Homeschooling, often referred to as home education or home-based education, is a form of education outside of the traditional, public school setting. It is the idea of an adult, typically a parent or guardian, offering academic instruction to their child in the comfort of their own home.
This educational path has gained much more traction and attention in recent years due to the flexibility, convenience, ability to customize the curriculum, and cost-effectiveness that it provides. As such, more parents are becoming interested in homeschooling their children and are looking for ways to make it happen. So, who can assist with this endeavor?
What Are the Requirements to Legally Homeschool My Child?
The first step in homeschooling your child is understanding the legal aspect of it. Every state has its own laws when it comes to homeschooling, so it is important to conduct research on your state’s specific regulations. Generally, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the requirements for enrolling vary greatly.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all policy for homeschooling, there tend to be five common elements and/or guidelines found across all fifty states. This includes providing a written notice of intent to homeschool, developing a yearly curriculum that includes specific topics aligned with state-mandated standards, having your instruction overseen by someone who is deemed qualified depending on the state, ensuring that the student is making educational progress, and keeping detailed records of attendance and the curriculum used.
Once you have done your research and ensured that you meet the legal requirements for homeschooling, you are now in a better position to put together a plan and establish the educational environment that you need to make it successful.
Who Are the Most Common People Involved in the Homeschooling Process?
Homeschooling usually involves an adult or several adults, referred to as sponsors, who provide instruction and guidance to the student. These adults can be parents, step-parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbors, or other mentors.
A sponsor could also be an experienced tutor, or even a group of parents who join together to provide instruction. Most commonly, the sponsor is the child’s parent or guardian, and this person is typically in charge of setting the agenda, developing a curriculum, purchasing supplies and material, and assessing the student’s progress. Additionally, a parent may have to research and/or purchase a curriculum that provides instruction to meet state-mandated standards, adding an extra layer of research, effort, and cost.
It is not uncommon for homeschooling to be a team effort. Other people such as a tutor, an instructional guide, a mentor, a co-op, a support group, or a specialized teacher may be involved in this process.
A tutor’s job is to look over the material being taught and provide guidance to the instructor and student, while an instructional guide may help with customizing the curriculum to the student’s needs and help them stay on track. Mentors are usually role models or advisors who help children reach their goals and provide inspiration and motivation, while teachers make sure the student is on the right path with their studies and answer any academic questions they may have. Specialized teachers can provide one-on-one help and instruction in a particular subject while a co-op, or cooperative learning group, involves a group of students and parents who help teach each other and provide support.
What Other Resources May I Need?
In addition to having people to help guide the homeschooling process, there are also some other resources that may be needed. Depending on the level of instruction, educational materials such as books, curriculums, tests, supplies, and other materials may be necessary. Parents may need to research different curriculums to determine which one is best for their family, gathering information reviews and testimonials.
Fortunately, there are some great resources available to help parents through the homeschooling process. Sites like Teaching Home offer online resources, advice, and education materials, while Homeschool World provides a centralized hub of information regarding homeschooling laws state-by-state and helpful tips and advice.
Local or regional homeschool organizations may also provide support to parents who are just starting out with the process.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is no easy job, but with proper guidance and resources, it can be a rewarding experience for both the parent and the student. Conduct your research, understand the legal requirements in your state, find individuals and resources to assist with your instruction and materials, and you will be ready for the journey of homeschooling your child.