Homeschooling in Texas is a popular choice for many families, with an estimated 300,000 school-aged children being homeschooled in the state. Texas law requires parents to notify their local school district if they intend to homeschool, and to ensure their children are receiving a basic education in various subjects, including language arts, math, science and social studies.
Parents may choose to follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum, which is what public and private schools use; or, they can create their own curricula. In this article we will provide an overview of the information parents need to know in order to homeschool kindergarten in Texas.
1. What are the basic requirements for homeschooling in Texas?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that parents teaching their children at home, in all grade levels, provide “a basic, sequential educational program” which consists of “reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship. ” Parents must also ensure that their student is making “educational progress commensurate with their ability.
” Teachers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but there are no other certification requirements.
2. What is the recommended age to begin homeschooling kindergarten in Texas?
The TEA does not provide any guidance on the recommended age for students to begin homeschooling in Texas. Generally, parents opt to begin homeschooling kindergarten at age 5 and aim to finish kindergarten at age If a student has not completed kindergarten by age 6, the parent should put in place an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses the student’s unique needs.
3. What are the necessary skills a student must master to successfully complete kindergarten?
Kindergarten students must develop and build upon a foundation of basic literacy and numeracy skills. These skills include recognizing and writing the alphabet and numbers; beginning spelling and reading; counting, addition, subtraction and basic problem-solving; understanding basic math concepts such as time and money; and knowledge of geometry, science and social studies. Additionally, socialization and other gross motor and fine motor skills should be developed during the kindergarten year.
4. How can parents ensure their students meet the minimum objectives for a basic education in Texas?
The TEA provides guidance on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum, which is used as the basis for most public and private school instruction in the state. By using this curriculum, homeschool instructors will ensure their students meet the minimum objectives for a basic education in Texas.
TEKS instruction is organized across a variety of subjects and topics, including language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
5. Are there any resources for homeschool instructors teaching kindergarten in Texas?
Yes, there are several resources available for homeschool instructors teaching kindergarten in Texas. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides a variety of resources, including TEKS guidance, sample lesson plans and activities, access to state assessment materials and more.
Additionally, many local homeschool support groups provide resources and advice for homeschool instructors. There are also many online resources available, such as websites, blogs and forums dedicated to homeschooling.
6. What is the best way to teach the TEKS curriculum?
The best way to teach the TEKS curriculum is to use a variety of methods and approaches. Hands-on learning and practical experience is often the most effective way to teach young children, so activities such as field trips, experiments, art projects and games are all great ways to teach kindergarteners.
It is also important to make learning fun and to provide a variety of different activities to keep students engaged and motivated.
7. Does the TEKS curriculum provide instruction in fine and gross motor skills?
Yes, the TEKS curriculum provides instruction in fine and gross motor skills, including instruction in physical education. This includes instruction in physical fitness, coordination, balance, agility and flexibility, as well as instruction in proper nutrition for a healthy lifestyle.
8. Are there any special requirements for homeschooling students with learning disabilities?
Yes, parents who homeschool students with learning disabilities must ensure that their student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is approved by their home school district. The IEP should describe the student’s learning disability, as well as provide a detailed plan which outlines the instruction, activities and assessments that will help the student overcome his or her disability.
9. How can parents test their student’s progress?
Parents can test their student’s progress in a variety of ways. Standardized tests provided by the state can provide one measure of progress, although many parents opt for alternative methods. Portfolios, which detail the student’s work across multiple subjects, are a great way to measure progress, as are teacher or parent-created assessments.
Additionally, many homeschool support groups and online resources provide detailed guidance on evaluating student progress and determining educational needs.
10. What is the best way to develop learning activities and materials?
The best way to develop learning activities and materials is to start with the TEKS curriculum as a guideline. This will ensure that the student is meeting the minimum objectives for a basic education.
Parents can then look for creative ways to reinforce the material and can develop activities, crafts, projects and games to help the student master the material in an engaging and fun way.
11. Are there any special regulations for homeschool instructors in Texas?
Yes, the TEA has regulations regarding homeschool instructors in Texas. These regulations require homeschool instructors to maintain a portfolio of a student’s work, as well as administer a standardized test approved by the state, every two years in grades three, five, and nine. Additionally, homeschool instructors must submit a notification of intent to homeschool their student each school year.
12. Are there any special requirements for homeschool instructors related to immunization?
No, homeschool instructors in Texas are not required to obtain immunizations, either for themselves or their students. However, immunizations are included as part of the basic health assessment which must be completed by the state before a student can be enrolled in a public or private school.
13. Are there any other legal considerations for parents who choose to homeschool in Texas?
Yes, in addition to the notification of intent and testing regulations, homeschool instructors must heed other regulations and laws when homeschooling in Texas. This includes ensuring that their students are receiving a basic sequential educational program consisting of language arts, math, science and social studies; complying with child labor laws; following any court-ordered child custody agreement; and making sure their student’s records are complete.
14. Are there any other resources available for homeschool instructors in Texas?
Yes, there are a variety of resources available for homeschool instructors in Texas. The Texas Home School Coalition provides support and resources for homeschooling families, including legal advice and access to state regulations.
Additionally, there are several statewide and regional networks which provide advice, training and activities for homeschool instructors.
15. What are the best resources for parents who are just starting to homeschool their student?
The TEA provides a variety of resources for parents just starting to homeschool their student, including information on the TEKS curriculum, notification of intent and testing procedures, and a list of resources that can help answer questions. Additionally, many of the homeschool networks throughout the state provide guidance and support for parents who are just starting to homeschool.
Finally, online resources, including websites, blogs and forums, provide a wealth of advice and guidance for new homeschool instructors.
Conclusion
Homeschooling kindergarten in Texas can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both student and instructor. By understanding the basic requirements of homeschooling, as well as familiarizing themselves with the TEKS curriculum, parents can ensure that their student meets the minimum objectives for a basic education in Texas. Additionally, parents can look for a variety of resources, both online and in their local communities, to help ensure their student develops the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully complete kindergarten.