SPEAR Academy

REASONING BEHIND SPEAR ACADEMY ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

SPEAR Academy is recognized by the State of Maryland as a legitimate church school ministry. As such, we are bound by Maryland law to ensure that parents are providing "regular, thorough instruction..." to their children. It is our aim to do this in the least intrusive manner and with the fewest restrictions possible. However, we believe that one of the primary reasons that families join an organization such as SPEAR Academy is because they desire a greater degree of accountability than schooling alone can provide and that the county oversight program can offer. Accordingly, we have developed a strategy that we believe will honor our commitment to hold all of us accountable and that will fulfill the requirements of Maryland law.

SPEAR Academy is a non-profit organization with a volunteer staff. All board members, academic advisors and most group class teachers are volunteers. The programs and assistance offered by SPEAR Academy are contingent upon the fees charged and services of its members. While some other programs charge a greater fee and require less individual service, we choose to charge less and expect greater service from all members.

The requirements are listed below. In each section, general requirements will be listed first, supervised membership and high school requirements, if applicable, will follow.

1. ENROLL online; click agreement with STATEMENT OF FAITH, AND RELEASEOF LIABILITY. (All Members) This releases South Potomac Church (SPC) from liability should the parents fail to sufficiently educate their children, or from liability in accidental injuries. It also informs the parent that it is their responsibility, not SPC's, to provide instruction.

2. Complete the ASSURANCE OF CONSENT form or join HSLDA. (All Members) SPEAR recommends that parents comply with state law in filing an Assurance of Consent form. This is the parent's protection against truancy charges. Should the parent not file this form, SPEAR is not held accountable. Therefore, those not filing this form MUST be members of HSLDA.

3. Mandatory attendance at Orientation Meeting(All Members) It has been our experience that the most successful years for SPEAR are ones in which we have an initial meeting with the entire membership present. This meeting is also required by the State of Maryland. It is our prayer that this meeting will be the impetus to a cohesive year in SPEAR, and a successful school year for each family.

4. Conferences and Forms. (Supervised Members) Objectives and Methods forms are the parent's teaching blueprint for the year. This is the form to which parents will be held accountable by their Educational Advisor. Within reason, the parent is free to establish the objectives and carry them out as they see fit. Objectives may be changed as long as an updated written copy is provided to the advisor. Quarterly Evaluation forms submitted at the conferences, and periodic portfolio reviews provide evidence of verifiable, "regular, thorough instruction..." In addition, these forms permit the Educational Advisor to determine if course correction is needed. State law requires periodic correspondence between the parent and SPEAR Academy. The Educational Advisor will attempt to schedule these conferences but, ultimately, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that these conferences are scheduled.

4A. High School Students: HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION MATERIALS FORMS, QUARTERLY CONTRACTS and conferences. (Supervised Members) The Course Selection Form provides a thorough description of each course attempted for high school credit. This must be submitted and approved at the time of the initial conference in order for the student to obtain credits toward graduation. Any changes to the Course Selection Materials form must be approved by the Secondary Educational Coordinator prior to their implementation. No changes will be considered after the first quarter. The Contract provides a progress report and grading mechanism. State law requires periodic correspondence between the parent and SPEAR Academy. See the Requirements Form for the schedule and forms to be reviewed. It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that these conferences are scheduled.

5. Maintain student portfolio containing objectives, monthly evaluations, test & quiz results, and a reasonable sampling per subject/topic. (Supervised Members) There are several important reasons for this requirement. This portfolio is required by law; it is the parent's proof of compliance with the law; and it is helpful to the parent and student to see gradual progress. Parents should keep the portfolios updated monthly.