This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish specific training requirements for certified teachers who review portfolios of home-instructed children's work. It mandates that these teachers attend an in-person training session sponsored by the county or state board of education to learn how to accurately identify student growth and ensure proper portfolio reporting. Only teachers certified in core content areas, such as English, Math, and Science, and qualified to teach the corresponding age group, are permitted to conduct these portfolio reviews. The bill also retains existing exemptions from compulsory school attendance, emphasizing the need for annual assessments and documentation of progress for home-instructed children, while ensuring the county superintendent's involvement in monitoring home instruction and alternative education options.

Additionally, the bill clarifies regulations for the participation of children with disabilities in learning pods and microschools, ensuring that a disability does not impede their involvement. It requires instructors to provide evidence of appropriate instruction to the county superintendent if a child does not make acceptable progress for two consecutive years. The bill allows for composite academic assessment results to be submitted by learning pods or microschools, streamlining the reporting process. Furthermore, it mandates that the county superintendent or a designee provide assistance and teaching materials to those instructing in these settings, while clarifying that learning pods and microschools are not subject to other educational laws, except for special education provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1