DE Guidance on Counting Students Attending Virtually in the Fall

The Iowa Department of Education has been asked the question that if a parent decides to not send their child to school in the fall because of perceived safety issues, but wishes to take advantage of the district’s ability to provide learning virtually, does the district count that student as a resident, full-time student. The DE has responded that the student would be counted if they otherwise meet the definition of resident and are in attendance on count date. The decision about whether the child's absences are excused or not is a local decision. The parent always has the option to homeschool and dual enroll.