Are you interested in homeschooling your child in the state of Washington? Homeschooling can be an excellent way to engage your child in learning and provide them with an education tailored to their individual needs and interests. It is important to understand the laws and regulations in Washington State to ensure you are following the correct procedures.
This article strives to answer the following questions so that you have the information necessary to begin homeschooling in Washington: What is homeschooling?
Who is eligible for homeschooling in Washington State?
What records do I need to keep?
What type of assessments are required?
What is the legal structure for homeschooling in Washington State? What are the reporting requirements?
What vaccines are required for homeschooled students? What curriculum must be used? What is the role of the Homeschooling Advisory Council? What rules apply to the instruction of special needs students?1 How do I create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for my child?1 What resources or classes are available to homeschoolers in Washington State?1 What qualifications must teachers possess?1 What rules apply to the use of technology?1 What support is available for homeschooling families in Washington State?
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the practice of educating children in the home environment by their parents or legal guardians instead of attending a school. It is a form of alternative education that allows children to learn at their own pace and in a way that is tailored to their individual needs. Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in today’s society, with an estimated
5 million students being homeschooled in the United States according to National Center for Education Statistics data from 201
Who is Eligible for Homeschooling in Washington State?
Any parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 who is a resident of the State of Washington can homeschool their child. Homeschooling is legally permissible if the student’s education complies with state laws and regulations.
Additionally, parents or guardians must be willing and capable of providing an appropriate education to the student.
What Records Do I Need to Keep?
Washington State requires that homeschooling families keep attendance and academic records that document their child’s progress. Attendance records should include the dates of instruction and the amount of time devoted to homeschooling each day or week.
Academic records should include grades or transcripts, documents or portfolios that demonstrate progress in academic subjects, copies of standardized test results, and evidence of participation in community activities. These records should be kept for at least three years.
What Type of Assessments Are Required?
Homeschooled students in Washington State are required to complete annual assessments that measure their progress. These assessments can either be completed at home (using nationally-normed standardized tests) or by a qualified evaluator.
Homeschooling families must also provide an annual progress report to the superintendent at their local school district which includes an assessment of student progress, attendance records, and evidence of compliance with the state’s compulsory education requirements.
What is the Legal Structure for Homeschooling in Washington State?
Washington State has a homeschool law that outlines the regulations and requirements for the homeschooling process. It is essential to understand and follow this law in order to ensure that homeschooling is done in a manner that is compliant with the state’s regulations. The law can be found in Title 28A of the Washington Revised Code and outlines the procedures for homeschooling, the required assessments, and the rights of homeschooling families.
What are the Reporting Requirements?
Homeschooling families must report the start and termination of their child’s homeschooling to their local school district. Parents must also submit a monthly attendance report that documents the student’s hours of instruction. In order to terminate homeschooling, a statement of intent to terminate must be sent to the local school district that includes the student’s name, the address of the family, and the reason for termination of homeschooling.
What Vaccines are Required for Homeschooled Students?
Homeschooling families in Washington State must have their child vaccinated according to the schedule outlined by the state. These vaccines are necessary for the health and safety of the student as well as for their compliance with the state law. The list of required vaccines in Washington can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website.
What Curriculum Must Be Used?
Homeschooling families are not required to use a particular curriculum in Washington State. They may use any curriculum of their choosing as long as it meets the standards of their state’s learning objectives. It is important to note that while it is not required, homeschooling families are encouraged to provide a narrative evaluation of the student’s performance at the end of each academic year.
What is the Role of the Homeschooling Advisory Council?
The Washington State Homeschooling Advisory Council (HAC) is an advisory body to the Legislature, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Department of Health. The HAC is responsible for providing advice and guidance to the Legislature, the OSPI, and the Department of Health on issues concerning homeschooling.
Additionally, the HAC provides advice on the regulations and laws related to homeschooling and assists in developing educational materials for homeschooling.
What Rules Apply to the Instruction of Special Needs Students?
Washington State has specific regulations and guidelines for homeschooling children with special needs. Homeschooling families may use an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is appropriate for the student and must adhere to the same rules as public school districts when it comes to meeting educational goals for these students.
It is important to note that homeschooling parents are not required to have special education training or certification in order to homeschool a student with special needs.
How Do I Create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for My Child?
An IEP is an individualized program of instruction that is tailored to a student’s specific educational needs and goals. In Washington State, IEPs can be created by either the school district or the homeschooling family. Homeschooling families must provide all the necessary documentation to the school district including the student’s educational assessments, a snapshot of the student’s current academic performance, a list of goals and objectives, and a plan for how those goals and objectives will be achieved.
What Resources or Classes are Available to Homeschoolers in Washington State?
Washington State has a variety of resources and classes available to homeschoolers. Homeschooling families can find support, resources, and information from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as well as from local school districts. Some districts offer classes for homeschoolers, and there are also a variety of private and online classes available.
Homeschooling families can also access public library services, educational materials from libraries and bookstores, and curricula from state approved vendors.
What Qualifications Must Teachers Possess?
Homeschooling families may use a professional teacher to provide instruction to their child. The teacher must be certified in the areas of instruction they provide, either by the state of Washington or by an accrediting organization such as the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
Additionally, the teacher must complete appropriate background checks, including a criminal background check.
What Rules Apply to the Use of Technology?
Students engaged in homeschooling in Washington State are permitted to use technology and distance learning platforms to support their education. These platforms must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act in order to be legally permissible. Additionally, the technology and platforms used must be approved by the local school district.
What Support is Available for Homeschooling Families in Washington State?
Homeschooling families in Washington State have access to a variety of support systems to help them in their homeschooling journey. Local school districts often offer support to homeschooling families through classes, online resources, or mentors.
Additionally, homeschooling families can contact the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for support and information. The Homeschooling Advisory Council also provides resources and advice to homeschooling families.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be an excellent way to provide your child with an education tailored to their individual needs and interests. It is important to understand and follow the laws and regulations in Washington State so that your homeschooling experience is compliant with the state’s standards. With the information outlined in this article, you should have a better understanding of the requirements for homeschooling in Washington State and be better equipped to get started on your homeschooling journey.