Distributed Learning vs. Homeschooling

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
  
  
• must receive on-going regular assessments, report cards, provincial letter grades and a permanent student record, as would a student in a neighbourhood school
  
  

• homeschooled children's educational program is the responsibility of their parents or guardians
  
  
• educational program is directed and supervised by the parent
  
  
• do not have to meet provincial standards
  
  
• are not inspected by the Ministry of Education
  
  
• do not receive a British Columbia Dogwood graduation certificate

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.

All public distributed learning programs in British Columbia must be able to demonstrate compliance with the Public School Distance Education Policy. All independent school distributed learning programs must meet the Independent School Distributed Learning Standards.

More information may be obtained from: