HOME EDUCATION GUIDELINES

 

The Gardner School Committee recognizes the right of parents or guardians to educate their child(ren) at home.  The School Committee appreciates the personal and cultural uniqueness of each family and desires to ensure that the process by which school officials approve and review home education programs is both lawful and equitable.  Therefore, the School Committee establishes this home education policy.

 

Parent(s) or guardian(s) planning to undertake a home education program for their child(ren) between their sixth and sixteenth birthday shall inform the Superintendent by completing the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education form as approved by the School Committee prior to commencing a home education program.

 

Home education programs shall be considered in an equitable, objective, and timely manner.  Factors that may be considered by the Superintendent or School Committee in deciding whether or not to approve a home education proposal are:

 

  1. An overview of the educational program that is to include subjects and instructional materials.  In order to meet the specific educational needs of their child(ren), the parent(s) or guardian(s) may adjust the material to achieve the goals of the educational program without further notification to the Superintendent’s office.

 

  1. A statement concerning instructional hours that will be followed.

 

  1. A mutually agreeable method of assessment which corresponds to the type of educational program being followed and may include one or more of the following:

 

    1. Daily logs, journals, progress reports, portfolios or dated work samples;
    2. An independent report made by someone acceptable to both superintendent and parent(s) or guardian(s);
    3. Standardized test results;
    4. Consultation with the Superintendent or appropriate school principal;
    5. Any other method agreed to by both Superintendent and home educator(s).

 

A student being educated in a home-based program within the district will have access to extra-curricular activities.  Children participating in extra-curricular activities must meet all requirements regarding immunizations.  Acceptance and completion of a home schooling plan does not meet the requirements for a Gardner High School diploma.

 

The Superintendent has the responsibility for the development of the procedures and forms necessary for the implementation of this policy.

 

 

[Adopted: April 2001]

 

[Revised: September 2003]

 

[Revised: June 2007]

 

LEGAL REF:

M.G.L. 69:1D; 76:1