Do you live in Texas and want to homeschool your child? If so, it is essential to understand the rights that you have as a homeschooling parent.
Texas is one of the many states that have a homeschool law in place. While homeschooling in Texas is relatively simple and straightforward, it is still a great idea to familiarize yourself with your rights as a parent so that you can maximize the benefits for your child. Knowing your rights and following the laws that are put into place are important for every homeschooling family.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational choice in which parents take full responsibility for the educational experiences of their children. These parents provide instruction to their children in the comfort of their own home using the curriculum of their own choosing.
Some families choose structured curriculums and curricula, while others prefer to take on a more relaxed and spontaneous approach. Homeschooling was once seen as controversial, but it is now a well-accepted option that is growing in popularity. According to the U.
S. Department of Education, over 2 million children are currently being homeschooled across the country.
What are My Rights When Homeschooling in Texas?
Texas offers homeschooling parents a wide array of rights. Some of the most important rights include the right to choose a curriculum, the right to operate free from government oversight, and the right to religious freedom.
The most important right that parents have when homeschooling in Texas is the right to choose a curriculum. Under the Texas homeschool laws, parents are allowed to choose the curriculum and materials that they feel are most appropriate for their child. This means that parents have the freedom to choose any type of curriculum they feel is best, including online courses, textbooks, workbooks, and other print materials.
Another right that parents have when homeschooling in Texas is the right to operate free from government oversight. Texas homeschool laws state that homeschooling families are free to operate without the strict government regulations and oversight often associated with public and private schools. This freedom from oversight allows parents to customize their child’s education to best meet their child’s individual needs.
Finally, parents who homeschool in Texas also have the right to religious freedom. Homeschooling is often associated with religious institutions, and Texas recognizes this.
Parents are allowed to teach from religious materials if they choose to do so without fear of legal repercussion. Additionally, since there is no government oversight over homeschools, parents are able to teach religious materials without altering the contents to meet governmental standards.
What Are the Requirements that I Need to Meet When Homeschooling in Texas?
In Texas, homeschooling families are subject to some basic requirements that must be met in order to legally homeschool their children. These requirements include registering with the Texas Education Agency, providing a written notice to the school district, and providing the proper instruction to your children.
The first step to legally homeschooling a child in Texas is to register with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). All homeschooling parents must register their homeschool programs with the TEA in order to begin instruction. Parents will be asked to provide basic information about themselves and their children, and will then be provided with a homeschool registration number.
The second requirement for legally homeschooling in Texas is that parents must provide a written notice to the school district in which they reside. This means that homeschooling parents must submit a written letter of intent to their local school district in order to notify them that they are withdrawing their child from the public school system and opting for homeschool instruction. Finally, when homeschooling in Texas, parents are legally required to provide the proper instruction for their child.
The Texas Education Code states that parents must provide instruction and attendance in subjects such as reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, good citizenship, and physical education. Additionally, they must keep attendance records, administer standardized tests, and submit assessment results to their local school district.
Do I Have to Follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)?
No. Homeschooling families in Texas are not required to follow the state’s standardized curriculum, which is known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
This means that, while homeschooling parents may use the TEKS materials and guidelines as a resource, they are not required to follow the specific guidelines. This enables parents to customize the curriculum in order to best meet their child’s individual needs.
Do I Need to Prove my Child’s Competency?
Yes. Parents who choose to homeschool in Texas are required by law to demonstrate that their children are making academic progress.
Homeschooling parents must also maintain records on their children’s educational progress, including attendance records, assessment results, and written evaluations. At the end of the academic year, parents must present these records to the school district in which they reside.
What Types of Record-Keeping and Evaluations are Required?
Parents must keep records of their child’s progress, including attendance records and assessment results. Additionally, homeschooling parents in Texas must also provide written evaluations in order to demonstrate that their child is making educational progress.
These evaluations can come in the form of portfolios, standardized tests, teacher evaluations, and more.
Do I Need to Notify my School District by a Certain Date?
Yes. Parents must submit their written notice of intent to the school district in which they reside no later than fourteen days prior to when the instruction begins.
It is important to note that this written notice of intent must include specific information, such as the name and age of the child, the start and end dates of instruction, and the curriculum to be used.
Do I Need to Notify the State?
No. Homeschooling parents in Texas are not required to submit any additional information to the state.
However, they are encouraged to submit basic information to the state to remain in compliance with state laws. This includes annual attendance records, assessment results, and evaluations. By submitting this information, parents will ensure that their homeschool is in compliance with the laws and regulations set forth by the state.
Can I Hire a Homeschool Teacher or Tutor?
Yes. Homeschooling parents in Texas are allowed to hire a third-party instructor to provide instruction to their children. This can be a qualified teacher, tutor, or mentor.
In some cases, parents may even be able to receive reimbursement for their tuition expenses.
Are There any Other Requirements to Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes. Although the requirements for homeschooling in Texas may seem simple, there are other laws and regulations that parents must abide by.
For instance, homeschooling parents must keep accurate and up-to-date immunization records for their children. Additionally, parents are also required to keep a minimum number of school days each year in order to remain in compliance with the state’s homeschool laws.
What Should I Do if I Have Any Problems or Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about homeschooling in Texas, it is important to contact the Texas Education Agency. The Education Agency can provide you with valuable information on homeschooling laws, regulations, and requirements. Additionally, they can answer any specific questions you may have regarding your rights and responsibilities as a homeschooling parent.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas is a great option for many families. By understanding their rights as homeschooling parents, families can ensure that they are in compliance with the laws and regulations set forth by the state.
Familiarizing yourself with the rights and responsibilities of homeschooling will help you to ensure that you are making the best choices for your child and providing them with the best possible education.