What To Consider When Setting Up Pandemic or At-Home Learning Pods
Many parents/guardians/caretakers, not comfortable with sending their children to in-person and/or hybrid classes are creating learning pods. When establishing a pod, there are a number of things to consider:
- Is the pod to be supplemental instruction or instead of attendance in the public school? If the instruction is instead of attending the district program, it is considered Home Schooling. Home Schooling is when a parent/guardian/caretaker provides their child’s education either by themselves, with home schooling groups, tutors, or a combination of any of these means. (Home Schooling is not the same as Home Instruction which is provided by the district. This is also referred to Home and Hospital Instruction.) Every state has specific requirements for Home Schooling. They may include: filing curricula with the school superintendent and having them approved; oversight by a district representative; periodic check-ins by the district; etc. States’ Regulations may be found on the states’ Department of Education website or by contacting your district superintendent’s office.
- Where will the pod meet? Pod hosts need to ensure that they have appropriate and adequate insurance.
- Will the pod be considered an illegal school by the district or state? Once again, check your state’s Department of Education website for laws and regulations.
- Who will provide the instruction or support? As a group of parents are you dividing the instruction according to your strengths and interests? Hiring a teacher or teachers?
- Will my high school student receive high school credit and a diploma? No. In most instances, the grades by the parent will not count towards high school graduation. Your high schooler may need to take the GED exam or attend a community college, earn 24 non-remedial credits, and then be granted a high school diploma or GED. Once again, check your state’s website and/or with the district administration.
- Will my student be able to participate in districtwide extracurricular activities? Probably not. However, it is wise to check with the district administration.