Bill Allows Home Schoolers To Participate In Public School Activities
A new bill headed to the desk of Gov. Mike Kehoe will allow home schooled students in Missouri to participate in public school activities.
Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown (R-Washington), was passed earlier this month. Brown’s bill says that a school district or charter school may not prohibit a home schooled student from participating in any event or activity in the district they reside.
The bill prohibits school districts from requiring students to take classes just to try out or join activities. Participation also may depend on a successful tryout.
Students would be required to attend practices or rehearsals for any activities and schools may enforce disciplinary and attendance policies.
Different standards may not be applied.
Any student who leaves a public or charter school due to poor academics or discipline and switches to alternative schooling will be banned from participating for one year.
Parents of home school students are responsible for their child’s academic eligibility.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) issued a press release saying that the changes will be “substantial.”
“While the bill awaits Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature, the association is working now in anticipation of the bill becoming law in August,” MSHSAA said. “The final version of the bill is being analyzed to determine the path forward. Our priority is to fully educate our members about the law and to empower the schools to adjust the association’s rules to reflect the provisions within.”
MSHSAA said it is working with the Missouri School Boards’ Association to provide guidance to school districts on policy modifications, and materials will be provided to the membership to assist in local education efforts.
“It is too early to give definitive answers to specific questions regarding the ways in which the law will be realized in our schools and communities,” MSHSAA said. “Better information will be available in the coming weeks.”