605.0 Shared Time Policy

I. Purpose and General Statement of Policy

This policy delineates the guidelines and procedures governing the part-time enrollment of non-public or homeschooled students within the District. 

II. Definitions

1. Non-public School: A school, church, religious organization, or home school wherein a child receives instruction in compliance with applicable state compulsory attendance laws (e.g., Minnesota Statute 120A.22, Subd. 4 and 120A.24).
2. Shared Time (Students): Students enrolled in grades K-12 who attend non-public or home schools on a full-time basis but participate in District academic courses on a limited, part-time basis.

III. Student Eligibility and Limitations

1. Eligibility Criteria
    
   1. Students must be residents of the Anoka-Hennepin School District and attend a homeschool or non-public school full-time in compliance with applicable state compulsory instruction laws.
   2. Shared-time privileges are available to all non-public students in grades K-12. 
   3. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to exclude students with disabilities from receiving special education services in accordance with applicable law.
2. Enrollment Limitations
   1. Shared-time enrollment shall be limited to a portion of the school day, up to  50% of the scheduled school day. (e.g. in a 5 period day 2 courses, or in a 7 period day 3 courses, , unless an exception is approved by the Assistant Superintendent's Designee.
   2. Shared-time enrollment is restricted to courses that generate shared-time foundation aid from the state. Such classes generally include those academic classes that require instruction by a properly licensed teacher. Ineligible programs, services, or classes include, but are not limited to: targeted services, study hall, non-district provided online learning classes, Title I services, PSEO, and work-based learning programs.
   3. Academic shared-time enrollment will be provided only on a seat available basis. Course sections will not be added to provide additional seats. Priority for course enrollment will be given to full-time public school students. Academic shared-time enrollment will be provided only in courses at regular times within the normal schedule of classes. Class hours will not be altered to provide for shared-time enrollment.

IV. Participation Requirements

1. Course Prerequisites and Demonstrations
   1. Students granted shared-time enrollment in a specific course must have satisfied all prerequisite course requirements.
   2. Students may be required to demonstrate appropriate skill and/or knowledge levels for course placement.
2. Adherence to District Policies
   Students participating in academic shared time are required to comply with all District policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to public school students. This includes, but is not limited to, student rights and responsibilities, grading policies, attendance requirements, and performance expectations.
3. On-Campus Conduct and Facilities Use
   1. Shared-time students enrolled in courses that are not offered consecutively must exit school property when not in class or may attend a supervised study hall, if available. 
      1. A study hall shall not be considered an eligible shared-time course for the purpose of state aid.
      2. A study hall is not included in 2 course per trimester limitation for shared time students
   2. Inquiries regarding meal programs should be directed to the District's Food and Nutrition Services Department.
   3. School computers, science laboratories, and libraries/media centers are available for shared-time student use exclusively as an integral component of a public school course taken by a shared-time student, or when such facilities have been made available for general public use.
4. Testing
   1. Homeschool shared-time students may elect to take certain state assessments (e.g., Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) and nationally norm-referenced tests at the public school, subject to arrangements made with the principal.
   2. The homeschool shall be responsible for the cost of the test and scoring.

V. Enrollment Procedures

1. District administration shall develop an application for families/students seeking access to shared time instruction. The application will address the applicant’s completion of necessary prerequisite course completion and knowledge/skill acquisition to participate in the shared-time course(s) and will require applicants to notify the District if they are currently supported by a juvenile probation officer. Applications for shared-time courses may be denied for students lacking appropriate prerequisite courses or knowledge/skill or for appropriate health and safety concerns.  
2. Completed applications must be submitted to the Home School Office no less than one month prior to the commencement of the requested course(s) for due consideration.
3. The Home School Office will verify the student’s eligibility and attendance area school.
4. Final confirmation of acceptance, contingent upon space availability, shall be transmitted to the home school (and home school office) no later than one week prior to the first day of the course(s)
5. Students who were enrolled in shared time classes prior to the implementation of this policy that do not live within the Anoka-Hennepin attendance area will be permitted to continue their enrollment. They will need to complete the application, adhere to all district policies, and will not be eligible for district provided transportation.
6. Specific communication regarding class scheduling shall occur directly between the applicant (student or parent/guardian) and the principal or their designated representative.

VI. Attendance Area, Transportation and Athletics

1. Attendance Area
   1. Shared-time students must attend the public school located within their assigned K-12 attendance area.
   2. A non-public student may submit a request to enroll in courses at a school other than their assigned attendance area school. Such a request must adhere to the same procedures as those followed by public school students applying for enrollment options (e.g., refer to District Policy 502, Student Transfers, or equivalent).
   3. Should a resident homeschool student desire to take a course offered exclusively at a school outside their attendance area, the Assistant Superintendent or their designee may authorize the student's attendance at that alternative school.
2. Transportation
   Transportation of special education students will be provided to the extent required by applicable law or the student’s IEP. Special transportation arrangements are not available to facilitate the participation of non-special education students in shared time classes.  
3. Athletics
   Families and students should consult the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for questions regarding student eligibility, nothing in this policy should be construed to determine student eligibility for the purposes of HS sports. 

Legal References: Minn. Stat. 126C.01 sub.8 
Minn. Stat. 120A.22, subd 4
M.S. 120A.24