Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular, with over 2 million children homeschooled in the U. S.
alone. Illinois is no exception to this rising trend, with over 35,000 enrolled home-based students, a number that has nearly doubled since 201 Home-schooling a child provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning, exploration and academic success and with the right preparation and supplies, it has the potential to be both rewarding and successful.
This article will address the most important and essential information to successfully homeschool your child in the state of Illinois.
What are the Requirements and Guidelines to Homeschool in Illinois?
The first step in homeschooling your child to understand the requirements and guidelines that are established by the state of Illinois. These requirements and guidelines vary slightly depending on the county in which you reside and the age of the student in question. Generally speaking, all homeschooled students and their parents must answer to the local school board or district.
The school board or district will require a formal notification or “Notice of Intent to homeschool. ” This notice details the student’s name, birthdate, and what grade he or she will be homeschooled for.
The Notice of Intent also lists the specific courses that the student will study throughout the school year. This document must be submitted to the school board or district prior to beginning homeschooling. Parents of homeschooled students must also provide their child with an appropriate and comprehensive educational program.
This includes course material for core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. As well as additional materials to supplement this core curriculum such as foreign language, art and computer studies.
All materials should be age appropriate and in compliance with the state of Illinois’ guidelines. The course material should be adapted to the educational level and abilities of the student to ensure comprehension and learning.
The homeschooled student’s education must also include a form of evaluation or assessment at the end of the year to track his or her academic progress. This assessment can either be formalized or informal, depending on the parents’ preference. Formal evaluations include standardized tests or portfolio reviews.
Portfolio reviews generally consist of samples of the child’s work and may include tests administered by a qualified teacher.
What Supplies are Necessary for Homeschooling in Illinois?
Supplies will vary depending on the student’s age and grade, as well as the courses chosen for homeschooling. For example, supplies for a preschooler will include a variety of activity books, number and letter cards, stuffed animals and play materials, crayons and markers, and puzzles. For elementary school-aged children, supplies may include paper, notebooks, pens and pencils, textbooks, art supplies and additional resources related to course content.
For middle and high school-aged students, supplies may include textbooks, supplemental resources, online learning materials and assessments, graded coursework, lab equipment and other materials depending on the student’s course load. A computer or laptop with access to the internet is essential for homeschoolers, as the student may be completing course assignments and projects online.
Additionally, parents should establish a designated homeschool workspace that provides appropriate lighting and a comfortable yet productive learning environment.
Where Can I Find Curriculum and Resources for Homeschooling My Child in Illinois?
Parents of homeschooled students are responsible for selecting and purchasing curriculum for their child. Curriculum may be purchased from stores, educational catalogs and online retailers.
When selecting a curriculum, parents should take into account their child’s learning style or preference as well as their academic level and ability. Additionally, parents should research the standards, expectations and evaluations requirements for homeschoolers in the state of Illinois prior to selecting a curriculum, as some may not meet the necessary criteria. Aside from purchasing curriculum from public, private or online retailers, parents may also take advantage of free online educational resources.
Many websites such as Khan Academy, ABCYa, PBSkids, and Scholastic provide free educational materials and activities that are tailored to the age and grade of the student. Additionally, many websites and online programs such as Rosetta Stone and Universal Class offer free or discounted courses to facilitate the language and academic learning of homeschoolers.
What Support Services and Social Opportunities Are Offered for Homeschooling in Illinois?
Homeschooling can be an isolating experience, as some students may not have access to the same educational opportunities and social activities as their traditionally-schooled peers. Fortunately, the state of Illinois offers a variety of options for homeschoolers to socialize and receive support services. Homeschoolers may participate in academic and extracurricular activities offered by their local school district or board.
These may include sports teams, musical ensembles, and clubs, as well as additional resources such as counseling and guidance services. Additionally, parents may join or create a homeschool co-op or group to facilitate the social learning of their students with peers of similar interests and abilities.
The Illinois State Board of Education also provides support services for homeschool parents. Services include a parent coordinator program that helps parents locate resources and specialists in the fields of special-needs or gifted education. Parents may also apply for exemptions from the state’s educational requirements depending on their student’s learning style and needs.
Additionally, the board provides a list of approved courses and programs for homeschoolers that include art and music, foreign language, and physical education.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a great opportunity for parents to provide their child with an education that is tailored to their unique academic needs and preferences. It’s important for parents to understand the requirements and guidelines, as well as the necessary supplies and resources, needed to successfully homeschool their child in the state of Illinois. Additionally, parents should take advantage of the support services and social activities available to their student.
To be most successful, it is highly recommended that parents take the time to research and explore their options when it comes to homeschooling in Illinois.