I. Home Education is a parent-directed educational option. A home education program shall adhere to the provisions of Florida Statutes. A student may participate in a home education program established by his/her parent or guardian beginning with the appropriate kindergarten age described in F.S. 1003.21.

II. The District will not provide a high school diploma to home education students.

III. Students with a prior pattern of public school nonattendance may be subject to regular monthly portfolio reviews as outlined in F.S. 1003.26 until it is determined the student’s home education program is in compliance with F.S.1002.41. If the parent/guardian fails to provide the portfolio, the Superintendent or designee, shall terminate the home education program and require the parent to enroll the child in an attendance option that meets the definition of “regular school attendance” unders. 1003.01(16)(a), (b), (c), or (e), within 3 days.

IV. The following provisions shall govern home education programs offered by a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian:

A. Notify the Superintendent or designee in writing within thirty (30) days of the establishment of a home education program. The notice must be in writing, signed by the parent, and include the full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled as students in the home education program.

B. The parent/guardian of a home education student shall be responsible for the cost of obtaining and paying for instructional materials and resources.

C. The district may provide the names of support groups that may be able to provide assistance with curriculum, instruction, annual evaluations, and other educational matters of interest to parents/guardians directing a home education program. However, provision of such information shall not imply any direct or indirect endorsement or sponsorship of any group, and the District shall not be responsible for any act or omission of any such independent support group.

D. Maintain a portfolio of records and materials for a period of two (2) years. Contents of the portfolio shall include:

1. A log made contemporaneously with the instruction, which designates by title the material being used.

2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, and creative materials used or developed by the student.

E. Portfolios may be inspected by a district employee upon fifteen (15) days written notice.

F. Parents shall provide an annual educational evaluation in a manner prescribed by F.S. 1002.41, of their student(s) being home educated. The annual educational evaluation shall document the student’s demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with his/her ability. A copy of the evaluation shall be filed annually with the district.

G. In accordance with F.S. 1002.41, if a student does not demonstrate educational progress commensurate with his/her ability, the Superintendent shall notify the parent/guardian, in writing, that such progress has not been achieved. The parent(s) or legal guardian shall have one (1) year from the receipt of written notification to provide remedial instruction to the student. At the end of the 1-year probationary period, the student shall be reevaluated as specified in F.S. 1002.41. Continuation in the home educational program shall depend upon the student’s educational progress at the end of the one (1) year probationary period.

H. Home education families are to provide written notice to the Superintendent or designee office of an address change.

I. If a student's home education program is discontinued, the parent/guardian shall file a written notice of termination upon completion of the home education program with the district school superintendent, along with the annual evaluation, within 30 days of termination, as required by F.S. 1002.41.