The North Mahaska Community 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 of 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 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, which results in the student making adequate progress.  Competent private
instruction is provided by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by other individuals identified in law.

Independent private instruction means 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 non-public school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and (viii) Is exempt from
all state statute 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.

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects Iowa law on competent private instruction and independent private Instruction.  For additional information,
including applicable forms, please visit the "Options for Educational Choice" section of the Iowa Department of Education's
website, located at https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/options-educational-choice.

 

 

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 ________________       
Reviewed __7/18/12016___     
Revised_____________

 

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 will 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 will 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 is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.  Progress of the students will be monitored through the SAT
team and at-risk or special education programs.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24;
                                         299A (2007).

Cross Reference:  501.12  Pregnant Students
                                        604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                         
Revised                   

 

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of
certified staff.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (2007).
                                        281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.

Cross Reference:  505       Student Scholastic Achievement
                                        604.7    Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed  7/18/2106                                                                 
Revised                   

 

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

It is 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
certified staff.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (2007).
                                        281 I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.

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

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                       
Revised                   

 

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

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

            The notice is in writing;

            The objection is based on religious beliefs;

            The objection will state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;

            The objection will state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and

            The objection will state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The superintendent will have discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent will 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.

 

NOTE:  Paragraph one of this policy reflects Iowa law regarding parents removing their children from parts of the education program

 

 

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 (2007).

Cross Reference:  603       Instructional Curriculum
                                        606.4    School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved     6-20-2011             
Reviewed   7/18/2016                
Revised                   

 

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 will 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 if the student pays for the courses.  Upon successful completion of these summer
courses, the students will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board.  Successful completion of the course is
determined by the post-secondary educational institution.  The board will have complete discretion to determine the academic credit to be awarded to the student for the summer
courses.

The following factors are 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,
are 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 are responsible for the costs of attendance for the courses.

Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit will reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course.  Prior to registering for the course, students
under age eighteen will 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 may appeal to the AEA for a waiver of reimbursement.

The superintendent is 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 will also be responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy.

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 261C; 279.8; 280.3, .14 (2007).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12, 22.

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

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed 7/18/2016     
Revised                   

 

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district in accordance with
state law and policy.  The student is considered under dual enrollment.  The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should
notify the board secretary no later than September 15 of the school year in which dual enrollment is sought on forms provided by the school district.  On the
form, they will 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 will apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other
students enrolled the school district.  These policies and administrative rules will include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good
conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of applicable fees.

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.

After the student notifies the school district which activities in which they wish to participate, the school district will provide information regarding the
specific programs.

The applicable legal requirements for dual enrollment including, but not limited to those related to reporting and eligibility, shall be followed.  It is the
responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects Iowa's dual enrollment law.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§  279.8, 299A.
                                                 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   Private Instruction
                                                 604.9   Home School Assistance Program

Approve __________            
Reviewed _7/18/2016_                      
Revised _________

 

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.

 

NOTE:  The only legal requirement for foreign students is stated in the second bullet.  However, the other requirements are strongly recommended.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

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

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                      
Revised                   

 

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 is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.    The current copy of Competent Private Instruction Form A
provided by the department of education will be used for parents to apply for dual enrollment.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 299A (2007).
                                        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     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                            
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 a maximum of 8 credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing on-line courses offered through agencies approved
by the board, such as E2020 and college on-line courses.  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 student needs recovery credit to graduate;

· 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 parents unless the course qualifies for PSEO or concurrent enrollment, in which case, costs will be borne by the school with in those
program's parameters.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007)
                                     281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:  605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                        501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016_____                  
Revised  __________

 

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 __________                         
Reviewed   __________                       
Revised  __________