parent, guardian, legal custodian or an Iowa licensed practitioner; whether the licensed practitioner's license is appropriate for the age and grade level of the student; that the student is being instructed a minimum of one hundred and forty-eight days per year; that immunization evidence is provided for students placed under competent private instruction for the first time and that the report is timely filed.

The school district shall report noncompliance with the reporting, immunization, attendance, instructor qualifications, and assessment requirements of the compulsory attendance law to the county attorney of the county of residence of the student's parent, guardian or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another school district.  Prior to the request for open enrollment, the student shall request dual enrollment in the resident district.  The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements.  If the parent, guardian or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district.  The resident district shall then report the noncompliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian or custodian.

The Janesville Consolidated School District recognizes that families with students of compulsory attendance age may select alternative forms of education outside the traditional school setting, including private instruction. The applicable legal requirements for private instruction, including, but not limited to those relating to reporting and evaluations for progress, shall be followed.

Except as otherwise exempted, in the event a child of compulsory attendance age as defined by law does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school, the child must receive private instruction. Private instruction means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school. 

Private instruction can take the form of competent private instruction and independent private instruction. The Iowa Department of Education recognizes three options for delivery of this form of instruction: two options for delivery of competent private instruction and one option for independent private instruction.

Competent private instruction means either private instruction provided on a daily basis for at least one hundred forty-eight days during a school year, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven days each school quarter by or under supervision of a licensed practitioner, which results in the student making adequate progress, or private instruction provided by a parent, guardian or legal custodian. 

Independent private instruction means private instruction that meets the following criteria: (i) is not accredited, (ii) enrolls not more than four unrelated students, (iii) does not charge tuition, fees, or other remuneration for instruction, (iv) provides private or religious-based instruction as its primary purpose, (v) provides enrolled students with instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies, (vi) provides, upon written request from the superintendent of the school district in which the independent private instruction is provided, or from the director of the department of education, a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent private instruction, and the names of the students enrolled, (vii) is not a nonpublic school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and (viii) is exempt from all state statutes and administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or a school district, except as otherwise provided by law.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 299, 299A.
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  501       Student Attendance
                                       502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504       Student Activities
                                       507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                       604.7    Dual Enrollment
                                       604.9    Home School Assistance Program

Approved   10/9/95                 
Reviewed 11/15/21                 
Revised      11/15/21        

 

The board's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular education program.  Generally, students attending the school district shall receive the regular education program offered by the district.  Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.

Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction shall state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24; 299A (1995).

Cross Reference:  501.12  Pregnant Students
                                       604.1   Competent Private Instruction

Approved 10/9/95     
Reviewed 11/15/21                                              
Revised               

 

The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program.  The board shall identify students with special abilities and provide education programming.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       604.6  Instruction at a Post-Secondary Education Institution

Approved 7/10/89         
Reviewed  11/15/21               
Revised 10/9/95 

 

The board recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program.  The board shall provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (1995).
                                       281  I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       607.1  Student Guidance and Counseling Program

Approved 7/10/89      
Reviewed 11/15/21               
Revised 10/9/95 

 

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent.  The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest.  Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.

In notifying the superintendent, the parents shall abide by the following:

• The notice shall be in writing;
• The objection shall be based on religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
• The objection shall state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The superintendent shall have discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.

Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                       Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
                                       Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                       Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.2  School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved   7/10/89    
Reviewed  11/15/21                                          
Revised 10/9/95 

 

 Students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or vocational-technical credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions.  The student may receive academic or vocational-technical credits through an agreement between a post-secondary educational institution or with the board's approval on a case-by-case basis.

Students in grades nine through twelve who successfully complete courses in post-secondary educational institutions under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution shall receive academic and vocational-technical credits in accordance with the agreement.

Students who have completed the eleventh grade but who have not completed the graduation requirements set out by the board may take up to seven semester hours of credit at a post-secondary educational institution during the summer months when school is not in session.  Upon successful completion of these summer courses, the students shall receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board.  Successful completion of the course shall be determined by the post-secondary educational institution.  The board shall have complete discretion to determine the academic credit to be awarded to the student for the summer courses.

The following factors shall be considered in the board's determination of whether a student will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for a course at a post-secondary educational institution:

• the course is taken from a public or accredited private post-secondary educational institution;
• a comparable course is not offered in the school district.  A comparable course is one in which the subject matter or the purposes and objectives of the course are similar, in the judgment of the board, to a course offered in the school district;
• the course is in the discipline areas of mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, vocational-technical education, or a course offered in the community college career options program;
• the course is a credit-bearing course that leads to a degree;
• the course is not religious or sectarian; and
• the course meets any other requirements set out by the board.

Students in grades eleven and twelve who take courses, other than courses taken under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution, shall be responsible for transportation without reimbursement to and from the location where the course is being offered.

Ninth and tenth grade talented and gifted students and all students in grades eleven and twelve will be reimbursed for tuition and other costs directly related to the course up to $250.  Students who take courses during the summer months when school is not in session shall be responsible for the costs of attendance for the courses.

Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit shall reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course.  Prior to registering for the course, students under age eighteen shall have a parent sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course.  Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course for reasons beyond their control, including, but not limited to, the student's incapacity, death in the family or a move to another district, may not be responsible for the costs of the course.  The school board may waive reimbursement of costs to the school district for the previously listed reasons.  Students dissatisfied with a school board's decision shall appeal to the AEA for a waiver of reimbursement.

The superintendent shall be responsible for annually notifying students and parents of the opportunity to take courses at post-secondary educational institutions in accordance with this policy.  The superintendent shall also be responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 261C; 279.8; 280.3, .14 (1995).
                                       Iowa Code Supp. § 261C.8 (1995).
                                       281  I.A.C. 12, 22.

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       604.3  Program for Talented and Gifted Students

Approved  12/13/93             
Reviewed  11/15/21               
Revised  10/9/95   

 

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district.  The student shall be considered under dual enrollment.  The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary prior to the third Friday of September each year on forms provided by the school district.  On the form, they shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the school district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school district.  The policies and administrative rules of the school district shall apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled the school district.  These policies and administrative rules shall include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation.

A dual enrollment student whose parent, guardian, or custodian has chosen standardized testing as the form of the student's annual assessment will not be responsible for the cost of the test or the administration of the test.

The school district shall notify the dual enrollment student of the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student wishes to participate.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       503    Student Discipline
                                       504    Student Activities
                                       507    Student Health and Well-Being
                                       604.1  Competent Private Instruction
                                       604.9  Home School Assistance Program

Approved 7/10/89      
Reviewed  11/15/21                 
Revised 10/9/95 

 

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization.  Foreign students must be approved by the board.  The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted.  Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:

• The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;
• The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or
• The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and
• The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:  501      Student Attendance|
                                       507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved  7/10/89    
Reviewed 11/15/21               
Revised 10/9/95 

 

The board, recognizing alternatives to education outside the formal public school system, authorizes the establishment of a home school assistance program.  This program will assist students receiving competent private instruction by providing licensed employees of the school district to assist the parent, guardian or legal custodian in the education of the student.

The parent, guardian or legal custodian registering for the home school assistance program will agree to comply with the requirements established by the faculty of the program.

Students registered for the home school assistance program will be counted in the basic enrollment.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 299A (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  504      Student Activities
                                       507      Student Health and Well-Being
                                       604.1  Competent Private Instruction
                                       604.7  Dual Enrollment

Approved  10/9/95        
Reviewed  11/15/21                      
Revised               

 

The board recognizes that on-line coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements but, also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.

High school students may earn necessary credits as determined by the high school principal and guidance counselor to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing on-line courses offered through agencies approved by the board, such as the Iowa On-Line Learning.  Credit from an on-line or virtual course may be earned only in the following circumstances: 

• The course is not offered at the high school;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirements;
• The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
• The student has been expelled from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or
• The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

Students applying for permission to take a virtual course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an on-line learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an on-line course. The school must receive an official record of the final grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

Provided courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the costs for a virtual course, such as textbooks or school supplies, shall be borne by the school district for students enrolled full-time. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2005)
                                         281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:  605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                         501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved __10/09/95               
Reviewed   _11/15/21_                         
Revised  _12/11/13___

 

It is important to embrace technology that can foster a creative, interactive learning environment for students, and facilitate employee professional development and collaboration.  The use of online platforms to host remote interaction between students and employees and to facilitate learning is encouraged in the district. 

While student and employee instruction and communication using virtual and online platforms provides a wide array of learning opportunities, it is imperative that employees and students recognize that the use of such platforms is a privilege.  Training related to the use of online learning platforms will be provided to employees and students. 

The district shall carefully safeguard the right of students and employees to learn and teach in a respectful environment regardless of the method. All instruction and communication through online learning platforms should be appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.  Students and employees should be aware that online platforms may be monitored by the district.  Verbal and written communication occurring on these platforms may be recorded and stored by the district in accordance with applicable laws. 

Any verbal or written communication on these platforms deemed to be inappropriate will subject the student and/or employee to the same disciplinary measures that would exist if the interaction took place through traditional in-person learning. Students and employees who have concerns about the proper use of these platforms are encouraged to speak with their teachers or building principal. The superintendent will make administrative regulations necessary to enforce this policy. 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99
                                        47 U.S.C. §254
                                        20 U.S.C. §6777
                                        Iowa Code §§ 715C

Cross Reference:  104  Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment
                                       401.13  Staff Technology Use/Social Networking
                                       506.1  Student Records
                                       605.4  Technology in the Classroom
                                       605.6 Internet Appropriate Use
                                       501.6 Student Transfers In

Approved __08/24/20________
Reviewed  _11/15/21_________ 
Revised  __________