This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to revise the regulations surrounding compulsory school attendance, particularly for home-schooled children and the establishment of a "School Choice Portal." It eliminates the requirement for home-schooling parents to provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent for the instructor. Instead, it introduces a new process for submitting necessary documentation electronically through the School Choice Portal, which is expected to be operational by the 2025-2026 school year. The bill also mandates that county or state boards review any pending child abuse or neglect investigations before approving home instruction requests, ensuring a safeguard for children's welfare.

Additionally, the legislation outlines exemptions from compulsory school attendance for children involved in the Hope Scholarship Program, home instruction, and alternative educational settings like microschools and learning pods. It defines learning pods as voluntary groups of parents educating their children outside traditional schooling, while microschools are tuition-based institutions initiated by teachers or entities. Parents must notify the state superintendent or board of their child's participation in these programs, ensuring that core subjects are taught and annual assessments are conducted to monitor academic progress. The bill clarifies that while learning pods and microschools are regulated, they are distinct from homeschooling, allowing families to have flexible educational options while maintaining certain educational standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1
Committee Substitute: 18-8-1
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-8-1
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-8-1