The Creston 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 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  July 18, 2022    Reviewed _______________      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.

 

 

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

Cross Reference:  501.12  Pregnant Students
                                       604.1  Competent Private Instruction

Approved July 18, 2022      Reviewed                            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 employees.

 

 

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

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

Approved July 18, 2022      Reviewed                            Revised                   

 

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the principal.  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.  The rest of the policy is a process so boards can adapt but it’s merely recommended, not mandatory.

 

 

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.

Cross Reference:  603     Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.2  School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved July 18, 2022      Reviewed                            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

Approved July 18, 2022  Reviewed                           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

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

Approved July 18, 2022      Reviewed                            Revised                   

 

 

The board recognizes that online 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 credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through the district or through agencies approved by the principal and authorized by the school board and the Iowa Department of Education.  Credit from an online course may be earned only in the following circumstances: 

• Although the course is offered at the high school, the virtual educational setting will be more conducive to the student’s individual learning needs;
• 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 given a long-term suspension 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 an online course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in the online learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course. The school must receive an official record of the student’s final percentage score and suggested grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

Provided online courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the tuition costs for an online course shall be borne by the school district during the fall and spring semesters but may be passed on to the parent/guardian during the summer semester. Any additional costs such as textbooks, rentals, or school supplies, shall be borne by the school district or parents for students enrolled full-time. 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 256.9(55); 279.8.
                                             281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:  605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                       501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved July 18, 2022      Reviewed    __________                        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 July 18, 2022      Reviewed   __________                        Revised  __________