The bill amends the Code of West Virginia concerning compulsory school attendance, particularly focusing on exemptions for children. It establishes various conditions under which a child may be exempt, such as home instruction, physical or mental incapacity, hazardous conditions, and participation in alternative educational programs like learning pods or microschools. New requirements for parents or guardians providing home instruction are introduced, including the submission of a notice of intent that must now include a verified date of birth and a telephone number for the child. Additionally, the bill mandates that the person providing home instruction must notify the county superintendent of any changes in residence or contact information.

Furthermore, the bill revises the assessment process for children in home instruction or alternative educational settings by replacing previous assessment methods with updated guidelines that require annual academic assessments to demonstrate acceptable growth. It removes the requirement for a certified teacher to review a portfolio of the child's work and provide a written narrative on their academic progress. Instead, if an annual assessment fails to show acceptable growth, instructors must initiate a remedial program and inform parents of available special education services. The bill clarifies that learning pods and microschools are not subject to other educational laws, except those related to special education, and emphasizes that participation in these programs does not equate to homeschooling. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the assessment process while ensuring children receive necessary educational support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1