Original Adopted Date: 4-9-18
Last Revised Date:
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The Mid-Prairie School District recognizes that families with students of compulsory attendance age may select alternative forms of education outside the traditional school setting, including private instruction. The applicable legal requirements for private instruction, including, but not limited to those relating to reporting and evaluations for progress, shall be followed.
Except as otherwise exempted, in the event a child of compulsory attendance age as defined by law does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school, the child must receive private instruction. Private instruction means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school.
Private instruction can take the form of competent private instruction and independent private instruction. The Iowa Department of Education recognizes three options for delivery of this form of instruction: two options for delivery of competent private instruction and one option for independent private instruction.
Competent private instruction means private instruction provided on a daily basis for at least one hundred forty-eight days during a school year, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven days each school quarter, which results in the student making adequate progress. Competent private instruction is provided by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by other individuals identified in law.
Independent private instruction means instruction that meets the following criteria: (i) is not accredited, (ii) enrolls not more than four unrelated students, (iii) does not charge tuition, fees, or other remuneration for instruction, (iv) provides private or religious-based instruction as its primary purpose, (v) provides enrolled students with instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies, (vi) provides, upon written request from the superintendent of the school district in which the independent private instruction is provided, or from the director of the department of education, a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent private instruction, and the names of the students enrolled, (vii) is not a nonpublic school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and (viii) is exempt from all state statutes and administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or a school district, except as otherwise provided by law.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 299, 299A.
281 I.A.C. 31.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
604.7 Dual Enrollment
604.9 Home School Assistance Program
Original Adopted Date: 1-26-98
Last Revised Date: 7-21-03, 1-14-13
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The board's primary responsibility is to ensure successful learning for all students. Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.
Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction will state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction. The Board desires student learning that recognizes students are individuals and learning optimized to meet learning standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24; 299A (2013).
Cross Reference: 604.1 Private Instruction
Original Adopted Date: 4-24-89
Last Revised Date: 11-16-98, 10-8-07
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The board recognizes some students may benefit from programming beyond the regular education program. The board will identify students with special interests and abilities and provide education programming.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.
Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
604.6 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution
Original Adopted Date: 4-24-89
Last Revised Date: 7-21-03, 1-14-13
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The board recognizes students may require some additional assistance in order to graduate from the education program. The district will provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.
Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
607.1 Student Guidance and Counseling Program
Original Adopted Date: 4-24-89
Last Revised Date: 1-26-98, 10-8-07
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent. The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest. Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations. Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs are required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.
In notifying the superintendent, the parents will abide by the following:
The notice is in writing;
The objection is based on religious beliefs;
The objection will state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
The objection will state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
The objection will state a proposed alternate activity or study.
The superintendent will have the discretion to make this determination. The factors the superintendent will consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
Iowa Code §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (2013).
Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum
606.2 School Ceremonies and Observances
Original Adopted Date: 2-12-90
Last Revised Date: 8-24-92, 7-21-03, 7-9-18
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
Students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or vocational-technical credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions. The student may receive academic or vocational-technical credits through an agreement between a post-secondary educational institution or with the board's approval on a case-by-case basis.
Students in grades nine through twelve who successfully complete courses in post-secondary educational institutions under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution will receive academic and vocational-technical credits in accordance with the agreement.
Students wanting to withdraw/drop a concurrent, alternative concurrent or PSEO course must notify the district’s high school contact within the first 14 calendar days of starting the class to avoid any mark on the MPHS/MPHSAP official transcript. Students notifying the school district contact of their intention to withdraw from a class between 15 and 28 calendar days of starting the class will have a non-weighted “W” placed on the MPHS/MPHSAP official transcript. Students notifying the school district contact of their intention to withdraw from a class on the 29th calendar day of starting the class or later will have an “F” placed on the MPHS/MPHSAP official transcript. In addition to any mark placed on the MPHS/MPHSAP official transcript, all students withdrawing from a concurrent, alternative concurrent or PSEO class will be subject to the Iowa Department of Education Scholarship Rule 36.15 (2) for extracurricular activity eligibility.
Students who have completed the eleventh grade but who have not completed the graduation requirements set out by the board may take up to seven semester hours of credit at a post-secondary educational institution during the summer months when school is not in session if the student pays for the courses. Upon successful completion of these summer courses, the students will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board. Successful completion of the course is determined by the post-secondary educational institution. The board will have complete discretion to determine the academic credit to be awarded to the student for the summer courses.
The following factors are considered in the board's determination of whether a student will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for a course at a post-secondary educational institution:
1. the course is taken from a public or accredited private post-secondary educational institution;
2. a comparable course is not offered in the school district. A comparable course is one in which the subject matter or the purposes and objectives
of the course are similar, in the judgment of the board, to a course offered in the school district;
3. the course is in the discipline areas of mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, vocational-technical education, or a course offered in
the community college career options program;
4. the course is a credit-bearing course that leads to a degree;
5. the course is not religious or sectarian; and
6. the course meets any other requirements set out by the board.
Students in grades eleven and twelve who take courses, other than courses taken under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution, are responsible for transportation without reimbursement to and from the location where the course is being offered.
Ninth and tenth-grade talented and gifted students and all students in grades eleven and twelve will be reimbursed for tuition and other costs directly related to the course up to $250. Students who take courses during the summer months when school is not in session are responsible for the costs of attendance for the courses.
Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit will reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course. Prior to registering for the course, students under age eighteen will have a parent sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course. Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course for reasons beyond their control, including, but not limited to, the student's incapacity, death in the family or a move to another district, may not be responsible for the costs of the course. The school board may waive reimbursement of costs to the school district for the previously listed reasons. Students dissatisfied with a school board's decision may appeal to the AEA for a waiver of reimbursement.
The superintendent is responsible for annually notifying students and parents of the opportunity to take courses at post-secondary educational institutions in accordance with this policy. The superintendent will also be responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 261C; 279.8; 280.3, .14 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12, 22.
Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement
604.3 Program for Talented and Gifted Students
Original Adopted Date: 8-24-92
Last Revised Date: 11-16-98, 7-21-03
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district. The student is considered under dual enrollment. The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary prior to the third Friday of September each year on forms provided by the school district. On the form, they will indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the central administration office.
A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the school district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school district. The policies and administrative rules of the school district will apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled the school district. These policies and administrative rules will include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation.
A dual enrollment student whose parent, guardian, or custodian has chosen standardized testing as the form of the student's annual assessment will not be responsible for the cost of the test or the administration of the test.
After the student notifies the school district which activities in which they wish to participate, the school district will provide information regarding the specific programs.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A (2015).
281 I.A.C. 31.
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being
604.1 Private Instruction
Original Adopted Date: 3-14-83
Last Revised Date: 2-26-96, 7-21-03, 2-26-0
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization. Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:
The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;
The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or
The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program and provides the necessary medical history, including proof of
Immunization as required by the school district and is physically able to function in classes.
The Mid-Prairie District recognizes that the promotion of friendship and understanding throughout the world through a greater understanding among people and cultures is an appropriate and worthwhile goal. Most student exchange organizations identify similar goals. The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign exchange students accepted. The district shall admit foreign exchange students under the following conditions:
The number of foreign exchange students per year shall be limited to no more than three students. Potential foreign exchange students must be sponsored by organizations adhering to nationally recognized standards for exchange student programs. The district reserves the right to provide preference to students sponsored by programs with which it has had successful relationships in the past.
The high school principal may recommend that a regular diploma be awarded if review of the student’s transcript at the end of the year indicates sufficient credits have been earned. Participation in the graduation ceremony will be made on an individual basis by the administration;
An individual from the sponsoring organization shall inform the high school principal by August 1 of the organization’s desire to place a foreign exchange student at Mid-Prairie for the coming school year. By August 1, or as soon after August 1 as possible, information about the specific student shall be submitted to school officials by the sponsoring organization. If deemed necessary by school officials, prior to the start of school, a meeting shall be held between an individual representing the sponsoring organization, a member of the host family, and the appropriate school district representative(s);
School officials, on an individual basis, shall decide if the exchange student’s English language ability is sufficient enough to function in classes.
School officials may deny admission to exchange students deemed not having sufficient English language ability;
In order to be admitted to Mid-Prairie, foreign exchange students must reside with a resident host family or a family that open-enrolls their children to Mid-Prairie.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding foreign students including those placed at Mid-Prairie through student exchange programs.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
Original Adopted Date: 4-24-92
Last Revised Date: 11-16-98
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The board, recognizing alternatives to education outside the formal public school system, authorizes the establishment of a home school assistance program. This program will assist students receiving competent private instruction by providing licensed employees of the school district to assist the parent, guardian or legal custodian in the education of the student.
The parent, guardian or legal custodian registering for the home school assistance program will agree to comply with the requirements established by the faculty of the program.
Students registered for the home school assistance program will be counted in the basic enrollment.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 299A (2013).
281 I.A.C. 31.
Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being
604.1 Private Instruction
604.8 Dual Enrollment
Original Adopted Date: 10-8-07
Last Revised Date:
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
The board recognizes that on-line coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements but, also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.
High school students may earn a maximum of 10 credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing on-line courses offered through agencies approved by the board, such as the Iowa On-Line Learning. Credit from an on-line or virtual course may be earned only in the following circumstances:
The course is not offered at the high school;
Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirements;
The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
The students has been expelled from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or,
The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.
Students applying for permission to take a virtual course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an on-line learning environment. In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an on-line course. The school must receive an official record of the final grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.
Provided courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the costs for a virtual course, such as textbooks or school supplies, shall be borne by the parents for students enrolled full-time.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013) 281 I.A.C. 15
Cross Reference: 605.6 Internet Appropriate Use
501.6 Student Transfers In
Original Adopted Date: 8-10-20
Last Revised Date:
Last Reviewed Date: 7-10-23
It is important to embrace technology that can foster a creative, interactive learning environment for students, and facilitate employee professional development and collaboration. The use of online platforms to host remote interaction between students and employees and to facilitate learning is encouraged in the district.
While student and employee instruction and communication using virtual and online platforms provides a wide array of learning opportunities, it is imperative that employees and students recognize that the use of such platforms is a privilege. Training related to the use of online learning platforms will be provided to employees and students.
The district shall carefully safeguard the right of students and employees to learn and teach in a respectful environment regardless of the method. All instruction and communication through online learning platforms should be appropriate to the age and ability of the participants. Students and employees should be aware that online platforms may be monitored by the district. Verbal and written communication occurring on these platforms may be recorded and stored by the district in accordance with applicable laws.
Any verbal or written communication on these platforms deemed to be inappropriate will subject the student and/or employee to the same disciplinary measures that would exist if the interaction took place through traditional in-person learning. Students and employees who have concerns about the proper use of these platforms are encouraged to speak with their teachers or building principal. The superintendent will make administrative regulations necessary to enforce this policy.
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99
47 U.S.C. §254
20 U.S.C. §6777
Iowa Code §§ 715C
Cross Reference: 104 Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment
401.13 Staff Technology Use/Social Networking
506.1 Student Records
605.4 Technology in the Classroom
605.6 Internet Appropriate Use
501.6 Student Transfers In