The Ayer Shirley Regional School District recognizes the right of parents or guardians to educate their child(ren) at home. Therefore, the Regional 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 birthdays shall inform the Superintendent about completing the ​Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education​ form as approved by the Regional 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 in deciding whether or not to approve a home education proposal are:

The ​academic background, life experiences, and/or other qualities of those who will be instructing the child(ren), as they relate to the educational program. Home educators need not be certified teachers nor have any diplomas or degrees.

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.
2. A ​statement concerning instructional hours will be followed.
3. A ​mutually agreeable method of assessment that 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/designee 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 shall be informed of and have access to public school activities of either a curricular or extra­curricular nature. Arrangements for such participation are to be in accordance with the generally accepted scheduling procedures of schools.

Whenever possible, if requested by the parent(s) or guardian(s), school personnel may provide materials such as sample curricula and/or textbooks.

Administrators are encouraged to give all due assistance to home education families in their efforts to provide appropriate information concerning their home education program. Parent(s) or guardian(s) are entitled to all due process rights with regard to this policy and with regard to any procedures followed and actions taken. During any resolution process, the parent(s) or guardian(s) may continue, but not commence, the education of their child(ren) at home.

Students who are homeschooled are eligible to participate in MIAA-sponsored interscholastic athletics and school extracurricular activities under all applicable rules and regulations.

Home school students do not participate in MCAS testing.

The Superintendent has the responsibility for the development of the procedures and forms necessary for the implementation of this policy.
Legal Ref: M.G.L. 76, sec. 1, Home School Law
M.G.L. 69:1D; 76:1, Care and Protection of Charles