Must every student have a full class schedule?

Yes. The Indiana State Board of Education’s instructional time rules require schools to provide a full instructional day to all students. This requirement includes seniors. A student instructional day is defined as a minimum of five (5) hours of instructional time in Grades 1 through 6 and six (6) hours of instructional time in Grades 7 through 12. This means that every student in Grades 1 through 12 must have the opportunity to come to school for 180 full days.

Seniors may not be granted early release. Shortened class schedules may be approved for students whose educational programs require a shortened schedule.

Such circumstances might include:

a.    Career and Technical students who have approved career/technical education programs that include an employment component.

b.    Special education students whose individualized education programs (IEPs), as developed under 511 IAC 7, call for a shortened schedule.

c.    Students receiving homebound instruction.

d.    Students enrolled in college courses under the post-secondary enrollment program. IC 20-43-4.

e.    Students enrolled in adult education programs.

f.     Students enrolled in non-public schools, but who participate in public school programs on a part-time basis.

g.    Kindergarten students on a traditional half-day schedule.

h.    Students participating in the School flex program. (IC 20-30-2-2.2)

i.      Students with unusual or extraordinary circumstances such as those who are:

                                          i.    Pregnant or parenting.

                                         ii.    Residing in a detention center.

                                        iii.    Participating in an alternative education program.

                                       iv.    Emancipated and have to work but are still of school age.

                                        v.    Experiencing a temporary medical condition but do not qualify for homebound instruction.

                                       vi.    Returning to complete their graduation requirements after having dropped out of school several years ago.

                                      vii.    Attending an alternative to suspension or expulsion program.