This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to update the requirements for compulsory school attendance, particularly for home-schooled children and those participating in alternative education settings like learning pods and microschools. A significant change is the removal of the requirement for parents to submit certain evidence to the county superintendent for home instruction; instead, this evidence must now be submitted to the state superintendent. The bill also introduces provisions that allow children in learning pods or microschools to be exempt from compulsory attendance under specific conditions, while clarifying the responsibilities of parents or guardians to notify the state superintendent about their child's educational plans.

Additionally, the bill shifts oversight from local to state authorities by replacing "county" with "state" in various sections, and it requires parents and educational providers to maintain academic assessment records for three years. The State Board of Education is tasked with developing an online portal by August 1, 2025, to facilitate the submission of necessary documentation related to attendance exemptions. The legislation emphasizes that students in learning pods and microschools are not classified as homeschool students and must receive the same rights as those in traditional schools, while also ensuring that students with special education needs are adequately supported. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for alternative education while maintaining necessary oversight and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1