One commenter wrote homebound is not being offered as an alternative to her child, and she doesn't know if she'll be able to provide transportation to the program held at the school. At the board meeting, the administration explicitly said homebound will still be an option to those who can't afford or provide transportation... so what gives?
Thursday, September 4
Commenter says homebound not offered?
If you haven't been on the Pike County Courier website, following the comments on the article about the alternative education program for expelled students, check them out.
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6 comments:
Ryan,
You and I agree with what was said at the meeting. I will be at the Safety Committee meeting next Thursday 9/11/08 (6 pm at the DDMS cafeteria) and will ask for clarification.
All interested parties need to attend meetings of the Board. Our district does not post recordings or re-play meetings on local access channels. If you do not attend, you will not know what is happening.
I will ask by phone today also.
Thanks for looking into this. I wonder if the district could take the money it puts into video conferencing meetings to the other campuses (which was a good idea, but based on lack of participation is not very effective) and put it into on-demand streaming of recent board meetings.
Then again, the district seems to have trouble posting even static text about the meetings. The website could use an overhaul to be more efficient.
I spoke with Dr. Finan this afternoon.
-The alternative education program discussed at the last Board Meeting (8/22/08) has commenced.
-The program is the only program that DV is offering to those students that are physically able to attend and permitted to be on school property.
-the parents of expelled students are free to make other choices and find education for their children, but this is the only offer that DV is providing.
-I asked if the Florida Virtual School program could be done at home on an individual basis, as this is the original model for this school (http://www.flvs.net/educators/fact_sheet.php). My understanding is that since DV is providing teachers that are certified in their specific subjects and DV has bundled a number of licenses, DV has obtained a cost savings over the cost that a sole student would pay for these courses. The district does not feel they are compelled to offer a student the choice of "attending" the Florida Virtual School from home.
If carefully parsed, this is entirely consistent with the board meeting. It was stated that home-bound education would continue to be offered. Home-bound education is still offered (but not to everyone).
Thanks for the update, Bill. This is very useful.
My understanding was that homebound would remain an option if transportation could not be arranged. I'm concerned if it is not and DV is not offering an option to students who are financially or logistically unable to make it to the campus after hours.
Ryan,
I share your concerns.
This is why similar matters should be discussed fully by the Board and formally approved. The directors need to act as our representatives and demand the best education for the least cost. Finding that balance is very difficult, but this is the job of the Board. DVSD does a great job. There will always be areas that can be improved.
I had the same (mis)understanding as you. Your question was: When a student is expelled, what options do they have: "they have a choice, they can take advantage of our home-bound or alternative ed program or ..." (move in with a relative outside the district). The more precise question may have been, "would home-bound instruction still be an option for an expelled student if that student was unable to arrange transportation?" That answer is apparently "No" at present.
I think we need to push for recorded proceedings, available on the district's website. Closely parsed answers are embarrassing when replayed, and this may promote more open answers. (I think this is true, but "it depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is." Replay this a few times to get my point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4XT-l-_3y0)
For those that are interested in the law regarding education of expelled students, see: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter12/s12.6.html
The pertinent bits are below:
(e) Students who are under 17 years of age are still subject to the compulsory school attendance law even though expelled and shall be provided an education.
(1) The initial responsibility for providing the required education rests with the student’s parents or guardian, through placement in another school, tutorial or correspondence study, or another educational program approved by the district’s superintendent.
(2) Within 30 days of action by the governing board, the parents or guardians shall submit to the school district written evidence that the required education is being provided as described in paragraph (1) or that they are unable to do so. If the parents or guardians are unable to provide the required education, the school entity shall, within 10 days of receipt of the notification, make provision for the student’s education. A student with a disability shall be provided educational services as required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. § § 1400—1482).
(3) If the approved educational program is not complied with, the school entity may take action in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 63 (relating to the Juvenile Act) to ensure that the child will receive a proper education. See § 12.1(b) (relating to free education and attendance).
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