Homeschooling in Texas is an increasingly popular educational option for many parents who want to provide the best education for their children. In the state of Texas, it is legally permissible for families to choose to homeschool their children in a variety of ways. But just like in public schools, there are certain days that must be covered in homeschooling in accordance with state law.
So, how many days of homeschool are required in Texas?
What is Texas’ Homeschool Education Law?
Texas’ homeschool education law is primarily described in the Family Code–the state’s main educational code. According to the Family Code, parents or legal guardians have the right to have “primary control” over their child’s education.
The Family Code also states that the parent or guardian is responsible for making sure that the child’s educational program is equivalent to the basic instruction offered in the public school system of the state. Specifically, the law states that homeschooling must include courses in English, Spanish, mathematics, science, history, geography, civics, and economics. It must also include courses in health and physical education; good citizenship; personal fitness; and music, art, and culture.
The Family Code also specifies that homeschool instructors must meet the “qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education. ”
How Many Hours Must be Spent in Homeschool Education?
While the Family Code does not specify a minimum number of hours that must be spent on homeschool education in a day or in a week, it does specify a minimum number of days that must be spent in homeschool education each school year. The Family Code specifies that homeschool programs must meet the requirements regarding the minimum number of days specified in the Texas Education Code.
According to the Texas Education Code, homeschool programs must include instruction that is equivalent to at least 90 instructional days from August 1 through May 3
What Are Some Tips for Completing Homeschool in Texas?
We have discussed the basic requirements of the homeschool program in Texas, but there are some helpful tips that can make it easier for parents to successfully complete the required number of days of instruction. One effective tip is to plan the year ahead of time.
This can help parents make sure they have the materials they need and it can help them plan the right kinds of activities in advance. For example, parents may want to plan a field trip to illustrate a certain concept, or they may want to plan some special activities that coincide with the topic they’re studying. Another tip is to make it fun.
Homeschool can be a great learning experience, but it can also be a fun way for kids to learn. Incorporating games or arts and crafts into the curriculum can make it more engaging for kids and help them retain the information better. Additionally, parents can make use of any resources available to them, such as online courses or homeschooling groups.
Can Homeschooled Children Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschooled children in Texas are legally permissible to participate in extracurricular activities offered by public schools. According to the Texas Education Code, a student who is enrolled in an approved homeschool program can participate in extracurricular activities offered by public schools, such as UIL academic and athletic tournaments, band, and other activities. However, the school is not obligated to accept the student in an extracurricular activity, and the student may need to meet certain criteria in order to participate.
For instance, the student may need to demonstrate sufficient academic, behavioral, and social skills.
What Are Some Other Homeschool Laws in Texas?
Texas has several other homeschool laws in addition to the 90-day instruction requirement. Parents who choose to homeschool must submit an affidavit to their local school district in order to be eligible for attendance recognition from the state.
The affidavit must be filed each school year, and the parent must provide a copy of the student’s Social Security number, if available. In addition, the state requires that homeschooled children take some form of standardized assessment every two years. The law does not specify what kind of assessment the student must take, but the student must score at or above the 25th percentile on a nationally normed achievement test or in similar standardized assessment from third grade and up.
Are There Any Homeschool Assistance Programs in Texas?
Yes, there are several homeschool assistance programs available in Texas. The Texas Homeschool Coalition, for example, is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to homeschooling families. The organization offers discounts on curriculum, textbooks, and other educational materials, as well as workshops and other resources to help families navigate the homeschooling process.
In addition, many school districts in Texas offer homeschool districts. These districts offer educational support, such as access to library materials, and they provide a variety of other resources and learning opportunities for homeschooled children.
Are There Any Other Resources for Homeschool Families?
Yes, in addition to the resources mentioned above, there are several other invaluable resources available to homeschool families. Homeschooling forums, for instance, offer a great way for parents to connect with other homeschoolers and get advice and support. In addition, many states have their own homeschooling organizations or support networks that offer information, support, and resources for homeschool families.
There are also a number of online homeschooling resources, such as blogs and websites, that can provide advice and information about homeschooling. And finally, there are numerous books and other printed materials that can help parents understand the homeschooling process and successfully implement an effective homeschool curriculum.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas is a great way for families to provide the best education for their children. In the state of Texas, it is legally permissible for families to choose to homeschool their children in accordance with the laws set forth by the state.
One of the key components of the law is that homeschooling must include instruction that is equivalent to at least 90 instructional days from August 1 through May 3 But there are several other laws and resources that can help homeschool families successfully meet this requirement and create a successful homeschool curriculum. With the help of the resources mentioned above, parents can plan an effective homeschool program that meets the requirements set forth by the state and provides their children with the best educational experience possible.