Homeschooling is becoming increasingly more popular throughout the United States, particularly in Texas. The growth in homeschooling over the years means that more Texans are looking into what is required to homeschool in the state.
This article provides an overview of the regulations concerning homeschooling in Texas and provides 15 questions and answers so that families can understand what is needed to homeschool in the Lone Star State.
What is Texas Law Regarding Homeschooling?
Texas law allows children to be homeschooled. However, your family must adhere to certain rules and regulations in order to take part in homeschooling. Texas is a large state and it is important to become familiar with regulations that are specific to the state.
The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Senate have several rules and requirements for families interested in homeschooling in Texas.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Texas?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Texas. Texas Senate Bill 866, “Compulsory Attendance and Home Schooling,” states that “A student in grade one through grade 12 may be instructed at home instead of attending classes.
” This means that homeschooled students, whether part-time or full-time, are legally authorized to receive instruction or classes at their home.
What Are the Responsibilities of Parents Who Homeschool in Texas?
Parents who choose to homeschool their children in Texas have several responsibilities. The first and most important one is to provide a safe learning environment for their children. Parents should know that homeschooling is a full-time responsibility and that all lessons and instruction should be in line with the standards and expectations of the Texas Education Agency.
Other responsibilities include providing adequate textbooks and other resources, ensuring that all state and local standards are met, and providing appropriate assessments to gauge student progress.
What Types of Assessment Do Homeschool Parents in Texas Need to Do?
There are several types of assessments that Texas homeschool parents need to do. Parents must assess their student’s progress throughout the school year and must also administer end-of-year evaluations. End-of-year evaluations may include standardized tests (such as the Stanford Achievement Test 10 or SAT 10) or they may include assessments that focus on the student’s progress in certain areas of study.
Parents must also assess the student’s progress in order to comply with the Texas Education Agency’s academic and reporting requirements for homeschooling.
Do Homeschooled Students in Texas Have to Take Standardized Tests?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas are required to take standardized tests. The Texas Education Agency requires that all homeschooled students take the Stanford Achievement Test 10 (SAT 10) or another standardized test that is comparable to the SAT
In some cases, the Texas Education Agency may also require additional standardized tests or assessments to be completed in order to gauge student progress.
Do Homeschooled Students in Texas Have to Be Accredited?
No, homeschooled students in Texas do not have to be accredited. Accreditation is not required for homeschooled students in Texas.
However, the Texas Education Agency mandates that homeschooled students must take standardized tests and assessments to gauge their progress and that these must be administered in accordance with the standards and expectations of the Texas Education Agency.
Are Students Who Are Homeschooled in Texas Entitled to an Education?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas are legally entitled to an education. According to Texas Senate Bill 866, all students from grade 1 through grade 12 are entitled to an education. This applies to homeschooled students as well.
In order to make sure that homeschooled students are getting a quality education, the Texas Education Agency requires that all homeschooled students must take standardized tests and assessments to evaluate their progress.
Do Parents Have a Choice of Curriculum for Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes, parents who homeschool in Texas have the freedom to choose their own curriculum. The Texas Education Agency does not mandate that a specific curriculum must be used by homeschooled students. However, it is important to make sure that whatever curriculum you choose meets the standards and expectations of the Texas Education Agency.
What Is the Homeschool Law Regarding Attendance in Texas?
The homeschool attendance law in Texas states that all students must receive instruction or classes for a minimum of 180 days each year. This applies to students who are homeschooled in Texas as well.
Parents must fulfill their responsibility to provide 180 days of homeschool instruction and must also meet other state and local requirements in order to homeschool legally in the state.
Are Homeschool Registrations Required in Texas?
Yes, homeschool registrations are required in Texas. Parents who wish to homeschool in Texas must submit a Notice of Intent to Teach in the Home (Form HOM-101) to the Texas Education Agency. This form must be filled out each school year and must include information such as the names of the student, the parent, and the homeschool district.
What Records Must Be Kept for Homeschooled Students in Texas?
Parents who homeschool in Texas must keep certain records in order to comply with the Texas Education Agency’s regulations. These records must include attendance records, academic records, and a portfolio of the student’s work.
The academic records must be kept for at least three years and must include information such as grades, tests, and work samples.
Are Home Educators in Texas Subject to Any Regulations?
Yes, home educators in Texas must comply with certain regulations. For example, home educators must submit an annual report to the Texas Education Agency that includes information such as the student’s progress, the amount of instructional hours completed, and the results of the student’s assessment in the previous school year. Home educators must also meet the standards and expectations of the Texas Education Agency, as well as any state and local regulations.
Are Homeschools in Texas Monitored by the State?
Yes, Texas homeschools are monitored by the Texas Education Agency. The agency monitors homeschools in the state to ensure that they are following all regulations, such as state and local laws, and also to ensure that homeschoolers are meeting the standards and expectations of the state.
The Texas Education Agency may also provide technical assistance to homeschool families if needed.
What Recourse Is Available If a Student Is Not Meeting Requirements for Homeschooling in Texas?
If a student is having difficulty meeting the requirements for homeschooling in Texas, the Texas Education Agency can provide assistance. The agency can provide technical assistance and can also help to find resources and services in the local community to help meet the student’s needs. The student may also be eligible for services through the public school system, such as special education programs or other services.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas is governed by state and local regulations. It is important for parents who are interested in homeschooling to understand these regulations, as well as the responsibilities they have when homeschooling.
This article provided an overview of the regulations concerning homeschooling in Texas and addressed 15 questions and answers. With this information, families can make an informed decision as to whether or not homeschooling is right for them.