Public School Offers Home School Assistance Teacher

A public school district in southwest Iowa has approved the contract for a home school assistance teacher. At a meeting on September 26, the four members of the Clarinda School Board unanimously voted in favor of the position.

“We provide a teacher to the home school community if they choose to elect that option for their children,” Superintendent Deron Stender told KMA Broadcasting. “That’s basically tuition. Money comes in and money goes out in the form of a payment to the person we contract with to help and provide services to our home schooled students.”

According to the official school board minutes, Clarinda’s home school assistance program provides oversight of a student’s academic work for up to 60 hours a year. In exchange for the services, the school district receives some funding.

“We have roughly 27 students that home school,” Stender said. “That has been pretty consistent throughout the last few years. I think of that, there is maybe 14 to 17 of those that participate and receive home school services.”

The district separates homeschool families into two categories. Those who complete an Independent Private Instruction form do not have to report academic progress but are also not eligible for school services. Meanwhile, students enrolled in Competent Private Instruction are eligible for dual enrollment, which allows students to attend classes, use the library, and participate in school activities.

“They can participate in our band, sports, and they are treated just like any enrolled student who is coming to the public school system and given those same opportunities to participate,” said Stender.