Remote Learning vs Homebound vs Homeschool

Helping Education Leaders and Communities Identify the Key Differences

Sometimes people think that remote learning, homebound services, and homeschooling are the same thing, but they are not.  Each have state specific policies and procedures for implementation.  Remote learning is an alternative instructional learning model being utilized in school systems across the county in various ways as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Review the comparison below to understand the key differences in each an how IDEA Provision apply

Remote Learning
SCENARIO: Student is enrolled in a public school system and receives education services (including special education and related services) outside of the traditional brick and mortar school building through a processes determined by the public school system. 
IDEA implications: Student is entitled to all provisions of IDEA.  Public school systems shall ensure free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and procedural safeguards are implemented

Homebound
SCENARIO: Student is enrolled in a public school system and receives special education and related services in the student’s home or other designated setting such as a hospital because the IEP team determined homebound is the most appropriate placement based on the student’s individual health and/or academic needs.  

IDEA implications: Student is entitled to all provisions of IDEA.  Public school systems shall ensure FAPE is provided in the LRE and procedural safeguards are implemented.

Homeschool
SCENARIO: Student is NOT enrolled in a public school system because the parent opted not to enroll in a public or a private school and instead will deliver all instruction at home in accordance with state homeschool guidelines

IDEA implications: FAPE does not apply to homeschool.  Limited procedural safeguards of IDEA may apply to child find and evaluation activities.

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individual Education Program
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education