805: Home Education
1.0 POLICY
The Board recognizes that parents/guardians have a right and responsibility to make decisions regarding the education of their children.
The Board recognizes and affirms the right of resident parents/guardians to provide a home education program for their child within the parameters of provincial policy, regulation and procedures.
The Board recognizes that it has a responsibility to ensure that the student has access to an education program according to Section 20 of the Education Act.
2.0 GUIDELINES
2.1 Special circumstances may warrant consideration and approval being granted for a resident student of Sturgeon Public Schools to be excused from school attendance providing that the necessary steps or actions have been discharged certifying that the student is under effective instruction at home or elsewhere.
2.2 The provision of home education services shall be approved and monitored through the Deputy Superintendent, Education Services or designate.
2.3 In recognizing any parental request for home education, the Deputy Superintendent, Education Services shall ensure that the educational welfare of the student is maintained in accordance with the Education Act and Home Education Regulation.
2.4 In recognizing any parental request for home education, the Deputy Superintendent, Education Services shall ensure that the legal commitment by the parents to the educational welfare of the student is understood and executed.
2.5 Applications
2.5.1 Applications for home education shall be completed by the parent in accordance with Home Education Regulation 89/2019.
2.5.2 Applications for home education shall, if possible, be filed on or prior to the commencement of the school academic year.
2.6 Monitoring
2.6.1 One to four visitations shall be carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent, Education Services or designate.
2.6.2 To include two assessments per year for each student.
2.6.3 Official student records to be kept by the student’s resident school.
2.7 Use of School Neighborhood school facilities will be accessible when appropriate supervision is available.
2.8 Funding
2.8.1 The Division will provide to parents/guardians of home education students an amount equal to 50% of the Alberta Education Home Education grants received subject to the following conditions:
2.8.1.1 The home education student must have been enrolled with the Division by September 30th of the school year.
2.8.1.2 The funds are for the purchase of learning resources and directly related to educational material.
2.8.1.3 The parent/guardian must provide receipts for such materials.
2.8.2 The Division may pay Alberta Distance Learning Centre fees on behalf of parents/guardians of home education students enrolled with the Division by September 30th of the school year, and such payments will be considered part of the 50% payment.
2.9 Non-compliance
2.9.1 Should parents/guardians and/or students not comply with requirements of the Education Act and Home Education Regulation and Board policy relative to home education:
2.9.2 Parents/guardians will be notified and asked to meet requirements.
2.9.3 A further meeting to resolve the issue shall be called.
2.9.4 Parents/guardians will be given sufficient time to comply.
2.9.5 If parents/guardians refuse to comply, the Division shall terminate the home education program pursuant to Section 8 of the Home Education Regulation.
References:
Education Act: Section 20
Home Education Regulation 89/2019
History
2019 Mar 27 Initial Approval
2020 Jan 29 Amended
2021 Oct 27 Reviewed
Board Policies VIII. Curriculum and Instruction