It only requires showing performance annually on the ITBS. I have taken advantage of dual enrolling my younger daughter (doing Life Science, Biology, Social Studies, and English at home while doing the rest of the subjects in her school). Unfortunately after she does U.S. History I this semester she will be done with Homeschooling with me. Next year she will be a 9th grader with a full schedule. She will take at least two online Social Study classes over the next summer though.
One thing happening in our state is Virtual School. The state has to pay $6K for every student who takes up Virtual Schooling, and I think that the price is too high. Right now we have classes available for $150/ea to be paid by the parents in many (most?) school districts. The state should work to expand this offering to head off total Virtual Schooling. I think we are getting ripped off. Tuition is more than our online Community College offerings and far more than the current online course offerings.
What I am waiting to see is how many Homeschool families who currently receive no assistance take advantage of the new Virtual School. The biggest drawback with the Virtual School is that you cannot participate in your home district's extracurriculars (music, sports, clubs, acting etc). Dual enrolled kids can. The biggest advantage to Virtual School is that you have a free credentialed program that can transfer to any district in Iowa. Districts do not have to accept Homeschool transcripts for High School graduation.
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