Making the transition of a child from homeschool to attending public school in Kentucky can seem daunting. However, with the right information, research, and preparation, the transition back into a traditional educational setting can be smooth and successful. This article will cover the 15 most important questions to consider when making the transition to public school in Kentucky, so that everyone involved can be fully prepared for a successful transition.
1. What are the First Steps to Take?
The first step in transitioning a student from home to public school in Kentucky is to contact the Local Education Agency (LEA) for the county the student will attend. According to the Kentucky Department of Education website, “each student should have an LEA assigned to him/her through the registration process.
Parents and students should contact the designated LEA to discuss and determine the student’s eligibility. ” The LEA will provide information on registration and answer any questions that may arise during the transition process. The second step is to research the public schools in the student’s designated county to ensure the student is starting at the best possible school.
Parents should consider the academic reputation and match programs of the school. Additionally, review the schools’ test scores, curriculum, and extracurricular offerings to ensure the school is the right fit for their student. The third step is to contact the desired public school for the student to begin the registration process.
The public school must be contacted directly and can provide information regarding registration procedures, deadlines, and documentation needed. Additionally, contact should be made with the Guidance Department to discuss scheduling and any special education needs.
2. What Documentation is Required?
The documentation required for registering a student at a public school in Kentucky will vary by school. Generally, students will need to provide some form of an immunization certificate, verification of the student’s age and address, past school transcripts and/or records, and the student’s birth certificate. Depending on the student’s history, the school may require additional documentation.
Parents should contact the school in advance to learn more about their documentation requirements.
3. How do I Request an Official Transcript?
An official transcript is an important part of a student’s educational history, and parents or guardians can request one from the public school the child previously attended. To request an official transcript in Kentucky, guardians must fill out a Transcript Request Form, or request one from the public school by phone or in writing.
The guardian should also provide a copy of a valid government-issued identification card to expedite the process.
4. What is the Age Requirement for Enrollment in a Public School in Kentucky?
The age requirement for enrollment in a public school in Kentucky is 5 years old as of August 1 of that school year. The student must also turn 18 before they graduate. Exceptions may be made for students who are in the care of a court or a foster home.
The student’s local LEA will determine eligibility.
5. What are the School Attendance Requirements?
In Kentucky, students are required to attend classes for the entire school year and must present a valid excuse when missing classes. The student must be present an average of at least 4 ½ hours on a regular school day and must make-up any missed hours.
It is also important to note that the school district maintains parental responsibility for student attendance, and a student can be held within the scope of the state’s truancy laws.
6. What are the Immunization Requirements?
The Kentucky Department of Public Health and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services require all students enrolling in a public school in Kentucky to provide documentation of completed immunizations. Students must provide a Kentucky certificate of immunization for enrollment or a completed Kentucky School Entrance Health Form. A student may receive medical and religious exemptions if the student’s guardian meets the respective criteria.
The LEA is responsible for ensuring that students’ immunization records are updated at the beginning of each school year.
7. How Will The Student’s IQ Level be Assessed?
Depending on the desired public school system, IQ levels can be assessed in different ways. Generally, the school will review the student’s academic performance and educational background to determine the student’s IQ level.
Additionally, schools may administer assessment tests and skills surveys to further evaluate the student’s abilities.
8. What Do I Need to Know About Special Education Programming?
The Kentucky Department of Education recommends that parents contact their local LEA for questions and information about special education programming for their student. The LEA should be able to provide information about programs and services available in the local community, as well as any additional assessments or evaluations that may be necessary for the student.
9. What Should I Know About the Scholastic Intellect and Attainments Test (SIA)?
The Scholastic Intellect and Attainments Test (SIA) is a standardized test that is administered to assess a student’s proficiency in mathematics, language arts, and science, and it is used by the Kentucky Department of Education to evaluate whether a student is adequately prepared to transition into a public school system. The SIA test also helps the LEA determine the student’s academic performance level and plan for additional program support.
10. What About Private Schools?
Parents or guardians can also consider enrolling their child in a private school in Kentucky, especially if the public school system does not meet the student’s needs. Private schools must still adhere to Kentucky’s academic standards, however, they do not have to spend as much time ensuring their students meet those standards. Private schools may have different admissions requirements and may require the parent or guardian to meet additional criteria in order to enroll their student.
11. What Academic Standards Must Public Schools Follow in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Education requires all public schools to comply with the “Common Core State Standards. ” These standards are set and updated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and aim to ensure that all students, regardless of geographical location and socio-economic background, have access to similar educational opportunities.
The standards also ensure that all public schools in the state are offering a quality education to its students.
12. What Should Parents Know About Bullying Policies?
Public school systems in Kentucky must also comply with the nationally established bullying policies. According to the Kentucky Legislature’s website, public schools are required to have a bullying policy that is “in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Education.
” If a student is a victim of bullying, the school system must provide support and resources to the student and the parents, if requested.
13. What Should I Know About the Common Core Curriculum?
The Common Core Curriculum is a set of educational standards that have been established by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. This curriculum provides a framework of what knowledge and skills students should have acquired by the end of each grade level.
The curriculum is based on research and data collected from Kentucky’s students and teachers, and is designed to prepare students for college and future careers.
14. What Type of Technology is Utilized in Public Schools?
In Kentucky, public schools must provide students with access to technology in order to comply with the “Common Core Technology Standards. ” These standards ensure that all schools provide students with the necessary technology to pursue their academic success. Public schools must also provide students with access to the Internet for educational purposes, and must remain up-to-date with the latest technology.
15. What are the Testing Requirements?
Each public school in Kentucky must comply with the standardized testing requirements set by the Kentucky Department of Education. The test is known as the Kentucky Core Content Tests (KCCT).
These tests are administered in order to measure a student’s academic performance, and students in grades 3-8 are required to take the KCCT. The results of the test determine if students are meeting the standards set by the Common Core Curriculum. ConclusionMaking the transition of a child from homeschool to public school in Kentucky is not something to be taken lightly.
It is important to do research, talk to the LEA and school personnel, and consider all the needs of the student as they make the important transition. Following the 15 questions provided in this article will help ensure a successful transition and smooth integration back into public school.