Bill > HB3266

This bill modifies West Virginia's compulsory school attendance law to provide additional flexibility for student education options. The bill expands existing exemptions to compulsory school attendance by introducing two new alternative educational pathways: learning pods and microschools. A learning pod is defined as a voluntary group of parents who collaborate to educate their children together, while a microschool is a tuition-based school initiated by teachers or educational entities as an alternative to traditional schooling. Parents participating in these options must notify the county superintendent, provide the child's information, and ensure instruction in core subjects (reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies). Participants must also submit annual academic assessments, which can be done through the state's public school testing program. The bill requires instructors to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and provides that county superintendents can offer educational resources and support. The legislation also maintains provisions for other existing exemptions such as home schooling, private school attendance, physical or mental incapacity, work permits, and religious observances. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that learning pods and microschools are distinct from homeschooling and are subject to specific requirements to ensure educational accountability.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3266&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill