HOME EDUCATION

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

AND

PROCEDURES

Dr. Patricia S. Willis, Superintendent

Jacksonville, Florida 32207

904 390-2477

FOR PARENTS PARTICIPATING IN A HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM

Revised 3/2017 2

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 1002, FLORIDA STATUTES

Home Education is a parent-directed education alternative. Home Education allows the freedom to explore and learn

at the pace of the individual student. Parents who provide instruction to their children at home are requested to read

carefully and comply with all of the state statutes and regulations governing the operation of a Home Education

Program. In order to properly notify the superintendent of schools of their intent to establish a Home Education

Program, parents are requested to complete the enclosed notification form and mail or fax it WITHIN 30 DAYS OF

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM.

TEXTBOOKS

Parents who desire to use the same textbooks as those used in the Duval County Public Schools can receive

information from the Education Media Textbook Section at 858-3670. Parents may purchase their books (new)

through the Florida Book Depository at the following address:

1125 North Ellis Road (1 block north of Commonwealth Avenue)

Phone: 781-7191

You must provide proof that you are currently enrolled in the home school program.

Used textbooks may be obtained by contacting the following office on Wednesdays (between the hours of 1:00 p.m.

– 4:30 p.m.). Please note that the used textbooks are 1.) “off-adoption” and may not be what is currently being taught

in public schools and, 2.) textbooks for all subjects and/or grade levels may not be available.

Consolidated Service Center (4880 Bulls Bay Highway)

Phone: 858-1500

CURRICULUM ASSISTANCE

For assistance with curriculum planning and annual evaluations, parents may contact:

Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.)

Phone: 783-8197 (Web Site: www.herijax.com)

ANNUAL EVALUATION

Parents are requested to submit the results of the annual evaluation data to the following address no later than one-

year from the date the county receives your notice of intent to establish a home education program:

Home Education Office, 4th Floor, Room 428

1701 Prudential Drive

Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182

Phone: 390-2477 Fax: 390-2075

For additional information regarding textbooks, accredited correspondence programs, the Florida Virtual High

School, etc., contact http://www.fldoe.org

THE DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM IS NOT AUTHORIZED

BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO AWARD HIGH SCHOOL

DIPLOMAS TO HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS; NOR ARE CREDITS

AWARDED WHILE IN THE HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM.

Revised 3/2017 3

GUIDELINES FOR THE HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM

A Home Education Program, as defined in Section 1002.01, Florida Statutes, is the sequentially progressive

instruction of a student directed by his/her parent(s) or guardian in order to satisfy the requirements of

Section 1002.41, 1003.01(4), and 1003.21(1).

A. Guidelines and Procedures for the Home Education Program

1. ENROLLMENT/TERMINATION

The parent shall notify the district school superintendent of the county in which the parent resides of her

or his intent to establish and maintain a home education program. The notice shall be in writing, signed

by the parent, and shall include the names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled

as students in the Home Education Program. The notice shall be filed in the district school

superintendent’s office within 30 days of the establishment of the home education program. A written

notice of termination of the Home Education Program shall be filed in the district school

superintendent’s office within 30 days after said termination.

2. PORTFOLIO

The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio shall consist of the

following:

a. a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that

designates by title any reading materials used and

b. samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the

student. The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent for 2 years and shall be made available for

inspection by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendent’s agent, upon

15 days’ written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the district school superintendent to

inspect the portfolio.

3. EVALUATION

The parent shall provide for an annual educational evaluation in which is documented the student’s

demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability. The parent shall

select the method of evaluation and shall file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school

superintendent’s office in the county in which the student resides. The annual educational evaluation

shall consist of one of the following:

a. A teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the student’s educational progress upon review of

the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida

certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level;

b. The student shall take any nationally-normed student achievement test administered by a certified

teacher;

c. The student shall take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered

by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;

d. The student shall be evaluated by an individual holding a valid, active license (as a school

psychologist) pursuant to the provisions of s. 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or

e. The student shall be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by

the district school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student’s

parent resides.

4. REVIEW OF EVALUATION

The district school superintendent shall review and accept the results of the annual educational

evaluation of the student in a Home Education program. If the student does not demonstrate educational

progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability, the district school superintendent shall notify

the parent, in writing, that such progress has not been achieved. The parent shall have 1 year from the

date of receipt of the written notification to provide remedial instruction to the student. At the end of the

1-year probationary period, the student shall be reevaluated as specified in s. 1002.41 (1) (c), F.S.

Continuation in a Home Education Program shall be contingent upon the student demonstrating

educational progress commensurate with her or his ability at the end of the probationary period.

Revised 3/2017 4

5. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A home education student is eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities at a

public school. An extracurricular activity is any school-authorized or education-related activity

occurring during or outside the regular instructional school day. A home education student must be able

to participate in curricular (class) activities if that is a requirement of the extra-curricular activity, such as

marching band. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school. (s. 1006.15

(3) (a), F.S.)

a. The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s. 1002.41, F.S.).

b. During the period of participation, the Home Education student must demonstrate educational

progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education Program by a method of evaluation agreed

upon by the parent and the school principal which may include the following:

review of the student’s work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent,

grades earned through correspondence,

grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or

standardized test scores above the 35th percentile, or any other method in s. 1002.41 (1) (c),

F.S.

c. The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he

or she participates. Home school students may only participate at their attendance area school.

d. The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of

other students in extracurricular activities.

e. The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic

extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season

for which the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A Home Education student must be

able to participate in curricular activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an

extracurricular activity.

f. A student who transfers from a Home Education Program to a public school before or during the

first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic

extracurricular activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful

evaluation from the previous year.

g. Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain academic

eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate as

a Home Education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in

Home Education fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s.

1006.15 (3) (a) 2, F.S.) to become eligible to participate as a Home Education student.

Any insurance provided by the district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities

shall cover the participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for such

coverage, the participating Home Education student shall pay the premium (s.1006.15 (7), F.S.).

6. BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP

Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s. 1002.41, F.S., registered

with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test score requirements for

Home School Programs are eligible to participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in

accordance with the provisions of ss. 1009.534-1009.563, F.S.

7. DUAL ENROLLMENT

Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with the

provisions of ss. 1007.27 (4); 1007.271 (10), F.S. Home Education students are not eligible to

participate in Dual Enrollment through the Duval County Public Schools’ articulation agreements.

Home Education students must enter into their own articulation agreement with the college or university.

8. Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s. 1007.27 (1), F.S.

Revised 3/2017 5

FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE

HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS

GRANTED EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

B. Guidelines and Procedures for Students Who Have Left The Home Education Program to

Return to Duval County Public Schools

1. GRADE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND

ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES K – 5

a. KINDERGARTEN PLACEMENT: A student who enters a Duval County Public School from a

kindergarten Home Education Program must meet the entrance requirements for kindergarten as

outlined in Section I: Enrollment and Promotion within the Elementary School in the Student

Progression Plan.

b. FIRST GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a

Home Education Program and verification that the student meets the age requirement for entrance

in to first grade, a student shall be provisionally placed in a first grade class. During the first 20

days of enrollment, the student shall be assessed through teacher observation and district and state

assessments to demonstrate mastery of the applicable state standards for kindergarten. If the

student does not demonstrate mastery of the standards, he/she shall be reassigned to and placed in

kindergarten.

c. SECOND THROUGH FIFTH GRADE PLACEMENT: With appropriate documentation of

satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may be provisionally placed in

the regular program for these grades. This provisional placement will be validated before the end

of the first 45 days in the program as follows:

i. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is

correct. This judgment will be based on the student’s classroom performance as outlined

in Appendix C, and

ii. A minimum Grade Equivalent score (see Table A) on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading

Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT).

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score.

TABLE A: Minimum Grade Equivalent Scores for SDRT and SDMT

Grades 2 – 5

Student is

entering the

following

grade:

Student enters during the following month:

August

Sep

tem

ber

Oct

ober

Novem

ber

Dec

ember

Januar

y

Feb

ruar

y

Mar

ch

Apri

l

May

Grade 2 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3

Grade 3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1

Grade 4 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.5

Grade 5 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.3 4.5 4.7 4.9 5.1 5.3

Revised 3/2017 6

2. GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME SCHOOL AND

ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 6

With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may

be provisionally placed in the regular program for 6th grade. This provisional grade level placement will be

validated before the end of the first 45 days in the program as follows:

a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct.

This judgment will be based on the student’s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C,

and

b. A minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic

Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test

score.

1. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME

SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES 7 AND 8

With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student may

be provisionally placed in the regular program for grades 7 and 8.

a. This provisional grade level AND course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45

days of enrollment. (S.B.R. 6A-109941)

1) Validation of courses/grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the

receiving school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will

determine if the grade level/course placement is correct. This judgment will be based on

the student’s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a

minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment,

further validation of grade/course placement and acceptance of grades/credits will

not be necessary.

2) If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further

validation is required. Validation methods may include the following:

Portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee;

A passing score of 60% or higher on a District End-of -Course Exam (EOC) can

be used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit.

[To determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses

without an EOC, a teacher-made test, benchmark assessments, if appropriate,

and/or any other valid measurement tool shall be used for validation.];

Written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and

approved by the principal;

Demonstrated proficiencies on iReady/Achieve 3000; or

Demonstrated proficiencies on the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) in

appropriate subject areas.

Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of enrollment to prepare

for validation assessments outlined above.

b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory.

c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public

Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that

may be accrued through the Student Progression Plan.

d. Students cannot be promoted to Grade 9 without official documentation of

courses/grades/GPA earned in grades 6 -8.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test

score.

Revised 3/2017 7

3. GRADE LEVEL/COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME

SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADE 9

With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student

may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades.

This provisional grade level/course placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of

enrollment as follows:

a. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned that the grade placement is correct.

This judgment will be based on the student’s classroom performance as outlined in Appendix C,

and

b. a minimum score on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and the Stanford Diagnostic

Math Test (SDMT) that falls within the average percentile range for that grade level.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score.

If a student has a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment further

validation of grade level/course placement will not be necessary.

1. GRADE/LEVEL COURSE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS LEAVING HOME

SCHOOL AND ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GRADES 10 – 12

With appropriate documentation of satisfactory completion of a Home Education Program, a student

may be provisionally placed in the regular program for these grades.

a. This provisional placement will be validated before the end of the first 45 days of enrollment in

the program. (S.B.R. 6A-109941)

i. Validation of course grades/credits will be based on performance in classes at the receiving

school. The judgment of the teacher(s) to whom the student is assigned will determine if the

grade placement is correct. This judgment will be based on the student’s classroom

performance as outlined in Appendix C. If a student has a minimum grade point average

of 2.0 at the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further validation of credits will not be

necessary.

ii. If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA by the end of the first 45 days of enrollment, further

validation is required. Validation methods may include the following:

Portfolio evaluation by the superintendent or designee;

A passing score of 60% or higher on the District’s End-of-Course Exam (EOC) may be

used to demonstrate mastery, to assign a grade, and to receive course credit. [To

determine course mastery, assign a grade, and award credit(s) for courses without an EOC,

a teacher-made test, district benchmark, if appropriate, or any other valid measurement

tool shall be used for validation.];

Demonstrated proficiencies on iReady/Achieve 3000;

written recommendation by a Florida certified teacher selected by the parent and approved

by the principal;

Demonstrated proficiencies on nationally-normed standardized subject area assessments,

such as the SAT Subject Area Tests; or

Demonstrated proficiencies on the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) in appropriate

subject areas.

Note: Students must be provided at least 90 days from the date of entry to prepare for

validation assessments outlined above.

b. Awarding of credit is limited to courses available in the State Course Code Directory.

c. Students transferring from a Home Education Program into the Duval County Public

Schools may not accrue credits in one school year that exceed the number of credits that may

be accrued through the Student Progression Plan.

NOTE: The final determination will be based primarily on classroom performance and not on a single test score.

Revised 3/2017 8

C. High School Completion/Diploma (S.B.R. 6A-1.09941)

1. To receive a four-year, 24-credit standard high school diploma, a transfer student must pass the Grade 10

Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) or an alternate assessment as provided by Florida law and earn a

2.0 GPA in courses taken in a Florida public school, specified in s. 1008.22 (3), F.S. Twelfth grade

students transferring into DCPS with ninety (90) or fewer school days left of the school year may receive

their diplomas from the school from which the student transferred.

2. School districts are not authorized to award a diploma to a Home Education Program student. However,

a home education student may take the General Education Development (GED®) test at an education

center, such as Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Assessment Centers, and be awarded a

GED® diploma by the State of Florida, if the student receives a passing score. The toll free number for

information pertaining to the GED® is 1-800-237-5113.

2. To qualify for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, a student must have been enrolled in home school

his junior and senior years at the minimum.

Exceptional Student Education Services

Duval County Public Schools has the Child Find obligation for students grades PK-12 who are suspected

of having an exceptionality. (A private evaluation, at the parent’s expense, can also be reviewed.) Parents

can make a request for evaluation to determine eligibility to their Support Team Office. Please call 390-

2071 or the neighborhood school for the Support Team assignment.

Elementary Support Team 904.858.6150

904.924.3456

904.348.7861

Secondary Support Team 904.858.6270

INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Home Education students may participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities in accordance

with the provisions of s. 1006.15, F.S.

a. The student must meet the requirements of the Home Education Program (s. 1002.41, F.S.).

b. During the period of participation, the Home Education student must demonstrate educational

progress in all subjects taken in the Home Education Program by a method of evaluation agreed upon

by the parent and the school principal which may include:

1. review of the student’s work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent,

2. grades earned through correspondence,

3. grades earned in courses at a post-secondary institution, or

4. standardized test scores above the 35th percentile, or any other method in s. 1002.41, F.S.

c. The student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or

she participates.

d. The student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of other

students in extracurricular activities.

e. The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular

activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for which the activity

in which he or she wishes to participate. A home education student must be able to participate in

curricular activities (school courses) if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity.

Revised 3/2017 9

f. A student who transfers from a home education program to a public school before or during the first

grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular

activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful evaluation from the

previous year.

g. Any public school or non-public school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility

for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate as a home

education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in home education

fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility (s. 1006.15 (3)(a)2, f.s.) To

become eligible to participate as a home education student.

Any insurance provided by district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities shall cover the

participating Home Education student. If there is an additional premium for such coverage, the participating Home

Education student shall pay the premium (s.1006.15 (7), F.S.).

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Students who have participated in a Home Education Program according to s. 1002.41, F.S., registered with the

district during grades 11 and 12, and have met the SAT or ACT test score requirements for Home School Programs

are eligible to participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of ss.

1009.53-1009.539, F.S.

Dual Enrollment Programs

Home Education students may participate in Dual Enrollment Programs in accordance with the provisions of ss.

1007.27 (4); 1007.271 (10). Home Education students are not eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment through

the Duval County Public Schools’ articulation agreements. Home Education students must enter into their own

articulation agreement with the college or university.

Home Education students may participate in credit by examination per s. 1007.27 (7), F.S.

FLORIDA STATUTES AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING THE

HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM WHERE INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS GRANT

EXEMPTION FROM COMPULSORY PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

Additional information about home education can be obtained from the following resources:

Florida Department of Education 1.800.447.1636 http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org

School Choice Office

325 West Gaines Street, Suite 522

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) Christie Groff – District Four 904.477.3307

An independent organization that exists solely to serve home education families in Florida http://www.fpea.com

LIFE of Florida-An inclusive state support and networking group for home and alternative learners

http://www.LIFEofFlorida.org

Home Education Resources and Information (H.E.R.I.) Phone: 904.783.8197 http://www.herijax.com

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship information for home school students

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/homepac.htm or by telephone, toll-free at 1.888.827.2004.

Preliminary SAT Information: PSAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/students/testing/psat/abouthtml

SAT OR ACT Registration: Apply for SAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/testing/

Apply for ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html

Revised 3/2017 10

Duval County Public Schools Office of Student Discipline and Support Services

Jackie Simmons, Executive Director – simmons@duvalschools.org

Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program

Please complete one form for each student. In compliance with section 1002.41 (1)(a), Florida Statutes this is written notice from the parent/guardian to establish and maintain a home education program for the following student. The parent/guardian is responsible for maintaining his/her students’ complete portfolio and learning log as well as submitting results of annual evaluations in compliance with section 1002.41, Florida Statutes.

Please Print Legibly:

STUDENT NAME (First Name Last Name)

DATE OF BIRTH mm/dd/yyyy

MALE/FEMALE GRADE I have withdrawn my child from the following school

Student ID Number ________________________

Parent/Guardian Name _____________________________________ Telephone __________________ Home Address __________________________________ City ________________ Zip Code __________ Email Address ___________________________________

I currently reside at the above Duval County address. I understand this is subject to verification.

I have withdrawn the student from the current school and I am establishing a Home Education program.

I understand that an original Annual Evaluation will be due on or before the anniversary date of enrollment into

Home Education.

The Home Education Office does not issue a high school diploma, books, curriculum or materials.

____________________________________ ____________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Please Note: If the office is unable to process the above request, the telephone number, address, and/or email address will be used to contact you. You can send completed forms via mail, email, or fax using the contact information below.

Duval County Public Schools 1701 Prudential Drive

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb Home Education Office, 4th Floor

Jacksonville, FL 32207 www.duvalschools.org/homeeducation

Email completed forms: cobbk@duvalschools.org Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

8

Duval County Public SchoolsOffice of Student Discipline and Support Services

Jackie Simmons, Executive Director – simmons@duvalschools.org Notice of Intent to Terminate a Home Education Program

In compliance with section 1002.40 (1)(a), Florida Statutes, this is written notice from the parent/guardian to terminate the home

education program for the following student. The parent/guardian is responsible for keeping the home education student’s complete

portfolio and learning log for two full years. Students between the ages of 6 and 16 years are subject to compulsory school attendance

per sections 1003.21, 1003.24, Florida Statutes. For additional information, refer to the website:

www.duvalschools.org/homeeducation.

Please Print:

STUDENT NAME (First Name Last Name)

DATE OF BIRTH (mm/dd/yyyy)

Name of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) ___________________________________________________________

Home Address _____________________________________________ Apt # ______________________

City ___________________________________ State ______________________ Zip Code ___________

Telephone ____________________________ Email address __________________________________ with area code

The reason for termination is:

Entry to _____ public or _____private school

School Name _________________________________________________________

_____ Moving out of Duval County

_____ Completion of High School

_____ Taking the GED® (General Education Diploma) Test

Other (specify) ________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Duval County Public Schools 1701 Prudential Drive

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb Home Education Office, 4th Floor

Jacksonville, FL 32207 www.duvalschools.org/homeeducation

Email completed forms: cobbk@duvalschools.org Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

Revised 3/2017

Duval County Public Schools | 1701 Prudential Drive |Home Education Office, 4th Floor Jacksonville, FL 32207 | Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb

PARENT REPORT OF HOME SCHOOL GRADES

Student Name _________________________ Student # _______________ Current Grade ____ Current School _____________________________

Please complete for each year the student was enrolled in home school. Note: You do not need to fill in quarter grades if the student has completed the course.

School Year ___________________ Grade level ___________ (yyyy/yyyy)

Home school provider ____________________________________________ City/State ______________________________________________________

Course Q1 grade Q2 grade Q3 grade Q4 grade Final Grade Language Arts

Math

Science

Social Studies

School Year ___________________ Grade level ___________ Home school provider ____________________________________________ City/State ______________________________________________________

Course Q1 grade Q2 grade Q3 grade Q4 grade Final Grade Language Arts

Math

Science

Social Studies

I certify that the above grades were earned by my child in a home school program.

Parent/guardian signature ______________________________________________ Date submitted ______________

Office use only: Grades entered in FOCUS by CRT ______________________ Date _____________

Revised 3/2017

Duval County Public Schools | 1701 Prudential Drive |Home Education Office, 4th Floor Jacksonville, FL 32207 | Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb

HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM EVALUATION CHECKLIST

PLEASE PRINT

STUDENT

First Name Middle Last Name Date of Birth Grade

PARENT (GUARDIAN) TELEPHONE

Residential Address City State Zip

Current Mailing Address City State Zip

Please check the option which satisfies the annual evaluation required in Statute 1002.41 (1) c and send this

Evaluation Checklist, with a copy of the evaluation or test results, to Home Education Office, 4th Floor, 1701

Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182 or fax to 390-2075 no later than one-year from the date

of your letter of intent to establish a home education program.

a. Portfolio evaluated by a Florida certificated teacher at the elementary or secondary level

(evaluation attached).

b. Results of a nationally normed achievement test taken by the student (results attached).

c. Results of a State Student Assessment Test (results attached).

d. Student evaluated by an individual holding a valid active license pursuant to the provisions

of s.490.003 (7) or (8) (results attached).

e. Other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the Superintendent of Duval

County Public Schools and the parent (results attached).

The educational progress of the above named student is commensurate with his/her ability or grade level.

Yes No

______________ _______________

Date Evaluated Signature of Evaluator Certificate No. Expiration Date

The evaluator has explained the evaluation to me and I am in agreement with the results and conclusions.

Signature of Parent (Guardian)

Revised 3/2017

Duval County Public Schools Office of Student Discipline and Support Services

Jackie Simmons, Executive Director – simmons@duvalschools.org

Home Education Annual Evaluation

Directions: Section I and II are to be completed by a State of Florida certified teacher of licensed psychologist. The Annual

Evaluation is due no later than each anniversary of a student’s registration date (as specified in F.S. 1002.41).

Return original to: Duval County Public Schools, 1701 Prudential Drive, Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb, Home Education Office, 4th

Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32207, cobbk@duvalschools.org Phone: (904) 390-2477, Fax: (904) 390-2075

Student Name (First Name Last Name)

Date of Birth Registration Date

Parent Name (First Name Last Name)

Home Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

Telephone Number (include area code)

Email Address

SECTION I Upon review of this student’s ____ portfolio and/or ____ test results (You may include a copy), I find that she/he ______ has or ______ has not demonstrated progress at a level commensurate with his or her ability and ______ is or _____ is not ready to continue instruction at the next level. SECTION II (Complete section A or B below, as appropriate)

A. Florida Certified Teacher

Date(s) of Evaluation _____________________________________________________________

NAME OF TEACHER (PRINT) CURRENT CERTIFICATE NUMBER

DATE OF EXPIRATION

I am the holder of a valid regular Florida Certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level.

__________________________ ____________________ __________________________ SIGNATURE OF TEACHER DATE TELEPHONE (optional)

B. Florida Licensed Psychologist

Date(s) of Evaluation ____________________________________________________________

NAME OF LICENSED PYSCHOLOGIST (PRINT)

CURRENT FL LICENSE NUMBER

DATE OF EXPIRATION

I am the holder of valid Florida License in Psychology.

________________________________ __________ ___________________ SIGNATURE OF PSYCHOLOGIST DATE TELEPHONE (optional)

Revised 3/2017

Community Service - Get the FactsWhy perform community service?It’s the right thing to do…to make a difference in your community…to learn new skills and meet new people…to learn the importance and value of helping others…to satisfy the eligibility requirement all 3 Bright Futures Scholarship Awards…to enhance your resume for college applications and scholarships. Consider the comments of some great humanitarians: “For it is in giving that we receive.”Francis of Assisi “Our nation became great not because of what the government did, but because of what its people did.”George Romney “When you cease to make a contribution you begin to die.”Eleanor Roosevelt“ Service is the rent each of us pays for living—the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.”Marian Wright Edelman Community Service - Get the FAQS:

- Is there a community service requirement for graduation? No.

- What is the community service requirement for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program? Community service is required for all three Bright Futures award levels: Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV). All initial applicants must meet the community service requirement, as approved by the school district. No waivers of this requirement can be granted regardless of the method used to qualify (National Merit and Achievement Scholars and Finalists, National Hispanic Scholars International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients). During the 2011-12 academic year, and thereafter, the required community service hours to be completed for the following awards are:

AWARD COMMUNITY SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENT

FAS 100 hours

FMS 75 hours

GSV 30 hours

- What are the procedures for completing and documenting the hours of service for Bright Futures?District guidelines for community service require the student to identify a social problem, develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem, submit an evaluation of the experience, and verify the completion of service hours. There are two forms available in this packet office, which provide directions and the structure necessary to completing a program of community service: and

Verification of Community Service. To complete the program, the following structure is suggested:

I. IDENTIFY A SOCIAL PROBLEM - You may choose to personally address one of the following seven social problems: 1. The preservation of the environment and/or the protection of historical sites2. The promotion of the health, welfare and safety of the community3. The improvement of the standard of living for residents of our community4. The encouragement of the growth of the arts in our community5. The improvement and enrichment of the lives of the mentally and/or physically disabled of our community6. The promotion of a quality life for the senior citizens of our community 7. The provision of leadership, guidance, and activities for the youth of our communityorYou may address a combination of the above problems,orYou may identify a social problem not covered by one of the above seven areas II.DEVELOP A PLAN - You will need to develop a plan for personal involvement in addressing one of the above social problems. Describe your plan in 50 words or less.III.EVALUATE THE EXPERIENCE – When you have completed the service hours reflect on your experience in 100 words or less. V.SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE – (Form available in your school’s Guidance Office) to give pertinent information about your community service, i.e., date, number of hours, type of work, site, and a verifying signature.

- When should the appropriate forms be submitted to the Guidance Office? Community Service hours may be submitted to the Guidance Office at any time prior to graduation. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program at the end of the first semester of their senior year, will receive an award letter. Current seniors who want to be considered for Bright Futures at the seventh semester eligibility review should submit these forms no later than January 15. Seniors who complete their community service hours during the eighth semester and submit the forms prior to graduation will be evaluated following graduation.

For Bright Futures, what counts, what doesn't. 1. Service may be volunteered to the school and/or the community.2. Students must perform volunteer services on their own time, which can include the participant's lunch break. Study hall time may be included for peer counseling activities or service to the school, e.g., office aide. Participation in performances, festivals, or competitions during the school day may count if this meets the criteria under #4 and participating students are given permission by the principal to be absent from class. 3. Participation in performances, festivals or competitions counts if the following apply:a. Volunteer service meets an identified community service need, andb. There is no admission charge accepted for the performance, andc. Student participation is of voluntary nature, andd. The performance does not promote the sponsoring organization, ande. Neither the student organization nor the sponsoring organization receives payment for the performance. If participation meets the above criteria, then partial rehearsal time may becounted. Performing hours may be matched with the same number of rehearsal hours. For example, a chorus member performs 1 hour at a nursing home and is given 2 hours of credit (1 hour for the performance and 1 hour for rehearsal). 4. Students may not be paid for service rendered.5. Volunteer service involving academic requirements for a class will count.6. Service rendered as a prerequisite for employment will not count.7. Attendance at self-improvement workshops or conferences will not count as service.8. Fundraising for non-profit organizations or charities will count.9. Service may not be performed for a student's family or for a profit-making organization, except for institutions like hospitals or the human society. 10. Service performed as a result of disciplinary action taken by the school or courts cannot count.11. Volunteer work for the purpose of promoting a particular religious or political point of view or person cannot count as volunteer hours in this program. For example, if your church youthgroup helps with the Special Olympics, those hours would count, but not time spent distributing flyers advertising a church revival. 12. Participation in Varsity or Junior Varsity Athletics and regularly scheduled band and chorus performances does not constitute volunteer service under this program.13. The above criteria will not cover all circumstances. If a question exists regarding the acceptance of an activity for volunteer service, the student's counselor should approve the serviceprior to the student’s participation. A good guideline would be to ask how the activity addresses the social problem that the student has identified to work on as a part of his/her community service plan. 14. Some common activities, which do not count, include: acolyte, altar server, lay reader, vacation Bible School, babysitting, working in church nursery, church choir and clerical work for religious, political, or profit making organizations.

Revised 3/2017

BRIGHT FUTURES COMMUNITY SERVICE DOCUMENTATION FORM

Duval County Public Schools | 1701 Prudential Drive |Home Education Office, 4th Floor Jacksonville, FL 32207 | Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb

Date: ____________________

To the Home Education Office:

This letter serves as verification that the attached documentation indicates that

__________________________ has completed _________________hours of Community Service. (student’s name) (number of hours)

Indicate the number of hours completed below:

_________hours earned by January 31st. (7th semester/grade)

_________hours earned after January 31st. (8th semester/grade)

Signed_________________________________________

Date: _________________________

Documentation of community service hours on agency letterhead indicating the number of hours completed at the agency and the timeframe for the completion of the hours must be attached to this form.

For Office Use Only

Revised 3/2017

Date Received___________________________

BRIGHT FUTURES

VERIFICATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE for Home Education Students (Florida Academic Scholars Program)

Student’s Name____________________________________________Date____________ Grade_____________

Date of

Service

Total

#

Hours

Type of Volunteer

Work

(Activity or task

performed)

Site of Volunteer

Work

Name of

Verifier

Verifier’s

Signature

Verifying

Phone

Number

(Please make a copy of the this form for your records before submitting it to the Home Education Office)

Parent’s Signature___________________________________________________________________________

Duval County Public Schools | 1701 Prudential Drive |Home Education Office, 4th Floor Jacksonville, FL 32207 | Phone: (904) 390-2477 Fax: (904) 390-2075

Attention: Ms. Kimberly Cobb

Revised 3/2017

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Definition and Responsibilities

1. What is home education?

Section 1002.01, F.S., defines home education as the sequentially progressive instruction of a student

directed by his or her parent or guardian, in order to satisfy the requirement for compulsory attendance as

defined in Section 1002.20; F.S. Current law does not prescribe a curriculum or course of study for home

education programs.

2. How long has home education been a means of meeting the regular attendance requirement in

Florida?

The law creating Florida's home education program became effective June 17, 1985.

3. Who may establish a home education program?

Any parent who complies with the reporting, record keeping, and student evaluation requirements

specified in statutory law may conduct a home education program. The parent is not required to be a

certified teacher.

4. What are the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program?

As required by Section 1002.41, F.S., to establish a home education program and maintain compliance

with the statute, a parent must:

Send a written notice of intent to the district school.

Maintain a portfolio of records, consisting of a log of educational activities, writings, worksheets,

and creative materials used or developed by the student.

Make the portfolio available for inspection by the district school superintendent upon a 15-day

notice. (The legislation does not require the superintendent to inspect all portfolios.)

Provide an annual educational evaluation for the student's educational process to the school

district superintendent.

Preserve each student’s portfolio for two years.

Submit a letter of termination upon completion of the home education program or change of

residence.

5. What is the definition of a portfolio?

Section 1002.41, F.S., defines a portfolio as "A log of educational activities which is made

contemporaneously with the instruction and which designates by title any reading materials used and

samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student."

6. How long must the portfolio be preserved?

The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent/guardian for two years and shall be made available for

inspection by the superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, upon a 15-day written notice. The

superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, is not required to inspect all portfolios.

Revised 3/2017

7. Are parents required to have a Florida teaching certificate to home educate?

No. A parent is not required to have a valid Florida teaching certificate to home educate a student.

Furthermore, the instruction is not required to take place in the home nor must the parent be the person to

deliver instruction.

8. Must a district's packet of information regarding home education include a form letter for the

registration and termination of home education program?

No. School districts are not required to provide forms, although some districts do so to facilitate

processing of information.

9. Does the school district have the authority to exceed the Florida Statutes with local policies?

The school district must abide by the home education guidelines as listed in Florida Statutes. A district

may not enact policies that would apply additional guidelines to home education programs or that would

make it more difficult for students to participate in home education.

10. Do parents have access to any state-appropriated funds for home education?

No. There are no funds appropriated to a home education student.

11. May a parent implement a home education program for a 5-year old, even though regular

attendance requirements begin at age 6?

Districts are not required to accept a letter of intent for a 5-year old; however, some districts have chosen

to accept these letters. In that case, the home education parent should maintain a portfolio, and the

student will be evaluated in the same manner as a student who is subject to regular attendance.

12. What happens to the records of a student who is withdrawn and entered into home education?

Cumulative records of a home education student are retained by the school district, pursuant to local

board policies.

13. What is the distinction between a home education program and an umbrella school?

A home education program is defined in 1002.01, F.S., and refers to a parent who has registered with

the local school district home education office and has agreed to comply with the home education

requirements as listed in Florida Statutes. The term umbrella school is sometimes used to refer to a

private school offering distance programs or services to enrolled students.

14. How may a parent contact other parents who have chosen home education for their children?

Support groups for home educating families exist in every county. In addition to local support groups,

there are also statewide groups to support home educators. Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA)

is an organization that exists solely to provide assistance to home education families in Florida. The

FPEA may be contacted toll-free at (877) 275-3732 or online at http://www.fpea.com. LIFE of Florida,

an inclusive state support and networking group for home and alternative learners, may be accessed at

http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com

Revised 3/2017

Instruction

1. How can a parent provide “sequentially progressive instruction?”

There are many methods a parent may use to direct a home education program. As reflected in Florida

Statute, a parent may:

Instruct the student;

Enroll the student in courses part-time in a public or private school;

Enroll the student online in the Florida Virtual School;

Enroll the student in correspondence courses;

Choose any other means that provides “sequentially progressive instruction” directed by the

parent.

2. 16. If a home education parent employs a tutor to assist in the instruction of his or her student, who

is responsible for the records?

If the parent is participating in a home education program, as defined in the law, the parent is responsible

for all records.

3. Are home education students bound by the required school hours that apply to public school

students?

No. There are no specific hourly attendance requirements for students in a home education program.

4. Do school districts provide instructional materials to home education students?

There is no requirement for districts to provide instructional materials to home education students.

5. How may home education parents obtain instructional materials?

Materials to help parents implement a home education program are available from many sources. Parents

may, at their own expense, order state adopted instructional materials from the Florida State Book

Depository (regional contact information is available from each school district). Many curriculum

vendors provide online catalogs, and their Web sites often can be accessed through an Internet search.

Local and statewide home education support groups may also offer assistance to families in selecting

instructional materials.

6. May home education students take courses from Florida Virtual School?

Yes. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a public on-line school providing tuition-free middle and high

school courses to Florida students. To enroll a home education student in courses at FLVS, parents must

provide FLVS with verification from their district that the student is registered in a home education

program. Information about FLVS and home education programs may be accessed at fl

Revised 3/2017

7. May home education students participate in local district course offerings?

Although there is no requirement to do so, some districts provide opportunities for home education

students to enroll in specified courses in district schools. Districts may report FTE funding for home

education students enrolled in district courses.

8. How do districts report transcripts to the Department of Education for home education students

who take courses at a public school?

Districts may report this information using the number 0998. This will place home education transcripts

in a separate and unique category, identifiable from all other students.

9. May a home education student attend summer school?

The student may attend summer school if local district policies make such a provision.

Revised 3/2017

Annual Evaluation

1. What does the annual educational evaluation include?

A student in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational progress

at a level equivalent to his or her abilities. The parent/guardian selects the method of evaluation from

those provided in Florida Statute, then files a copy of the evaluation annually in the superintendent's

office. The evaluation must consist of one of the following:

A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent/guardian may evaluate the child’s progress based

on the review of the portfolio and discussion with the student;

The student may take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified

teacher;

The student may take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered

by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;

The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to the

provisions of Section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or

The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by

the school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student’s

parent/guardian.

2. What requirements must be met by a teacher conducting an annual evaluation of a home education

student?

As defined in Section 1002.41, F.S., a teacher who evaluates a home education student must hold current

certification in academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level in the state of Florida. Of the five

evaluation options described in the law, three involve a certified teacher.

3. How does a parent locate an evaluator for the annual evaluation?

Parents may contact the local district home education office or a local parent group to obtain the names

of available evaluators.

4. Does the home education student have the right to take standardized tests at the local school

district?

If a parent has identified the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) as the measure of their child's annual

progress, home education students may participate in the FSA administration as directed by the District

Coordinator of Assessment. School districts may offer other standardized tests to home education

students.

5. May a home education student take the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) for reasons other

than fulfilling the evaluation requirement of Section 1002.41, F.S.?

The only statutory authority which permits home education students to take the Florida Standards

Assessment (FSA) is the provision that permits parents to elect FSA as the official annual evaluation.

6. May a home education student use more than one of the methods listed in Section 1002.41, F.S., to

satisfy the annual evaluation component?

No. While a parent may utilize several methods to assess student progress in the regular course of

providing a home education program, for the purposes of Section 1002.41, F.S., only one method may be

Revised 3/2017

selected and submitted to the school district.

7. May a district set a deadline for the annual evaluation?

"Annually" is defined in Florida Statute as one year from the date of the letter of intent. A district may

not enact a policy that would require an alternate deadline. However, some home educators may choose

to follow a district's requested deadline in order to align with the traditional school calendar.

8. What is the appropriate recourse when a district does not receive an annual evaluation of a home

education student?

Section 1002.41, F.S., requires the parent to provide for an annual evaluation of the home education

student and to file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school superintendent's office in the

county in which the student resides. Failure to comply with this requirement may trigger the district's

policy regarding non-compliance with compulsory school attendance.

Revised 3/2017

Transferring from a Home Education Program

1. Do students who have been home educated have the option to return to public school?

Yes. Any student who is within the compulsory attendance age has the right to enroll in a public school.

2. Do students who have been home educated have the option to enroll at specialized or magnet

schools?

Yes. Most districts have established a selection process for any student wishing to attend a magnet

school. A home education student would adhere to the same process as a public school student.

3. May a school district require that a home education student take the Florida Standards Assessment

(FSA) to enroll in a public school?

No

4. What determines the grade placement of a home education student upon entering or re-entering a

public school?

Current district policies govern the grade placement of home education students. Florida State Board of

Education Rule 6A-1.09941 establishes a policy for uniform transfer of high school credit.

5. How does a home education student enrolling at the public high school level transfer when the

previous course work is not awarded in the traditional manner?

State Board Rule 6A-1.09941 establishes a uniform transfer of credit at the high school level as follows:

If the transfer student does not possess an official transcript or is a home education student, credits shall

be validated through performance during the first grading period. A student transferring into a school

shall be placed at the appropriate sequential course level and should have a minimum grade point average

of 2.0 at the end of the first grading period. An alternative validation procedure is outlined in the rule,

which may be found at https://www.flrules.org

Revised 3/2017

High School Home Education Programs

1. May a district automatically terminate a home education program when the student reaches age

16?

No. The family must notify the school district if the student wishes to terminate the home education

program. Section 1003.21, F.S. requires that students terminating enrollment at age 16 must be notified

that their earning power is likely to be reduced. It is in the best interest of the student for the district to

maintain home education records until the completion of high school.

2. How can I get information about driver's licenses for home education students?

The Florida Legislature enacted attendance requirements for minors to maintain their driving privileges.

The Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may not issue a driver's license or learner's driver's

license to students between the ages of 14-18 who do not meet certain attendance requirements or have

dropped out of school, and shall suspend any previously issued driver's license, pursuant to Section

322.091, Florida Statutes. For additional information contact the Bureau of Exceptional Education and

Student Services at (850) 922-3732.

3. Which member of district personnel is responsible for processing waivers for employment of home

education students?

School districts are not required to process waivers for employment of home education students except to

confirm, with a release for information from the parent, that the student is enrolled in home education.

4. What type of diploma do home education students receive?

School districts, adult high schools, and community colleges are not authorized to award a regular

Florida high school diploma to home education students. However, a home education student may take

the General Educational Development (GED®) test at an education center and be awarded a Florida

GED® diploma if the student receives a passing score. The toll free number for information pertaining to

the GED® is (800) 237-5113.

5. Do home education students have the same opportunity as public and nonpublic school students to

enter a college of their choice?

Yes, depending on the student's qualifications and the admission requirements of the postsecondary

institution. In order to understand the specific admission requirements of a postsecondary institution,

home educators should directly contact the admissions office of the institution in which they have an

interest.

6. Are home education students eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships?

Yes. Home education students may qualify for a scholarship through the Bright Futures Scholarship

Program if they are registered with their districts as home education students during the 11th and 12th

grades. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides a Home Education Program Packet,

which conveys eligibility criteria specific to home education students, including required college

admission test scores, community service documentation, district registration confirmation, and dates for

financial aid application deadlines. The Home Education Program packet is available from

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/homepac.htm or by telephone at 888-827-2004.

Revised 3/2017

Home education students may also be eligible for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship and

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members. Details

on qualifications for these and other Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs may be found at

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/ProgramsOffered.htm

Revised 3/2017

Nonattendance-Truancy

1. Can the parent of a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance enroll that

student in a home education program?

Yes. However, at the time that a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance is

enrolled in a home education program, the home education contact will:

Provide the parent or guardian with a copy of the home education law, Section 1002.41, F.S., and

the accountability requirements of the truancy law, Section 1003.26, F.S.; and

Refer the parent or guardian to a home education review committee composed of members as

specified in Section 1003.26, F.S.

2. How will the home education contact know which students have been found to exhibit a pattern of

nonattendance?

When a school's student study team determines that a student has been found to exhibit a pattern of

nonattendance, the law requires that the principal of the school notify the superintendent of schools and

the district home education contact. The home education contact is expected to maintain this information

to verify whether a student who is being enrolled in a home education program has been found to exhibit

a pattern of nonattendance.

3. How long should the home education contact keep a student's name on the list of students who

have been found to exhibit a pattern of nonattendance?

If a student was placed on the list more than 90 days prior to the parent enrolling the student in a home

education program, the home education contact should check with the school to determine if the student

is still considered to be at-risk for nonattendance.

4. What are the accountability requirements for home education, once a student has been found to

exhibit a pattern of nonattendance?

The parent must submit a portfolio, as defined by Section 1002.41, F.S., to be reviewed by a home

education review committee every 30 days until the committee determines that the home education

program is in compliance with Section 1002.41(1) (b), F.S. The first portfolio review must occur within

the first 30 calendar days of the establishment of the home education program.

5. Who serves on the home education review committee?

According to Section 1003.26, F.S., the home education review committee is to be composed of the

school district contact for home education and at least two home educators selected by the parent from a

list of eligible home education parents maintained by the district. Eligible home education parents are

those who have conducted a home education program for at least three years and who have indicated a

willingness to serve on a home education review committee.

Revised 3/2017

6. How does the school district home education contact develop a list of eligible home educators?

The home education contact may wish to send a letter to all parents who have conducted a home

education program for at least three years, inviting them to submit their names as possible candidates for

a home education review committee. The list will be made up of those parents who indicate a willingness

to serve on such a committee.

7. What will happen if the home education review committee determines that the home education

program is in compliance with the statute?

Once the committee determines that the home education program is in compliance, the parent will no

longer be required to submit a portfolio to the home education review committee. The parent will be

required to comply with the requirements of a home education program pursuant to Section 1002.41,

F.S., as is any parent involved in a home education program.

8. What will happen if the parent of a student who has been found to exhibit a pattern of

nonattendance, and who has been enrolled in home education, fails to provide a portfolio for

review by the committee?

The committee shall notify the superintendent of schools who shall then terminate the home education

program and require the parent to enroll the student in an attendance option provided under s.

1003.01(13)(a), (b), (c), or (e), F.S., within three days. Failure of a parent or guardian to enroll a student

in an attendance option after such termination of a home education program shall constitute non-

compliance with the compulsory attendance requirement and may result in criminal prosecution of the

parent under Section 1003.27(2), F.S.

Revised 3/2017

Interscholastic Extracurricular Activities

1. May home education students participate in "interscholastic extracurricular activities" offered at

public schools?

Yes. Section 1006.15 F.S., requires that home education students be given the same opportunity to

participate in "inter-scholastic extracurricular activities" as public school students. The law prohibits any

requirements that would make participation less accessible for home education students. The law also

allows for home education students to develop an agreement to participate in "interscholastic

extracurricular activities" at a non-public school.

2. How is the term "interscholastic extracurricular activity" defined by the law?

An "interscholastic" activity is one that is conducted between or among different schools. An

"extracurricular activity" is defined as "any school-authorized or education-related activity occurring

during or outside the regular instructional day," Section 1006.15, F.S.

For example, districts may not exclude home education students from interscholastic musical ensembles

by stating that the performance groups are part of curricular instruction and outside of the realm of

extracurricular activities. The 1997 amendment clarifies that a district may not define "extracurricular" in

such narrow way. District policies that apply a more narrow interpretation of "extracurricular," and

exclude students on this basis, are contrary to the law and legislative intent.

3. What grade levels are allowed to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities?

Section 1006.15, F.S., primarily addresses students in grades 9-12 but does not prohibit students in lower

grades from participation. The by-laws of the governing organization regulate which students, and under

what circumstances those students may participate in the interscholastic extracurricular activity.

For example, Section 1006.20, F.S., designated the Florida High School Activities Association as the

governing organization for athletics. For the purpose of athletics, the Association defines "high school"

as grades 6-12. If athletics are offered in a grade 6-8 school that is governed by this Association, the

athletic program must be made available upon request to home education students at that grade level.

Section 1006.15, F.S., states that public schools may not belong to any governing organization that

discriminates against an eligible home education student.

4. What if the interscholastic extracurricular activity requires a class to be taken in order to

participate?

If a class is required in order to take part in the interscholastic extracurricular activity, such as band class

during the day in order to take part in the school's marching band, the district must afford the home

education student the opportunity to enroll for that class, pursuant to Section 1006.15(5), F.S.

5. Do districts receive any funding when home education students participate in interscholastic

extracurricular activities?

No, unless the home education student enrolls in a class required to participate in the interscholastic

extracurricular activity. The district may report that student for FTE purposes. Additionally, home

education students may be required to pay any of the fees or costs that are required of all participating

students.

Revised 3/2017

6. May a district develop policies that restrict the access of home education students to interscholastic

extracurricular activities?

No. Districts may establish policies for participation that apply to all students, such as evidence of

required immunizations, medical clearance for sports activities, auditions and class participation.

However, the district may not enact policies that would apply different standards to home education

students or make it more difficult for them to participate.

7. Must home education students who participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities offered

at public schools comply with school entry immunization requirements?

Yes. If the home education student is participating in interscholastic extracurricular activities under

Section 1006.15, F.S., the student must meet the same immunization requirements as students attending

any non-home education program.

8. How are grade point average requirements applied to interscholastic extracurricular activities?

In order to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities, a home education student must have the

required 2.0 or better grade point average in academic courses. This applies to both public and home

education students. The law allows for a method of evaluation of the student's progress to be agreed upon

by the parent and the principal. The evaluation may be based on a teacher's review of the student's work,

grades earned through correspondence or at a postsecondary school, standardized test scores, or other

method as allowed by Section 1002.41, F.S.

9. How does the district determine at which school the home education student may participate in

interscholastic extracurricular activities?

Under Section 1006.15, F.S., "an individual home education student is eligible to participate at the public

school to which the student would be assigned according to district school board attendance area policies

or which the student could choose to attend pursuant to district or interdistrict controlled open enrollment

provisions." The home education student must meet the same residency requirements as other students to

participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities.

Revised 3/2017

Exceptional Student Education

1. If a home education parent suspects that their child has a disability, is the school district required

to evaluate the child?

Yes. The school district is obligated to “identify, locate, and evaluate” all children with disabilities,

including those attending private schools and home education programs, in accordance with the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This evaluation must be at no cost to the parent.

2. In this circumstance, how would a home education parent access evaluation services?

The parent should contact the exceptional student education administrator in the school district in which

they reside.

3. What would be required of the home education parent?

The school district would require that the parent sign a written consent for the evaluation. The district is

also required to review existing information on the child before conducting an evaluation. The parent

may be asked to provide information from the child’s portfolio and may also be asked to complete

checklists and/or informal observations.

4. After the evaluation is conducted, what will occur?

The parents will be invited to attend a meeting in which school district staff will review the outcome of

their child’s evaluation. Following that review, a determination will be made regarding whether or not

the child is considered an eligible child with a disability as defined by Florida State Board of Education

Rules.

5. What is the school district’s obligation, if the child is eligible?

If the home education parent chooses to enroll the child in public school, the school district must ensure

that a free and appropriate education is made available to the child.

6. What if the parent does not elect this option?

The district may propose to provide some level of service to the child. For instance, if it is determined

that the child needs speech/language therapy services, the school district may allow the child to come to a

public school near the child's home for those services during the week.

Revised 3/2017

Dual Enrollment

1. Does a home education student have to receive permission from the school district to participate in

dual enrollment on the postsecondary campus?

No. However, a home education student must provide proof of enrollment in a home education program.

Upon request, the school district must provide parents with annual verification of student enrollment in a

home education program or provide that information directly to the postsecondary institution.

2. May home education students take dual enrollment courses at district high schools?

Yes. Districts that have a part-time enrollment policy may enroll home education students in the school

district and receive FTE for the student. This is a local decision that is articulated in the district pupil

progression plan.

3. Does a postsecondary institution have to provide instructional materials /textbooks for home

education students?

No. The law specifically states home education students are responsible for providing their own

instructional materials. However, this section of statute does not prohibit a postsecondary institution from

providing dual enrollment materials/books to home education students.

4. Is the school district responsible for the transportation of a home education student to a dual

enrollment course?

No.

5. Is a home education student limited to the same course options as a public school student?

No. Pursuant to s. 1007.271(10), F.S., postsecondary institutions shall delineate courses and programs

available for home education students. Courses may be added, revised, or deleted at any time.

6. Should the postsecondary institution report course grades to the student's school district?

No. The school district has no record-keeping responsibility for home educated students.

7. Is there a minimum age or grade level required of a home education student for participation in

dual enrollment?

Each postsecondary institution is authorized by s. 1007.271(10) F.S. to establish eligibility criteria for

dual enrollment to ensure college readiness. The criteria for home education students may not exceed

those required of other dually enrolled students.

8. Is there a minimum GPA for home education students to participate in dual enrollment?

No.