Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular education alternative for families across the United States. Texas offers an array of homeschooling options and the Lone Star State has a set of requirements that must be followed in order to ensure that the education is done to the appropriate standard. This article aims to provide an overview of the homeschool requirements for the state of Texas and answer the question of how many days are required for homeschool in Texas.
What Is Homeschool and What Are the Requirements in Texas?
Homeschool, or homeschooling, is a form of education where parents or guardians decide to educate their children at home as opposed to a traditional school setting. Homeschooling is the educational responsibility of the parent or guardian, who will provide an educational program tailored to the needs of the student.
This educational program must meet the legal requirements specified in the student’s state of residence. In the state of Texas, there are specific laws that dictate the requirements for homeschooling. The Texas Education Code specifies that each student must receive instruction daily from a qualified teacher in the areas of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
In addition, parents and guardians must furnish evidence that the student has satisfactorily completed the subjects for the current school year. The state also requires that the parents must send an annual notification letter to the school district found in the student’s residence notifying them that home instruction for their child will be taking place.
How Many Days Are Required for Homeschool in Texas?
The Texas Education Code outlines the number of days that homeschool instruction must take place as 180 instructional days per year. This is equal to the same number of days that a traditional school offers. The instructional days must fall within the same period as the local school district.
Furthermore, homeschool students are also required to maintain attendance records, which should identify the days that instruction was provided and the subjects covered on a particular day. All of these records must be kept for two years after a student is withdrawn from home instruction.
What Are the Other Requirements for Homeschool in Texas?
In addition to the 180 instructional day requirement, parents or guardians who choose to homeschool their children in Texas must also meet certain educational standards. For instance, any student from grades nine through twelve must have completed the standards under the state curriculum known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Furthermore, the parent or guardian must ensure that the student is achieving educational progress that is equivalent to what would be expected of a student in a traditional school setting. In the state of Texas, homeschool curriculum must include English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, health, safety, and physical education. Furthermore, parents or guardians must keep records of activities completed and/or assessments performed, which must also be kept on file for two years after a student is withdrawn from the home instruction program.
Finally, students under 18 may be required to provide data required by the state of Texas in order to receive any services or to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs. This includes assessments, essays, research projects, portfolios, and other pieces of work that may demonstrate the student’s academic progress.
Conclusion
The state of Texas has specific homeschool requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the educational needs of students are met. Homeschooling can be a viable option for parents and guardians who are unable to enroll their children in a traditional school setting.
While there are many requirements that need to be met, the state provides clear guidance as to what is required in order to ensure a satisfactory educational experience for the student. The Texas Education Code specifies that homeschool instruction must occur for a minimum of 180 days per year and must include instruction in the areas of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. In addition, the parent or guardian must meet other educational standards and provide the appropriate records for evaluation and services.
By following the aforementioned parameters, parents and guardians can ensure their children receive an adequate educational experience that meets state standards.