This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish clear guidelines for microschools and learning pods, which serve as alternative educational options for children. It specifies that children enrolled in these settings are exempt from compulsory school attendance requirements if they meet certain criteria. The bill defines "learning pod" as a voluntary group of parents organizing their children for academic studies, while "microschool" refers to a tuition-charging school initiated by teachers or other entities. Parents or guardians are required to submit a notice of intent to the state superintendent or board, providing details about the child and the educational program. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements for instruction, assessment, and record-keeping, mandating that instructors possess appropriate qualifications and that annual assessments be conducted to ensure students are making acceptable progress.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the roles and responsibilities of state boards, parents, guardians, learning pods, and microschools regarding special education services. It requires the state board to inform parents and guardians about available services for assessing a child's eligibility for special education upon request, while also ensuring that identifying a disability does not hinder a child's participation in these educational settings. The bill mandates that academic assessment results be submitted to the state superintendent and allows for composite results from learning pods or microschools. It also ensures compliance with specific provisions for students requiring special education, including the placement of video cameras for their protection, and affirms that students in microschools have the same rights as those in other non-public schools, clarifying that they are not classified as homeschool students. Overall, the legislation aims to formalize the role of microschools and learning pods within the state's educational framework while ensuring accountability and educational standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1