Homeschooling is an increasingly popular educational alternative, and many parents in Michigan are eager to take advantage of this option. When it comes to homeschooling, many parents have questions about who can homeschool their child, which laws dictate homeschooling practices, and what resources are available to those who are homeschooling. The following article answers 15 common questions about homeschooling your child in Michigan to help set parents on the path to success.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in Michigan?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Michigan. The state of Michigan has allowed parents to teach their children within the home for over 30 years.
In addition, the Michigan Department of Education does not require any type of certification or professional credentials to homeschool in the state. All that is needed to homeschool successfully is an understanding of how to teach effectively and the desire to commit to that process.
2. What Are the Homeschooling Laws in Michigan?
The Michigan Legisture has established a set of homeschooling laws that dictate the criteria and guidelines for homeschooling in the state. These laws include requirements such as parents/guardians establishing a homeschool and notifying the district superintendent of their intent to homeschool and keeping attendance and assessment records until the student is 16 years old.
Further, homeschoolers are required to provide an annual test and/or portfolio review of their work in order to prove academic progress. Additionally, homeschooled students must comply with all health, safety, and immunization laws in the state.
3. Who Can Homeschool in Michigan?
In Michigan, any parent with legal custody of a child can homeschool, as long as they have the minimum education requirements. In order to homeschool in Michigan, parents must hold at least a high school diploma or GED. If a parent does not meet these requirements, they must provide evidence that they can effectively teach their student or obtain professional teaching assistance.
4. What Educational Assistance Is Available to Homeschoolers in Michigan?
Homeschoolers in Michigan are able to take advantage of a variety of educational assistance, such as online classes, online tutoring, field trips, and access to libraries, museums, science centers, art galleries, and other educational institutions. Further, the state provides resources for homeschoolers, such as the Michigan Homeschooler Resource Center, which offers support to those who homeschool in the state, as well as educational and curriculum materials.
5. What Support Is Available to Homeschoolers in Michigan?
Michigan also has a wide range of support and resources available to homeschoolers, such as homeschool organizations, homeschool conventions, online forums and social media networks, and online support organizations. These organizations offer guidance and resources to families who are homeschooling or considering homeschooling, including legal help, curriculum advice, lesson plans, materials, and support.
6. What Are the Requirements for Graduating From a Michigan-Certified Home School?
Home-schooled students who wish to graduate from a Michigan-certified home school need to complete a series of requirements as outlined by the Michigan Department of Education. These requirements include completing at least 18 credits in grades 9-12 and passing a high school equivalency test, such as the Michigan Merit Exam, ACT, SAT, or other similar testing. Further, successful completion of a home-study program requires at least 1,000 hours of instruction in the academic year.
7. Is It Legal for Parents to Withdraw Their Child From School to Homeschool in Michigan?
Yes, parents in Michigan are well within their rights to withdraw their child from school in order to homeschool them. According to Michigan Education Law, parents must notify their district superintendent in writing within 14 days of their intent to homeschool their student. Once complete, they are free to begin homeschooling their student as long as they meet the criteria listed above.
8. What Types of Curriculum Can Be Used to Homeschool in Michigan?
In Michigan, parents are free to select any type of curriculum they wish to homeschool their students with. This includes online courses, textbooks, educational software, and physical resources such as books and library materials.
With that said, homeschoolers are encouraged to find a curriculum that complies with state guidelines and offers a comprehensive education.
9. Is Homeschooling the Same as Home-Based Instruction in Michigan?
No, homeschooling and home-based instruction are not the same. Home-based instruction is a type of homeschooling program in Michigan in which a teacher visits the home regularly and assesses student progress, advises parents, and provides additional help and guidance. The teacher is not able to provide grades or credit, and the parents are responsible for providing the curriculum and setting the learning objectives.
10. Are Homeschoolers Required to Take Standardized Tests in Michigan?
Yes, homeschoolers in Michigan are required to take standardized tests in order to prove that they are meeting state requirements. These tests must be taken once each year between the student’s 7th and 16th grade years, and the scores must be reported to the district superintendent or county clerk.
11. Is High School Credit Available to Homeschoolers in Michigan?
Yes, homeschoolers in Michigan can receive high school credit for coursework completed as part of their homeschooling curriculum. To be eligible, homeschoolers must submit a request to their district superintendent for courses deemed appropriate for high school credit. homeschoolers can then decide if they wish to pursue college credit for the courses themselves.
12. Does Michigan Allow Homeschoolers to Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, the Michigan Department of Education allows homeschoolers the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as school clubs, sports teams, and other activities. Some activities may require additional forms or fees, and parents should check with their local school district to see what is required.
13. Are Homeschoolers in Michigan Required to Take Vacations?
No, in Michigan, homeschoolers are not required to take vacations. However, parents are encouraged to plan regular breaks in order to give students the opportunity to relax, explore new interests, and recharge their batteries.
14. How Many Hours Per Day Are Required for Homeschoolers in Michigan?
The Michigan Department of Education does not have a set number of hours that a homeschooler should be learning each day. There is no required curriculum for homeschoolers, nor are parents required to make any specific commitments.
However, it is important for homeschoolers to devote enough time to their studies in order to progress and meet the state’s academic requirements.
15. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Take Classes at a Traditional School in Michigan?
Yes, homeschoolers in Michigan are allowed to take classes at a traditional school or enroll in an online learning program. It is important for parents to check with their local school district for their policies on this matter, as well as for what forms may be required for enrollment.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can provide an effective alternative to traditional classroom learning, and Michigan has a variety of laws, resources, and supports in place to help families get the most out of this experience. From understanding the law and determining eligibility to finding the right curriculum and taking part in extracurricular activities, homeschooling a child in Michigan is a significant undertaking for any family.
To ensure success, it is important for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities and familiarize themselves with the resources available to them.