The differences between Distributed Learning (DL) and Homeschooling programs are as follows:

Distributed Learning Students:
     
Homeschooled Children:
 

Students are enrolled in a public or independent school distributed learning program where the majority of the learning takes place at a distance:

  • DL program is the responsibility of the public or independent school
  • DL program is directed and supervised by a British Columbia-certified teacher (parents may assist in facilitating the learning process, but are not the teachers)
  • DL program must meet provincial standards as outlined in the School Act or Independent School Act
  • Students must receive on-going regular assessments, report cards, provincial letter grades and a permanent student record, as would students in a neighbourhood school

 

     

Homeschooled children are registered at a school (public, francophone or independent school) in the province by September 30th each year:

  • Homeschooled children's educational program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide and supervise the educational program.
  • Homeschooling program does not have to meet provincial standards
  • Homeschooling is not inspected by the Ministry of Education
  • Homeschoolers in Grades 10 to 12 have the option to write provincial exams
  • Students do not receive a British Columbia Dogwood graduation certificate
Distributed Learning Schools:
     
Homeschooling:
 
  • School districts receive the same annual per-pupil funding for students enrolled in a distributed learning program as they do for students enrolled in a school;
  • Independent schools receive either 50% (Group 1) or 35% (Group 2) of the per pupil public school distributed learning rate.
  • Public schools must offer a strictly secular program as per the School Act.
  • Independent school distributed learning may incorporate faith-based curriculum as
    provided for in the
    Independent School Act.
     
  • A registering school district receives $250 per child and an independent school receives $175.
  • These funds are provided for administering the registration process and offering educational resources and assessment instruments to parents.
  • Homeschooled children may write Grade 12 provincial examinations at their registering school and receive a Ministry examination (not course) mark.
 

 

Comparisons at a glance

Traditional Homeschooling

Public School DL

Independent School DL

Must meet the Learning Outcomes of the B.C. curriculum

 

No

Yes

Yes

Learning must be supervised by a B.C. teacher

 

No

Yes

Yes

Students must use District or school approved resources

 

No

Yes

Yes

Student’s progress must be evaluated by teacher; report cards are to be prepared by teacher 3 times a year

 

No

Yes

Yes

Must participate in Provincial testing. (Graduation Exams and Foundation Skills Assessment, grades 4 & 7)

 

No

Yes

Yes

Religious texts/resources may be used

 

Yes

No

Yes

Status of student with school

 

Registered

Enrolled

Enrolled

 

To obtain more information about Distributed Learning, please contact:


Public School Distributed Learning
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Homeschooling
or Independent School Distributed Learning
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