With the growing trend of homeschooling, more and more families are considering taking their children out of traditional schools to teach them at home. While homeschooling has its own unique set of rewards and risks, there are unique sets of rules and regulations for each state.
In Texas, there are a myriad of rules and regulations regarding homeschooling, from state curriculum requirements to taxes and immunizations. In this article, we answer the top 15 most commonly asked questions about getting started with homeschooling in Texas.
1. Are homeschoolers subject to the same requirements as traditional school students?
The short answer is yes. All homeschoolers in Texas are subject to the same overall educational requirements that traditional schools follow.
This includes a two-semester schedule, 180 days of instruction per year, and proof of academic progress. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) also provides a list of courses that must be completed to obtain a high school diploma, which students must adhere to. In terms of curriculum and instruction method, however, Texas homeschoolers have much more freedom than their traditional school counterparts.
While traditional schools may specify the textbooks and instructional materials to be used, Texas homeschoolers are not required to use specific materials. Families can select their own instructional materials and create their own curriculum, as long as they meet the overall educational requirements and the content standards set by the state.
2. Are there laws and regulations that I need to know about homeschooling in Texas?
Yes. Just like traditional schools, there are a variety of laws and regulations that apply to homeschooling in Texas. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has primary oversight of homeschooling in the state, and all homeschoolers must adhere to the regulations set forth by the TEA.
The most important law, from the perspective of a parent considering homeschooling, is that all homeschoolers must comply with the curriculum standards and the assessment system set by the state. This means that all homeschool students must take the tests required by the TEA, and their progress must be tracked and monitored accordingly.
Additionally, attendance records and progress reports must be kept and submitted to the TEA when requested.
3. Do I need to register with the state?
Yes. All homeschoolers in Texas must register with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). To do so, parents must fill out and submit a Declaration of Intent to Home School form, list their curriculum and materials, and update their registration each year with the TEA.
Parents must also provide the TEA with an annual written report of their child’s progress.
4. What is the best way to evaluate my child’s progress?
The best way to track and evaluate progress is to set up a portfolio or logbook that records the progress of each course and each lesson. This portfolio should include the work of the student, and each lesson should be evaluated. Educators recommend following Common Core State Standards, which provides rubrics that can be used to objectively evaluate student progress.
These rubrics can help to identify areas of need and strengths and to provide interventions as needed. Additionally, all homeschool parents in Texas need to be aware that the Texas Education Agency requires that student progress is tracked throughout the school year, and an annual written report of the student’s progress must be submitted to the state.
5. What curriculum should I use?
There are a variety of curriculum options available for homeschooling in Texas. First, parents should determine which curriculum aligns best with the educational goals for their child and the desired outcomes. There are a variety of non-traditional curriculum options available such as online courses, virtual schools, and personalized learning programs.
Parents can also choose to use traditional textbooks and workbooks, or they can create a personalized curriculum based on their child’s interests and needs.
6. Is any financial assistance available for homeschool families?
Yes. The Texas Education Agency offers several financial assistance programs, such as the Texas Achieve Scholarship and Texas Education Savings Program, to help families offset the cost of homeschooling.
Other programs, such as the Accelerated College Program, are also available to help homeschooled students with college tuition and fees.
7. Are there any extracurricular or academic clubs available for homeschoolers?
Yes. Many homeschooling parents take advantage of the variety of extracurricular activities and academic clubs that are available through the Department of Home Schooling at the Texas Education Agency. These clubs and teams typically operate on a non-competitive basis and provide an opportunity for homeschooled students to enrich their education and pursue a variety of interests and activities.
8. Are homeschoolers required to participate in standardized tests?
Yes. All homeschooled students in Texas must take the standardized tests required by the state. These tests must be approved by the Texas Education Agency to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Homeschooled students must also follow the same assessment requirements as those in traditional schools.
9. What immunizations and other health records do I need to provide for my homeschool student?
Just like traditional schools, homeschooled students must provide proof of vaccinations and other health records. The Texas Education Agency requires proof of age-appropriate vaccinations, and parents must update their vaccines each school year.
Additionally, homeschool students must receive an annual physical exam, and parents must provide documentation to the Texas Education Agency.
10. Do homeschoolers qualify for college scholarships?
Yes. Homeschooled students in Texas are eligible to receive college scholarships, and they can take advantage of the same scholarship opportunities as students in traditional schools.
Additionally, there are several private scholarship programs available specifically for homeschooled students. The State of Texas also provides a program called Accelerated College that helps homeschooled students obtain college credits while still in high school.
11. Are homeschooled students eligible for participation in sports or other extracurricular activities?
Yes. Although homeschooled students are not permitted to participate in UIL activities (University Interscholastic League), they may be able to participate in private independent league organizations.
Additionally, homeschooling families are allowed to form their own private clubs and teams, and many homeschool parents take advantage of this option to provide their children with extracurricular activities.
12. Can parents who are not certified teachers homeschool their children?
Yes. Texas law does not require homeschooling teachers to be certified, and all that is required is that the teacher meet the educational qualifications set forth by the Texas Education Agency. This means that any parent, regardless of educational background, can choose to homeschool their child.
13. Do I need to pay taxes for my homeschooled student?
Yes, the same taxes and fees that apply to traditional school students in Texas also apply to homeschoolers. However, because homeschooling is considered an educational expense, there are tax breaks for homeschooling families. For example, many states allow homeschooling families to provide proof of their educational expenses prior to filing their taxes in order to receive deductions.
14. What resources are available to help me with homeschooling in Texas?
There are a variety of resources available to help families get started with homeschooling in Texas. The Texas Home School Coalition and the Texas State Home School Association are both excellent resources for homeschoolers, offering support to families as they plan, teach, and learn. Additionally, the Texas Education Agency provides numerous resources and tutorials on setting up a homeschool and staying compliant with state laws.
15. Are there any special rules for homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes. In addition to following the standards set by the Texas Education Agency, homeschooled students must also follow the same teacher certification and assessment requirements that traditional school students do.
Furthermore, homeschoolers must also adhere to the same attendance and record keeping guidelines, and all required paperwork must be submitted to the state annually. Conclusion: Homeschooling in Texas is a viable and popular alternative to traditional school, and there are a variety of resources available to help families get started. By understanding the regulations set forth by the Texas Education Agency, homeschooling families can ensure that their students are in compliance and are getting the most out of their education.