One of the major concerns when homeschooling is if the elected curriculum complies with any accreditation standards. Most states require homeschooling programs to be accredited, but the rules are vague and varied. In this article, fifteen questions will be covered in depth, addressing the different angles of determining if a homeschool curriculum is accredited.
What are Accreditations?
Accreditations are standards and guidelines set by state governments or recognized organizations about the quality and expected performance and outcomes of an educational curriculum. Professional organizations, such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or individual states can provide accreditations.
Whether an accredited curriculum is mandatory for participation in college is often determined by the individual college and its own standards.
What Types of Accreditation Exist?
There are two primary types of accreditation for homeschooling. The first is “state accreditation”, which is generally awarded by each state’s Department of Education and typically sets the minimum standards for all school curriculums. The second, more exclusive, type is “national accreditation”, which is granted by private organizations who provide oversight to primary and secondary school curriculums across the country.
How Should National and State Accreditation Be Distinguished?
National accreditation is usually granted to curriculums that meet certain criteria, such as, performance and college readiness standards established by the organization. State accreditation is typically limited to minimum standards as laid out by the state’s Board of Education or Department of Education.
What is the Value of National Accreditation?
National accreditation provides more extensive standards than state accreditation. It also assures that a curriculum is regularly evaluated with frequent spot-checks to ensure its continued quality.
Schools with national accreditation generally have higher education outcomes than those accredited solely by a state department.
Which Agencies Provide National Accreditation?
Several private organizations provide national accreditation to homeschool curriculums, including the National Association of Private Schools (NAPS), the National Home Education Accreditation Council (NHEC), and the International Network for Private School Accreditation (INPSA).
How Do I Find Out If a Specific Homeschool Curriculum Is Accredited?
The first way to find out if a homeschool curriculum is accredited is to contact the private organization that is responsible for granting the national accreditation. They will be able to provide a list of all the accredited programs, as well as any additional requirements that need to be met in order to receive accreditation. The second way to check for accreditation is to contact the state in which the homeschool curriculum is being implemented.
The state will have a list of all approved curriculums and the agencies that accredited them.
What Are the Requirements for National Accreditation?
The requirements for national accreditation vary by organization. Generally, the organization will provide an application and review procedure based on its standards. This process includes student and teacher assessment, specific curriculum development, and assessments of parental involvement and student performance.
What Are the Benefits of National Accreditation?
The primary benefit of national accreditation is that it will help to ensure that a homeschool curriculum meets the quality and performance expectations set by the accrediting agency. It will also make the homeschool curriculum attractive to colleges and universities, as well as creating a more prestigious image for the homeschool program.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of National Accreditation?
The primary drawback of national accreditation is that it can be costly and time consuming to obtain. Agencies may also require additional certifications from teachers or an audit of student and teacher performance. Furthermore, it may limit the flexibility of a homeschool program to deviate from the established guidelines or standards.
What Are Relevant State Laws Regarding Homeschool Accreditation?
State laws vary considerably when it comes to homeschool accreditation. Generally, states provide guidelines and standards for homeschooling programs, but may not require national accreditation.
Laws are specific to each state, so it is important to become familiar with the homeschool laws in your specific state. In addition, several states also have their own homeschooling associations which can provide important guidance and resources.
What is the Difference Between a State-Certified and a State-Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
A state-certified homeschool curriculum is one that meets the minimum standards established by the state’s Board of Education or Department of Education. A curriculum that is state-accredited is one that not only meets the minimum state standards, but also meets the additional requirements set forth by a national accrediting agency or organization.
Are There any Other Ways to Know if a Homeschool Curriculum is Accredited?
Yes. You can look for signs of accreditation.
These include a seal or logo of the accrediting organization on the curriculum, or a statement on the curriculum indicating that it is accredited by a specific organization or agency. Additionally, you can also look for program recognition statements issued by the accrediting organization.
What Types of Recognition Statements & Program Reviews Does an Accrediting Organization Provide?
Each accrediting organization will have its own set of criteria and standards. They will also provide different types of recognition statements which may include course approval, program approval, and higher education credentials. Furthermore, some organizations will also conduct program reviews which include performance tests, and student and teacher assessments.
What Are Additional Resources for Determining Accreditation of a Homeschool Curriculum?
Additional resources for determining accreditation of a homeschool curriculum include state and federal government websites, private accreditation organizations, and homeschool accreditation websites. These websites typically provide an overview of the accreditation process, state laws, and program reviews.
Furthermore, they will also provide links to the accrediting organizations, resources, and other valuable information.
Conclusion
Accreditation is a crucial part of any homeschool program, as it provides assurance to colleges, universities, and other organizations that the curriculum meets certain standards and quality generally accepted throughout the United States. Determining if a homeschool curriculum is accredited can be a difficult and time consuming process, but by understanding the various accreditations, legal requirements, and additional resources available, the process may be simplified.