HB 1575 – AS INTRODUCED

2012 SESSION

12-2787

04/05

HOUSE BILL 1575

AN ACT relative to alternative course selections for certain pupils.

SPONSORS: Rep. Hoell, Merr 13; Rep. Pitre, Straf 3

COMMITTEE: Education

ANALYSIS

This bill allows a pupil to opt out of a course offered at a public or nonpublic school to engage in a parent-directed course.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

12-2787

04/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twelve

AN ACT relative to alternative course selections for certain pupils.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Subdivision; Parent-Directed Courses. Amend RSA 189 by inserting after section 64 the following new subdivision:

Parent-Directed Courses

189:65 Parent-Directed Courses. At the discretion of the pupil’s parent or guardian, a pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 may elect to opt out of any course offered in a public or nonpublic school in accordance with this section to engage in a parent-directed course under the supervision of a parent or other adult selected by the pupil’s parent who shall be responsible for the conducting the parent-directed course. A pupil in kindergarten through grade 8 may opt out of one academic course per school year to pursue a parent-directed course. A pupil in grades 9-12 may opt out of up to 2 academic courses per school year in order to pursue parent-directed courses. Any pupil who elects to opt out of a course under this subparagraph shall be placed in study hall, library, or other appropriate setting for the duration of the class period being waived. The selection of the parent-directed course and its content shall be at the discretion of the parent and shall not be subject to the approval of the school district superintendent or school principal. The course may include age-appropriate academic rigor and the flexibility to incorporate the pupil’s interests and manner of learning. These courses may include, but are not limited to, such components or combination of components of extended learning opportunities as independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, and on-line courses. A parent-directed course shall count toward the number of credits required for graduation. Neither the state nor the school district in which the pupil resides shall be liable for any costs associated with a parent-directed course under this section.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.