Test Scores Lost or Late

Q. What happens if a parent fails to send in test scores or sends them in late?

A. If a parent does not provide test results or an evaluation letter—or if a parent sends test results after the August 1 deadline—he has failed to comply with the requirements of the homeschool statute §22.1-254.1 (C). This could have serious consequences.

There are several ways a superintendent may respond. The superintendent has the statutory authority to deny a parent the right to continue homeschooling. He also has the authority to put the homeschool program on probation for one year. Probation involves a parent submitting a remediation plan that is acceptable to the superintendent. After the probationary year, the superintendent will decide if the parent may continue to homeschool.

In a situation when a parent sends in the scores a little late, I have known superintendents to accept the results without question. I have known others who are sticklers for the date. There is no guarantee how they will respond.

In some situations, superintendents have extended the deadline for parents who appeal for an extension due to extenuating circumstances. If you know you will not be able to send in your results by August 1, make your appeal prior to the deadline. State that you want to comply with the law, and then explain the reason you will have difficulty. You may want to ask if he will allow you to comply on another specific date. Many superintendents will work with you if they know you are trying to do the right thing.

If you have more questions on testing, please visit our website’s Testing section, or view previously answered questions on our Testing Q&A.

Regards,

Yvonne Bunn
HEAV’s Director of Homeschool Support and Government Affairs