Parents or Guardians that are removing their children from a public school to homeschool may want to print a copy of the policies and procedures below to carry with them to the public school.  Basically, it says that parents or guardian may provide notification of a student’s status (tell the school you are homeschooling).  If the parent or guardian decides to write a letter advising the school that they are homeschooling their child, the school may use the letter as a written verification.

 

The Policies and Procedures for the Collection of School Dropout Data issued by the South Carolina State Department of Education, Section 3 A. Verification by a Responsible Adult, makes it quite clear any notification from the parent or guardian; who is “Responsible adults”, will verify a student’s status.  Section 3 B. School Records of Verification, says it is best, therefore, to seek a written form of verification, such as a copy of the transcript or a letter from the parent or guardian.  Please note; however, this policy does not make it mandatory that any parent must write or provide a written letter, or any other such written document.  A parent may notify the school by the telephone or in person and is not required to provide the school any written documentation.  I have provided a link to the Policies and Procedures for the Collection of School Dropout Data, and the sections that I have referred to, below.

 

Policies and Procedures for the Collection of School Dropout Data

http://ed.sc.gov/agency/offices/ssys/alternative_education/dropout/documents/2006DropCollProc.doc   

 

SECTION 3

Procedures for Verifying Student Status

A.           Verification by a Responsible Adult

 

•              Any notification from a responsible adult will verify a student’s status. “Responsible adults” include parents or guardians, school officials, and any other adult with responsibility for the student (e.g., attendance supervisor, social worker, medical doctor, corrections official).

 

•              If an inappropriate adult or student reports that a student has dropped out of school, such a statement does not constitute verification.

B.            School Records of Verification

 

•              It is important that each school keep records that document the verification of a student’s status. Since a student who drops out during a particular school year is not reported as a dropout until the fall of the following school year, careful records must be maintained so that an accurate count can be obtained.

 

•              It is best, therefore, to seek a written form of verification, such as a copy of the transcript or a letter from the parent or guardian.