• SB 42 Dexter Mosley Act

    Information for Parents

     

    During the 2021 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Dexter Mosely Act (Senate Bill 42). This legislation authorizes home study students in grades 6-12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities in the student’s resident public school system, with the requirement of certain notification and course enrollment provisions. The law is codified in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6.

    No home school students should attend activities, workouts or practices/competitions until they are fully registered.

    The following documents include important information required for homeschooled students to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities in the Richmond County School System.

     

    Georgia Department of Education Guidance for Dexter Mosley Act (SB42)

     

    Home School Part-time Enrollment SB 42 Participation Declaration Form

     

    Enrolling Adult actions:

    We ask that the enrolling parent/guardian turn in a completed packet to the principal of the student’s zoned school indicating the intent to enroll the student under the SB42. This packet shall include the following documents:

    • The Home School Part-time Enrollment SB 42 Participation Declaration form indicating the extracurricular or interscholastic activities for which the student plans to participate (form may be printed from link above or a copy may be found at the school).
    • A copy of the student’s most recent annual progress report as provided in Georgia’s requirements for home school programs to include the student’s instructor’s individualized assessment of the student’s academic progress in all courses (reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
    • A written verification by the home school instructor that the student is currently receiving a passing grade in each home study program course and is maintaining satisfactory progress towards advancement.
    • A current copy of the student’s transcript which includes the number of cumulative units earned to date.

     

    Once parent/guardian has submitted the packet to the principal of the student's zoned school, the parent/guardian will register their child through the RCSS secure Online Registration System (OLR) and upload all enrollment documents or contact the zoned school to schedule an appointment to complete the enrollment/registration.

     

  • Q: What is the process for informing the RCSS that I would like for my student to take a qualifying course under SB42?
    A: The Parent/Guardian should read the documents linked above, and submit the packet to the Principal with required documents indicating the intent to enroll a student (see  the Participation Declaration which is linked above.)


    Q: What are the procedures for registering my student under SB42?
    A: Once the packet has been sent to the principal of the school, the  parent/guardian may complete the online registration or make an appointment to register the student.  


    Q: Can a SB42 student take more than one course?
    A: No. Students registering under SB42 can only take one qualifying course for each semester.


    Q: Is a SB42 student limited to specific courses, or can a student select any course?
    A: Students who wish to participate in extra-curricular activities are eligible to take any course offered at the zoned school, based on availability, except in Co-curricular activities which may require a specific course based on Richmond County School System policy. School counselors will schedule the student after a SB42 Participation Declaration and supporting documentation has been submitted.


    Q: Does  the student have to attend in person?
    A: No. Approved courses may be face to face, virtual, or dual enrollment, depending on the requirements of the particular school or program.


    Q: Is a student subject to all rules and regulations of RCSS?
    A: Yes. Students must adhere to attendance, Code of Conduct for Students, Athletic Code of Conduct and all other policies that are required of all students.


    Q: Is a student exempt from any GHSA eligibility requirements?
    A: No. The student must meet the same eligibility requirements as all full-time students.


    Q: Is my student eligible for any type of school choice?
    A: No. SB42 students are required to attend their zoned school.


    Q: Can a student tryout or participate in any sport activity before submitting a declaration or registering?
    A: No, the SB42 Participation Declaration must be submitted, along with all required documents, and the student must be registered before being allowed to try out or participate in interscholastic or extracurricular activities.


    Q: Will my student be eligible to participate in RCSS graduation?
    A: No. Students enrolled under SB42 are not eligible to graduate from the RCSS.


    Q: Will student be eligible to continue in the course if student is not selected for extra-curricular sport?
    A: No. Unless student elects to attend full time,  the student will be withdrawn.


    Q: If SB42 process is completed for a fall sport and student is not selected to participate in that sport, must student begin SB42 process again to participate in a Spring sport?
    A: Yes, Each SB42 Participation Declaration is specific to which sport/activity the student wishes to participate.