The Maquoketa Valley School District recognizes that families with students of compulsory attendance age may select alternative forms of education outside the traditional school setting, including private instruction. The applicable legal requirements for private instruction, including, but not limited to those relating to reporting and evaluations for progress, shall be followed.

Except as otherwise exempted, in the event a child of compulsory attendance age as defined by law does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school, the child must receive private instruction. Private instruction means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school. 

Private instruction can take the form of competent private instruction and independent private instruction. The Iowa Department of Education recognizes three options for delivery of this form of instruction: two options for delivery of competent private instruction and one option for independent private instruction.

Competent private instruction means private instruction provided on a daily basis for at least one hundred forty-eight days during a school year, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven days each school quarter, which results in the student making adequate progress.  Competent private instruction is provided by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by other individuals identified in law. 

Independent private instruction means instruction that meets the following criteria: (i) is not accredited, (ii) enrolls not more than four unrelated students, (iii) does not charge tuition, fees, or other remuneration for instruction, (iv) provides private or religious-based instruction as its primary purpose, (v) provides enrolled students with instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies, (vi) provides, upon written request from the superintendent of the school district in which the independent private instruction is provided, or from the director of the department of education, a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent private instruction, and the names of the students enrolled, (vii) is not a nonpublic school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and (viii) is exempt from all state statutes and administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or a school district, except as otherwise provided by law.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa law on competent private instruction and independent private instruction. For additional information, including applicable forms, please visit the “Options for Educational Choice” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/options-educational-choice.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 299, 299A.
                                       281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:  501                                      Student Attendance
                                       502                                      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504                                      Student Activities
                                       507.1                                  Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                       604.7                                  Dual Enrollment
                                       604.9                                  Home School Assistance Program

Approved  __6/21/21____     
Reviewed _______________     
Revised ____________

The board's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular education program.  Generally, students attending the school district will receive the regular education program offered by the district.  Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.

Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction will state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24;
                                      299A.

Cross Reference:  501.12                                    Pregnant Students
                                       604.1                                      Competent Private Instruction

Approved      6/21/21                            
Reviewed                                                                               
Revised                   

The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program.  The board will identify students with special abilities and provide education programming.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49.
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.

Cross Reference:  505                                      Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       604.6                                  Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

Approved     6/21/21                             
Reviewed                                                                               
Revised                   

The board recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program.  The board will provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A.
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 65.

Cross Reference:  505                                      Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       607.1                                  Student Guidance and Counseling Program

Approved     6/21/21                             
Reviewed                                                                               
Revised                   

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent.  The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest.  Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.  Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs are required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

In notifying the superintendent, the parents will abide by the following:

        ∙  The notice is in writing;

        ∙  The objection is based on religious beliefs;

        ∙ The objection will state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;

        ∙ The objection will state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and

        ∙ The objection will state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The superintendent will have discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent will consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                       Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
                                       Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                       Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 256.11(6); 279.8.

Cross Reference:  603                                      Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.2                                  School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved    6/21/21                              
Reviewed                                                                               
Revised                   

Transportation to and from the postsecondary institution is the responsibility of the student or parent or legal guardian of the student enrolled in a PSEO course.  Eligible students may take up to seven hours of post-secondary credit during the summer months and receive high school credit upon successful completion of a post-secondary course.  However, the student or student’s parent or legal guardian are responsible for all costs associated with courses taken during the summer.   

Students who fail a PSEO course and fail to receive credit are required to reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course up to the $250.00 reimbursement maximum.  Prior to registering, students under the age of eighteen are required to have a parent or guardian sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit.  Reimbursement waivers may be granted by the board if sufficient verification is provided to show that the student was unable to complete the course for reasons outside the student’s control, including but not limited to physical incapacity, a death in the student’s immediate family, or a move out of the school district.   

If a student is unable to demonstrate proficiency or the school district or accredited nonpublic school determines that the course unit completed by the student does not meet the school district’s standards, the superintendent shall provide in writing to the student’s parent or guardian the reason for the denial of credit.

Legal References:  Iowa Code §§ 256.7; 11; 258; 261E; 279.61, 280.3, 280.14
                                         281 I.A.C. 12 and 22

Cross References:  505                                      Student Scholastic Achievement
                                         604.3                                  Program for Talented and Gifted Students

Approved     6/21/21                             
Reviewed                                                                               
Revised                   

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization.  Foreign students must be approved by the board.  The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted.  Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:

        ∙  The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;

        ∙  The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or

        ∙  The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and,

        ∙  The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8

Cross Reference:  501        Student Attendance
                                        507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved      6/21/21    
Reviewed                      
Revised                   

The board recognizes that online coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements but also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.

High school students may earn a maximum of  24 credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through the district or through agencies approved by the board and the Iowa Department of Education.  Credit from an online course may be earned only in the following circumstances: 

• The course is not offered at the high school;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the virtual educational setting will be more conducive to the student’s individual learning needs;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirements;
• The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
• The student has been given a long-term suspension from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or,
• The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

Students applying for permission to take an online course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in the online learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course. The school must receive an official record of the student’s final percentage score and suggested grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

Provided online courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the tuition costs for an online course shall be borne by the school district during the fall and spring semesters, but may be passed on to the parent/guardian during the summer semester. Any additional costs such as textbooks, rentals or school supplies, shall be borne by the school district for students enrolled full-time. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 256.9(55); 279.8.
                                             281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:  605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                        501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved   6/21/21       
Reviewed   __________                       
Revised  __________

It is important to embrace technology that can foster a creative, interactive learning environment for students, and facilitate employee professional development and collaboration.  The use of online platforms to host remote interaction between students and employees and to facilitate learning is encouraged in the district. 

While student and employee instruction and communication using virtual and online platforms provides a wide array of learning opportunities, it is imperative that employees and students recognize that the use of such platforms is a privilege.  Training related to the use of online learning platforms will be provided to employees and students. 

The district shall carefully safeguard the right of students and employees to learn and teach in a respectful environment regardless of the method. All instruction and communication through online learning platforms should be appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.  Students and employees should be aware that online platforms may be monitored by the district.  Verbal and written communication occurring on these platforms may be recorded and stored by the district in accordance with applicable laws.   

Any verbal or written communication on these platforms deemed to be inappropriate will subject the student and/or employee to the same disciplinary measures that would exist if the interaction took place through traditional in-person learning. Students and employees who have concerns about the proper use of these platforms are encouraged to speak with their teachers or building principal. The superintendent will make administrative regulations necessary to enforce this policy. 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99
                                        47 U.S.C. §254
                                        20 U.S.C. §6777
                                        Iowa Code §§ 715C

Cross Reference:  104       Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment
                                       401.13   Staff Technology Use/Social Networking
                                       506.1     Student Records
                                       605.4     Technology in the Classroom
                                       605.6    Internet Appropriate Use
                                       501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved  6/21/21                               
Reviewed   __________                                                                       
Revised  __________