Relating to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunizations required under competent private instruction

This bill relates to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunization required under competent private instruction. Current law authorizes the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of compulsory attendance age to place the child under competent private instruction or independent private instruction.8 (immunization of children), and, if the child is elementary school age, a blood lead test. The bill strikes this requirement. Current law requires a child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian who places the child under competent private instruction to furnish a report to the school district of residence by September of the school year in which the child will be under competent private instruction that includes an outline of course of study, among other requirements. An outline of course of study must include subjects covered, lesson plans, and time spent on the areas of study. The bill requires this report to state the name and age of the child, the period of time during which the child will be under competent private instruction for the year, an outline of the course of study or texts that will be used, and the name and address of the instructor. The bill strikes the definition of “outline of course of study”. Current law provides that independent private instruction is private instruction that, among other criteria, enrolls not more than four unrelated students and does not charge tuition or fees for instruction. The bill strikes these provisions. The bill provides that independent private instruction is required to provide students with instruction that is consistent with and appropriate to the student’s age, grade level, or achievement level. The bill also provides that the students receiving independent private instruction need not be related to the primary instructor. Under current law, independent private instruction is defined to not be a nonpublic school. The bill establishes that independent private instruction is not an accredited nonpublic school.