When parents decide to homeschool their children in Texas, they must go through a specific process to withdraw them from their current school to begin a homeschool program. This process is regulated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and is designed to protect the rights of parents and children. It is important to understand these regulations and procedures so that parents can properly withdraw their child from school and start a homeschool program without any disruptions or penalties.
Before starting the process, it is important to understand the laws in Texas related to homeschooling. According to Texas Administrative Code § 7
24 a parent may only remove a child from school to begin a homeschool education if they have notified the TEA and have declared in writing that they are choosing to homeschool, and if they are in compliance with the compulsory attendance requirements of the state. Outline: I. Understanding the BasicsII.
What is Required for Withdrawal? III.
What is Needed to Start a Homeschool Program? IV.
Understanding Texas State Laws V. Preparing to Withdraw Your Child VI. Required Forms and Informing the School District VII.
Notifying the TEA VIII. Registering with a Private School IX. Using an Umbrella (Cover) Program X. Understanding Compulsory Attendance Requirements XI. Adhering to the Declaration of Intent XII. Verifying the Submission of Required Forms XIII. Testing and Academic Documentation Requirements XIV. Choosing Curriculum and Instructional Materials XV. Conclusion
I. Understanding the Basics
The first step to withdrawing your child from school and beginning a homeschool program in Texas is to understand the basics of the process. Homeschooling is a popular and legal option in the state, and parents have the right to choose this option for their children.
It is important to understand the regulations and laws related to withdrawing your child from their current school and starting the homeschooling process in the state. Homeschooling in Texas requires parents to be aware of the specific regulations set forth by the TEA. In addition, parents must also be aware of the compulsory attendance laws associated with homeschooling in the state.
This will help to ensure that they are following all of the necessary steps to withdraw their child from school and begin homeschooling without any disruptions or penalties.
II. What is Required for Withdrawal?
In order to withdraw your child from school and start a homeschool program in Texas, you must first meet the requirements set forth by the TEA. This includes filing a Declaration of Intent (DOI) form, providing the school district with certain information, and notifying the TEA of the withdrawal.
Once all of these requirements have been met, you can begin to withdraw your child from their current school and start the homeschooling process. The DOI form is a mandatory form that must be completed and submitted to the TEA. The form includes information about the parent’s name, address, and contact information, as well as their child’s name and school.
It also requires the parent to declare that they are withdrawing their child from school in order to start a homeschool program. You must sign the form and have it notarized before submitting it to the TEA.
III. What is Needed to Start a Homeschool Program?
In addition to completing the DOI form, there are several other things that you will need in order to start a homeschool program in Texas. This includes things like curriculum materials, instructional materials, testing materials, and any other resources you may need in order to teach your children. You will also need to ensure that you are following all of the compulsory attendance laws that are set forth by the state.
In order to start a homeschool program, you will need to choose a curriculum and select instructional materials. This can be done through the use of a variety of websites, printed materials, and outlets where parents can purchase homeschooling materials.
It is important to ensure that you choose materials that meet the specific educational goals for your child in order for them to be successful.
IV. Understanding Texas State Laws
In addition to understanding the requirements for withdrawing your child from school to begin a homeschool program, it is also important to understand the laws related to homeschooling in Texas. Understanding the state laws can help to ensure that parents are following the correct procedures and regulations when it comes to withdrawing their children from school and beginning their homeschool program.
Texas Education Code requires that a child must be 5 years of age by September 1st and 8 years of age by September 1st, as well as other restrictions related to the enrollment of children not currently attending a public or private school. In addition, parents must follow the compulsory attendance laws of the state, which vary from year to year. The regulations require the parent to provide proof of school enrollment to the school district and to the TEA, as well as other documentation.
V. Preparing to Withdraw Your Child
Once you are familiar with the laws and requirements for withdrawing your child from school and starting a homeschool program in Texas, it is important to start the process by preparing yourself and your child for homeschooling. This can include things like discussing the reasons for homeschooling, preparing a schedule to ensure your child is kept homeschooling accountable, and finding resources to help you in your journey. The preparation process can also include gathering the necessary documents that you will need to submit to the school district and the TEA.
This includes things like completing and submitting the DOI form, providing proof of your child’s age, and submitting any other documents that may be required for the process. By preparing for the process and gathering the necessary documents in advance, you can ensure that the process of withdrawing your child from school and starting a homeschool program runs smoothly.
VI. Required Forms and Informing the School District
Once you have prepared for the process and gathered and submitted the necessary forms to the TEA, you must then inform the school district where your child is currently enrolled. This must be done in writing and should include the required forms, a copy of the Declaration of Intent, and any other documents that may be required. In addition, you must also provide the school district with a copy of the DOI form and the proof of age that is required by the state.
Informing the school district of the withdrawal is important and must be done according to the regulations of the state. This helps to ensure that the school district is aware of the withdrawal and can properly complete the necessary paperwork and provide the proof of withdrawal needed for the homeschooling program.
VII. Notifying the TEA
Once the school district has been informed of the withdrawal and necessary requirements fulfilled, the parent must then notify the TEA of the withdrawal. This is done by submitting a copy of the DOI form and proof of age to the TEA, as well as any other documents that may be required. It is important that the information submitted to the TEA is accurate and complete to ensure the withdrawal goes smoothly.
Once the TEA has received the notification and all of the necessary documents, they will review the information and provide the parent with confirmation that the withdrawal is valid. This is important as it helps to ensure that all of the requirements have been met and that the homeschooling program can move forward without issue.
VIII. Registering with a Private School
In some cases, a parent may choose to register their child with a private school in order to begin homeschooling. This is typically done if the parent wants to utilize an existing curriculum that is provided by the private school, or if they want access to the school’s academic and extracurricular resources.
In order to do this, the parent will need to provide the school with the necessary information and documents, as well as proof of age and the Declaration of Intent. The private school will review the materials provided and will then decide if the child is eligible for admission into the school. In many cases, the school may require the parent to submit additional materials before admission is granted.
Once the student has been admitted, the parent and the school can begin to work together to meet the educational goals of the student.
IX. Using an Umbrella (Cover) Program
In some cases, parents may choose to use an umbrella or cover program in order to homeschool their child. This type of program is set up by a state-approved private school and provides the parent with resources to help with the day-to-day homeschooling needs.
The parent will be able to utilize the curriculum materials and other resources provided by the private school, but the student will remain enrolled in the public school. In order to use an umbrella or cover program, the parent must register their child in the program. This is done by submitting the necessary paperwork to the private school and providing proof of age and the DOI form.
Once registered, the school will provide the parent with the necessary materials and resources to be able to homeschool their child.
X. Understanding Compulsory Attendance Requirements
In order for a parent to be in compliance with the compulsory attendance requirements of the state, they must ensure that their child is in attendance for at least 90% of the school year. This can be accomplished by utilizing an attendance log that the parent completes daily to ensure that the student is receiving the instruction required for them to be considered in attendance for the school year.
In addition to understanding the compulsory attendance requirements, the parent must also be aware of the testing and academic documentation requirements set forth by the state. Parents must ensure that their student is tested in reading, writing, and mathematics at a minimum of grade 3 and grade 7, and at the conclusion of the homeschool program. They must also provide the TEA with evidence of taught material and student progress in order to be considered compliant with the requirements.
XI. Adhering to the Declaration of Intent
The Declaration of Intent form must be submitted to the TEA in order for the withdrawal and beginning of the homeschool program to be valid. This form includes important information about the parent and student, as well as a statement that declares that the parent intends to withdraw their child from school to homeschool them. It is important that the form is filled out correctly and completely, as it is used to verify the withdrawal and start the homeschool program.
Once the form has been completed and submitted, the parent must adhere to the declaration and submit any necessary documentation as requested by the TEA. This includes things like proof of age, proof of enrollment, and any other documents required to validate the withdrawal and the beginning of the homeschool program.
XII. Verifying the Submission of Required Forms
Once all of the forms have been submitted to the TEA, the parent must then verify that all of the necessary documents have been received. This is done by requesting a confirmation from the TEA after all of the forms have been submitted. The parent will then receive notification from the TEA that all of the required forms have been received and that the withdrawal and start of the homeschool program has been approved.
It is important for the parent to keep a copy of the documents and the confirmation so that they have proof of the withdrawal and beginning of the homeschool program. This is important as it will be used to verify the compliance with the regulations and compulsory attendance laws in the state.
XIII. Testing and Academic Documentation Requirements
In addition to filling out and submitting the required forms and documents, the parent must also ensure that their child meets the testing and academic documentation requirements set forth by the state. This includes providing evidence of taught material and student progress throughout the year, as well as standardized testing in reading, writing, and mathematics at grades 3, 7, and upon completion of the homeschool program.
The standardized testing can be done through an accredited provider or an approved alternative assessment. The parent must ensure that these tests are taken and that the results are received by the TEA in order for their child to be considered compliant with the homeschool program requirements in Texas.
XIV. Choosing Curriculum and Instructional Materials
In order for homeschooling to be successful in Texas, the parent must choose curriculum and instructional materials that meet the specific goals of the student. This includes things like choosing books, workbooks, online materials, and other resources that can help the student learn the material they need in order to be successful.
It is important to choose materials that are age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with the state curriculum. This ensures that the student is receiving the instruction they need in order to be considered compliant with the compulsory attendance laws, as well as providing them with an enjoyable learning experience.
XV. Conclusion
Withdrawing your child from school and beginning a homeschool program in Texas is a process that must be done properly in order to ensure that the withdrawal is valid and the homeschool program is kept in compliance with the compulsory attendance laws in the state. It is important to understand the laws and regulations, as well as the required forms and documents that must be submitted in order for the withdrawal to be valid.
In addition, it is important to ensure that the student meets the testing and academic documentation requirements, as well as choosing age-appropriate and engaging curriculum and instructional materials for their homeschool program. By understanding the laws and regulations and properly preparing for the homeschool program, parents can successfully begin homeschooling their child in Texas.