The decision to homeschool your children is a significant one, and it is vital to ensure they have the necessary resources to acquire a diploma once they have completed the program. Homeschooling your child in Texas can be especially difficult to navigate since the requirements and restrictions are continually changing.
The following article provides an overview of the current requirements for homeschooling in Texas along with fifteen questions you should consider before enrolling your child in a program.
What is the homeschooling process in Texas?
Homeschooling in Texas involves filing a notification of intent with the state and ensuring your curriculum meets the state requirements for a homeschool diploma. You must also abide by the state’s mandated testing and submitting a final portfolio of all educational materials and activities your homeschooler has completed.
Requirements for homeschoolers in Texas are strict and must be adhered to for successful homeschooling.
What is the required notification of intent?
The Texas Education Code (TEC) states that a parent who elects to homeschool their child must file a Notification of Intent (NOI) with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This NOI must include the name and address of the student and the parent, the date the homeschool program began, the authority under which the program is being conducted, and the grades the homeschooler will be working on. The NOI must be submitted to the TEA by the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which the program began.
What does the curriculum need to include?
The curriculum for homeschoolers in Texas must include a foundation in the five core subjects that are taught in public schools: reading, math, social studies, science, and writing. Other subjects such as physical education, art, and music may also be included in the curriculum.
The curriculum should also provide instruction in character development and academic accountability, as well as any special academic needs the student may have.
Are homeschoolers required to follow the state’s recommended or required testing program?
Yes, all homeschoolers in Texas who undertake the standard home instruction program are required to follow the State’s Home School Testing Program. This means they must take state-approved tests every year, culminating with an exit exam as they near the successful completion of their homeschool program.
Are there any additional academic requirements?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas must also keep proof of students progress during their homeschooling period, such as transcripts and portfolios of educational materials, records of books read, projects completed and exams taken. This proof will be required upon completion of the program to obtain a diploma.
Furthermore, homeschoolers in Texas must also be able to demonstrate a mastery of basic knowledge and life skills as part of their graduation requirements.
What are the age requirements for homeschoolers?
The minimum age for enrolling a student in an approved home school program in Texas is five years old by September 1 of the school year or a student with a previous grade level classification. Homeschoolers in Texas must also be 18 years or older to receive a high school diploma from an approved home school program.
What are the Texas requirements for graduating from a homeschool program?
The Texas Education Agency requires that students graduating from a homeschool program have completed 24 credit hours of coursework and have passed the State-mandated Home School Testing Program. They must also submit a suitable portfolio of records and materials which demonstrate their mastery of the core subjects and any additional subjects studied with the homeschool program.
Are there any specific documents that must be included in the graduation portfolio?
Yes, the graduation portfolio must include the student transcript, records of coursework completed, coursed materials, exams taken, and any needed records of community service or volunteer activities. It should also include a summary of the student’s extracurricular activities and any documentation of character development activities, such as any awards or recognition.
What are the requirements for students who choose not to pursue a diploma?
In Texas, a student who is enrolled in a home school program and does not pursue a diploma is still required to follow the same regulations and standards of accountability as students who do pursue a diploma. This means they must still take the required State-mandated Home School Testing Program.
Are there any special needs or accommodations for homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas are entitled to receive accommodations for special needs, if needed. The required accommodations for special needs students in Texas include modified curriculums, specialized transportation, and adapted materials.
The accommodations, along with the specific services required, must be outlined in the student’s IEP and approved by the school district.
Is there any support available for homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes, there are several organizations and educational support groups available in Texas to support and encourage home school families. These include organizations such as the Texas Home School Coalition, the Texas Home School Coalition Legislative Group, and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). These organizations offer resources, guidance and advice on all aspects of homeschooling in Texas.
Are homeschooling families subject to regulation?
Yes, homeschooling families in Texas are subject to regulation. Because of the requirements of the TEC, home school families must comply with periodic evaluations and inspections by state instructors or supervising officers.
The TEC also requires that parents or guardians must keep detailed records of their student’s activities, materials, and assessments, including any tests or examinations administered.
What is the procedure for obtaining a diploma?
Once a homeschooler has completed the required curriculum, taken the state-mandated tests, and submitted a portfolio of records for evaluation, they can apply for a diploma from the Texas Education Agency. The diploma application must include the portfolio of records, the validated student transcript and a statement from the testing authority verifying that the student scored satisfactorily on the tests.
Are there any legal requirements related to the diploma?
Yes, the diploma must be signed by a Texas-certified teacher or other official associated with the home school program. Additionally, the document must include the student’s name, the school name, and the graduation date. Furthermore, the diploma must be submitted to the Texas Education Agency’s Home School Office prior to being presented to the student.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some knowledge of the requirements, support from organizations such as the Texas Home School Coalition and other educational support groups, and an understanding of the necessary documents and processes, parents can ensure their homeschoolers in Texas can successfully complete their programs and receive a diploma.