The Lone Star State has some of the most rigorous homeschool laws in the nation. So, how many days must children be homeschooled in Texas to comply with the state’s compulsory attendance laws?
What Are Homeschool Attendance Laws in Texas?
The Texas Education Code outlines the state’s homeschool laws in regards to attendance. In Texas, all homeschooled children must attend at least the same number of days and hours as public schools.
This is known as compulsory attendance. The Texas Education Code, Section 2086, requires schools to provide instruction for 180 days that include at least a total of 3,000 minutes of instruction.
However, homeschoolers are exempt from this requirement and they do not have to follow the same schedule as public schools. Under the Texas Education Code, homeschoolers only need to provide 870 hours, or 4,380 minutes, of instruction each year. The instruction must be provided in either a semesters basis or all at once over summer or any other period of time.
The 870 hour requirement also applies to all children aged 5-18 who attend private schooling.
What Are the Required Subjects for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Texas homeschoolers are required to provide instruction in the five core subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Homeschoolers must also provide instruction in physical education/fitness, health, and safety. Additionally, homeschoolers may provide instruction in courses taught by virtual schools, such as language, fine arts, computer technology, and career or other courses including foreign language instruction.
What Are the Regulations for Homeschoolers Regarding Attendance and Record Keeping?
Homeschoolers in Texas must keep records that show the child is being taught. The records should show the hours and days of instruction, keep a portfolio of the child’s work, and include an annual assessment that shows the child’s academic progress. The assessment must be given by either a certified teacher, school psychologist, or other qualified professional.
Homeschoolers must also keep attendance records that show the hours of instruction.
Are There Any Exceptions for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes! There are exceptions for homeschoolers in Texas. First of all, the 870 hour requirement does not apply to children age 4 and younger.
Also, homeschoolers can provide instructional time over the entire year, rather than following the traditional school calendar that includes 180 days. Furthermore, homeschoolers can provide non-traditional instruction such as online classes, or by taking part in museum visits, field trips, or other educational activities that are evaluated by the parent/teacher.
Can We Opt Out of Testing in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Education Code states that parents may opt out of standardized testing. Parents must submit written notification to their local school district or commissioner of education if they wish to opt out of testing.
The request must include the name of the student, school district, grade level, and the name of the parent/guardian.
What Are Other Resources Available For Homeschoolers In Texas?
Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides a variety of resources for homeschoolers and their parents. TEA’s website has information about legal requirements regarding homeschooling, such as compulsory attendance laws and exemption requirements. The TEA website also provides information about virtual schooling, including eligibility and enrollment expectations.
Additionally, the TEA website includes a list of approved virtual courses, guidelines for virtual school enrolled students and parents/teachers, and tips for finding quality online courses. TEA also provides homeschoolers with access to instructional materials and educational services, such as the Texas Home Learning Program.
The Texas Home Learning Program provides access to free downloadable instructional materials, activity packets, and more.
Are There Any Other Alternatives to Homeschooling In Texas?
Yes! Texas provides homeschoolers with a few alternatives. First, Texas allows for homeschoolers to take part in extracurricular activities, such as sports and other activities, at public and private schools.
For homeschoolers to participate, they must follow the same eligibility requirements as public school students. Secondly, homeschoolers can take part in supervised curriculum-based classes at a private tutoring center or other educational entity that is approved by TEA.
Supervised curriculum-based classes provide individualized instruction and support outside the home.
Are There Any Community Resources For Homeschoolers In Texas?
Yes. Texas homeschooling parents can access a variety of community resources. The Texas Home School Coalition provides online resources to support homeschoolers, such as a list of homeschool support groups and events.
Additionally, homeschoolers can find curriculum and classes through Co-op-Texas, an online co-op directory for Texas homeschoolers. Co-op-Texas provides information about local co-op classes, which are classes taught by parents and other qualified professionals.
Does Texas Provide Any Financial Assistance For Homeschoolers?
Unfortunately, Texas does not provide any financial assistance for homeschoolers. However, parents can deduct a portion of their educational expenses, such as tutoring fees, educational trips and materials, from their federal taxes.
Can I Choose My Child’s Program and Curriculum?
Yes. All homeschooling curricula in Texas must include the five core subjects of math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. Homeschoolers can choose to supplement their curriculum with numerous other subjects including foreign language, art, and music.
Parents and teachers must choose an education program that meets their child’s individual needs. The curriculum and education program should be customized to the child’s abilities and interests.
Do Homeschoolers Have to Follow A Specific Learning Pace?
No. Homeschoolers in Texas do not have to follow a specific learning pace.
Parents can customize their child’s curriculum and set their own pace. However, homeschoolers must log the hours and days of instruction.
Are There Any Programs To Help Homeschoolers Prepare For College?
Yes. Several organizations, such as the Texas Virtual School Network (TVSN), provide advanced-level academic coursework for homeschoolers.
TVSN offers programs for grades 8-12 in mathematics, science, language arts, fine arts, and other related subjects. Additionally, the Texas Department of Education offers online Dual Credit courses. Dual Credit courses are college courses that can be taken for both high school and college credit.
High school students who enroll in dual credit courses must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Are Homeschoolers Required to Graduate?
Yes. All homeschoolers in Texas must graduate.
Parents must provide evidence that the child has completed 870 hours of instruction in one or more semesters. Homeschoolers aged 18 must also complete the Texas Higher Education assessment coursework or other standards as set by the commissioner or school district.
Conclusion
As we have seen, Texas has some of the most rigorous homeschool laws in the nation. Homeschoolers in Texas must provide 870 hours of instruction in the core subjects and other courses for the academic year.
Additionally, homeschoolers must keep attendance records that show the hours of instruction and provide evidence of the child’s graduation. Fortunately, Texas provides homeschoolers with several resources and alternatives to traditional schooling such as supervised curriculum-based classes and dual credit courses. Thus, parents can rest assured knowing that homeschoolers in Texas have access to a variety of educational options and resources!