Powerpoint Templates

1. Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)July 11 & 12, 2013Thomas R. BiceState Superintendent of Education John S. Bell, Ed. D. Office of Teaching and Leading Alabama Department of Education Powerpoint Templates

2. ALSDE Welcome and Introductions Dennis Coe Director of Supporting Programs Chris WilsonProgram Administrator, Non-Public Schools Sabrina MayProgram Specialist, Non-Public Schools Marvin Taylor Accountant Manager, Non-Public SchoolsDonna CannonAdministrative Assistant

3. Housekeeping • Please: • Sign-in legibly and provide accurate contact information • Silence mobile devices • Take personal break as needed • Refrain from refreshments in auditorium • Submit questions w/legible contact information on index cards provided • Restrooms in foyer by auditorium & cafeteria • No Internet availability in auditorium • Training PowerPoint & handouts available online • Expired meter parking = Likely parking ticket • Meeting will end on time

4. Agenda • Today’s Purpose • Statutory Governance of Alabama Non-Public Schools • Differences in Non-Public Entities • Alabama Administrative Code • Private School Licensure • Application Procedures • Private School License • Deferred/Waiver License • Certificate of Exemption • Licensure Fee Schedule • Next Steps • Questions and Answers

5. Training Materials • Rules and Regulations for Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama Handbook • Based on Code of Alabama and Alabama Administrative Code • ALSDE Memorandum – July 9, 2013 • Statutory Governance of Non-Public Schools • Application Procedures • Non-Public School Fee Schedule • Federal and State Recognized Accrediting Agencies • Governance of Homeschooled/Private-Tutored Students • Non-Public School Forms • PowerPoint Presentation

6. ALSDE Non-Public School Website Available August 1, 2013 For the most current ALSDE Non-Public School (NPS) rules and regulations, NPS handbook, documents, forms, PowerPoint presentations, and all other NPS information, go to the ALSDE Office of Supporting Programs, Non-Public Schools at:https://ap.alsde.edu/index.aspx Please save to your favorites! Technical Support Office of Supporting Programs Non-Public SchoolsE-mail: nonpublicschools@alsde.edu Telephone: 334-242-9728

7. Today’s Purpose Provide all non-public entities with the statutory information and guidance necessary to operate a non-public school in the state of Alabama

8. Q: Is today’s meeting a result of the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA)?ALSDE: No For AAA information go to theAlabama Department of Revenue Website at: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/accountability/

10. References Statutes and Laws Regulating Alabama Non-Public Schools • Code of Alabama (1975) • Alabama Administrative Code The Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, or age in its programs, activities, or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person is responsible for handling inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Education, PO Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101, telephone (334) 242-8165.

11. Frequently Used Acronyms • AAC = Alabama Administrative Code • ACCESS = Alabama Connecting Classrooms Educators and Students Statewide • ACSI = Association of Christian Schools International • AIM = ALSDE Identity Management • AISA = Alabama Independent School Association • AL = Alabama • ALSDE = Alabama State Department of Education • ADOR = Alabama Department of Revenue

12. Frequently Used Acronyms continued • Code of AL = Code of Alabama (1975) • et seq. = “and the following” • ED DIR = ALSDE Online Education Directory • IS = ALSDE Information Systems • LEA = Local Education Agency • NCSA = National Christian School Association • NPS = Non-Public Schools • SAIS = Southern Association of Independent Schools • STI = Software Technology Incorporated • USDOE = United States Department of Education

13. Let’s Begin with the Handbook

14. Statutory Governance of Non-Public SchoolsPage 4 Certificate of Licensure Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Licensure is to be issued to a private school pursuant to the legal requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama (1975), as implemented by the respective regulations in the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 290-3-5-.01, et seq. General Statutory Provisions • Private school = include those holding certificate issued by State Superintendent of Education • No K-12 school, unless exempt, may operate without a license from the ALSDE • Certificate of Licensure valid two (2) years from date issued • Licensure represents authority to operate educational institution in AL

15. Statutory Governance of Non-Public SchoolsPage 4 continued Certificate of Licensurecontinued Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Licensure is to be issued to a private school pursuant to the legal requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama (1975), as implemented by the respective regulations in the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 290-3-5-.01, et seq. General Statutory Provisionscontinued • Annually, on or before October 10, all private schools (except church schools) register and report certain data to ALSDE • Licensure may not be advertised as endorsement or recommendation, but implies compliance with Alabama laws • ALSDE may invoke negative actions if licensee school solicits/enrolls students or administers instructions via fraud, deception, misrepresentation

16. Statutory Governance of Non-Public Schools Page 4 continued Certificate of Exemption Upon satisfactory application, a Certificate of Exemption is to be issued to an exempt school pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama (1975), as implemented by the respective regulations in the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 290-3-5-.01, et seq. General Statutory Provisions • Exemption not be construed as approval or endorsement by the State of AL • Private schools that are exempt may voluntarily request licensure

17. Differences in Non-Public EntitiesPage 5 Licensed Non-Public Schools • License valid two (2) years • Accredited by state-recognized accrediting agency • Have allowable credits accepted by state colleges and universities • Have bonds to cover contractual agreements of parents • Have licensed agents to solicit funds • Have curriculum comparable to ALSDE recognized educational standards • Have certified teachers teaching courses they are licensed to teach • Have specific policies to protect parents and students • Meets all local building and zoning codes • Maintains personal data records • Are monitored by SDE for compliance

18. Differences in Non-Public EntitiesPage 5 continued Exempt Schools • Certificate valid three (3) years • May have allowable credits accepted by colleges and universities • Church schools provide evidence establishing parochial or religious affiliation, non-profit status, and official catalog listing courses and programs of study • May or may not have certified teachers licensed to teach courses

19. Differences in Non-Public EntitiesPage 5 continued Exempt Schools continued • Exempt schools may be: • A church/parochial school • A school operated by a community educational organization, or group of parents that is organized as a non-profit educational corporation • A private school in operation and nationally accredited continuously since July 1, 1984

20. Differences in Non-Public EntitiesPage 5 continued Private Tutor • Courses must be taught • By persons holding valid AL teaching certificate in branches of study taught • Three (3) hours/day for 140 days per calendar year • Must • Use English language for instruction • Report to the local superintendent of education • Courses • May or may not be accepted by colleges, universities, public or non-public schools

21. What certification and/or licensure options are available for my school(s)? • Apply and Obtain: • Certificate of Licensure (page 6) • Valid two (2) years • Certificate of Exemption (page 7) • Valid three (3) years • Deferred License (page 12) • Valid*one (1) year *No more than three (3) consecutive deferred licenses may be issued to an applicant

22. Deferred License ExplanationPage 12 Any license shall be denied, deferred, suspended, or revoked if information or materials specified by Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 290-3-50 is not provided. Similar action shall be taken against schools found in violation of Code of Alabama (1975), Title 16, Chapter 46 or for failure to comply with Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 290-3-5. NOTE • Deferred license valid for one year • ALSDE may issue up to three (3) consecutive deferred licenses to a school

23. Private School License ProcedurePages 8-10 No private school except those enumerated in Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-3, with supporting documentation as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code, r. 290-3-5-.03, shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education. All private schools seeking licensure shall submit the following:

24. Private School License ProcedurePage 8 -10 continued Complete application forms available August 1, 2013 at https://ap.alsde.edu/index.aspxas follows: • License Application(Form PS-1) • School Performance Surety Bond (Form PS-2) • School Licensed Agent Surety Bond (Form PS-3) • School Personnel Data (Form PS-4) • Agent’s Permit Application (Form PS-5) • Teacher Certification Assurance (Form PS-6)

25. Private School License ProcedurePage 8 -10 continued • Provide documentation to ALSDE, to include but not limited to: • *Certificate of Existence *Out-of-state or online organizations only • Accreditation Certificate • School Contact Information • Statement of School Training Objectives • Tuition and Refund Policy • Student Grievance Policy • Attestation Affidavit – School Facility Local Building Code Compliance • Most recent school financial audit • *License fee *Note special instructions for out-of-state or online educational providers (Page 9, #7)

26. Private School License ProcedurePage 8 -10 continued • An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the Alabama State Department of Education. The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. • No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-3, with supporting documentation as prescribed by the Alabama Administrative Code, r. 290-3-5-.03, shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education.

27. Certificate of Exemption ProcedurePage 11 Conditions and exceptions stated in the Alabama Administrative Code, r. 290-3-5-.03, shall not apply to certain "exempt schools" that meet the criteria for exempt status enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-3. Such "exempt schools" shall retain their exempt status only as long as the conditions of exemption remain valid. Schools seeking to be declared as an “exempt school” shall submit the one of the following three documents to the Alabama State Department of Education:

28. Certificate of Exemption ProcedurePage 11 continued Applicants for “exempt school” status will provide: • Non-profit articles of incorporation or evidence establishing parochial or religious affiliation • Appropriate license/certificate/approval by other state boards/commissions/agencies requiring school licensure and/or performance bonding • Charter or articles of incorporation demonstrating school was in operation/accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by United States Department of Education continuously as of July 1, 1984

29. Certificate of Exemption ProcedurePage 11 continued Applicants for “exempt school” status will submit the following documents to ALSDE: • Charter or articles of incorporation with by-laws establishing non-profit operation • License Application (Form PS-1) • Certificate fee

30. Certificate of Exemption ProcedurePage 11 continued • An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the department. Any school seeking exempt status that cannot provide all necessary documentation must follow procedures for seeking a private school license. The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. • No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-3, with supporting documentation as prescribed by the Alabama Administrative Code, r. 290-3-5-.03, shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education.

31. Deferred License ProcedurePage 12 The Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-5(k), provides that any license applied for pursuant to this section shall be granted, deferred, or denied within 28 days of the receipt of the application by the Alabama State Department of Education. Under extenuating circumstances as approved by the State Superintendent of Education, schools submitting an incomplete application as of October 11 may be eligible to obtain a deferred license. The procedure for obtaining a deferred license is:

32. Deferred License ProcedurePage 12 continued Deferred license applicants will submit: • Formal written request that includes: • Areas on license application that documentation cannot be provided • Corrective action plan to address unavailable documentation • Statement of assurance that any/all deficiencies will be resolved in *timely manner * Not to exceed three (3) years from date of issuance of deferred license • Performance surety bond (Form PS-2) • Certificate of Existence • License Fee

33. Deferred License ProcedurePage 12 continued • Each deferred license is valid for one (1) year. • Applicants may be issued no more than three (3) consecutive deferred licenses. • An application will not be considered complete unless all items above are received by the department. • The deadline for submitting a completed application is October 10 of each license period. • No private school except those enumerated in the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-46-3, with supporting documentation as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code, r. 290-3-5-.03, shall operate within the state of Alabama unless a license is first secured from the Alabama State Department of Education.

34. Initial Fee $50 Renewal Fee

35. Permit and Bond Information

36. Alabama Non-Public School Licensure Fee Schedule Page 13 continued • Important Fee Information • Fees are due at the time of application or request; provide gross tuition documentation. • Fees are nonrefundable. • Fees should be made payable to the “Alabama State Department of Education.” • The Alabama State Department of Education reserves the right to adjust fees based upon the cost to enforce the requirements of the Private School/Treatment Center Division. • No personal checks accepted; please send cashier’s check or money order if not completed online.

37. USDOE Recognized Regional and National Institutional Accrediting AgenciesPages 14-18 • Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training • Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools • Commission of Career Schools and Colleges • Council on Occupational Education • Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission • Middle States Commission on Higher Education • Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools • New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

38. USDOE Recognized Regional and National Institutional Accrediting AgenciesPages 14-18 continued • New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of Education • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges • Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities

39. State-Recognized Accrediting AgenciesPage 19 • Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) • National Christian School Association (NCSA) • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) • Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)

40. Governance“Homeschooled”/Private-Tutored StudentsPage 20 -22 For a student to be “homeschooled” in Alabama, the following criteria must be met: • Student must be enrolled in “homeschool” setting authorized by entity holding a current AL Certificate of Exemption of Private School License OR • Student must be instructed by a private tutor Requirements for authorized non-public entities are found in the Rules and Regulations for Private Schools and Church Schools in Alabama Non-Public Schools Handbook

41. Governance“Homeschooled”/Private-Tutored StudentsPage 20 -22 continued Private Tutor Requirements • Must hold ALSDE issued certificate in branches of study required to be taught in Alabama public schools • Instruction must be a minimum of three (3) hours/day for 140 days each calendar year between 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Code of AL §16-28-5, §16-28-7, §16-28-8, §16-28-11, §16-28-23

42. Governance“Homeschooled”/Private-Tutored StudentsPage 20 -22 continued Reporting Requirements • Following must be filed with local education agency superintendent where student resides: • Statement of student(s) instructed • Subjects taught • Instruction time and frequency • Register of daily work hours of instruction • Student registry, enrollment, attendance, absence (Report, Page 21) • Local superintendent, church school administrator, and parent signatures on appropriate forms and documents • Notification to local superintendent if/when a student withdraws

43. Governance“Homeschooled”/Private-Tutored Students • The ALSDE will rely upon the “parent” organization to help local boards of education ensure compliance with the compulsory attendance laws • Upon a report filed by the LEA, issues of reported non-compliance will be investigated by the ALSDE

44. Authorized Non-Public List Published Annually • Will contain a list of all non public educational entities legally operating in the state of Alabama • Will be identified as holding a License, Deferred License, or Certificate of Exemption • Will identify all non-public entities authorized to issue a diploma and credit in the state of Alabama • Entities not holding a License, Deferred License, or Certificate of Exemption will not have credits or diplomas recognized by any K-12, 2 year, or 4 year state institution

45. What if a Non-Public School elects not to comply? No licensed private school, no public school, and no college or university subject to the State Board of Education shall accept credits from a school which was not exempted, entitled to an exemption, or licensed as required under the provisions of Code of Alabama 1975, Title 16, Chapter 46 when educational credentials were conferred.

46. Appendices • Appendix A: Non-Public School Forms • Form PS-1: License Application for NPS • Form PS-2: NPS Performance Bond • Form PS-3: NPS Agent Bond • Form PS-4: Application for Licensure • Administrators and Instructors Personnel Data • Form PS-5: Application for Agent Permit • Form PS-6– Statement of Assurances for Certified Teachers • New NPS Site Information • Appendix B: Alabama Administrative Code • Private School Licensure in Alabama

47. NextSteps Training Application AIM & Ed Dir Websites-Aug 1 NPS & ALSDE Partnership

48. NPS & ALSDE Partnership • Purpose • Meetings to establish a platform by which non-public schools can provide suggestions and request assistance from the ALSDE • Who • Representative(s) from state non-public associations and schools, selected ALSDE personnel, and others, as appropriate • What • Consider present and future non-public school needs, such as: • Professional and Student Learning • Teacher Certification/Licensure • Other • Why • Renew and improve the ALSDE relationship with non-public schools • Continue providing quality education for all Alabama students • Where/When • To be determined

49. Alabama Identity Management (AIM)Education Directory (Ed Dir) Available August 1, 2013 • AIM – Personal account login for authentication to ALSDE applications/sites • Ed Dir– Directory of all Systems/Schools information to include ALSDE assigned ID, Name, address, school information, personnel role assignments

50. Alabama Identity Management (AIM)Education Directory (Ed Dir) continued Available August 1, 2013 • Go to http://AP.alsde.edu • Click on the Non-Public School (NPS) link • Click on the NPS Licensure forms link • Click on AIM Instructions for creating and maintaining an account • Click on Ed Dir Instructions to edit/update your school and staff position information