When it comes to homeschooling, Massachusetts has its own set of rules and regulations to follow. High school students pursuing a home-schooled education are expected to complete specific courses and fulfill other requirements in order to receive a diploma from their home state.
Understanding these rules and requirements, and learning how to create a curriculum that will meet them, is key to providing your teen a successful homeschooling experience. Let’s explore the specific regulations and necessities for drafting a homeschool curriculum for high school students in Massachusetts.
What Subjects Need to Be Included in Desk for the Massachusetts High School Curriculum?
In Massachusetts, a homeschooled student must complete a minimum of 80 credits to be eligible for graduation. Out of these credits, 15 to 20 must come from English, 10 to 12 from mathematics, 10 to 12 from science, 10 to 12 from social studies or history, 5 to 8 from art or music and 5 to 8 from physical education, health, or driver’s education.
Nursing skills and employment requirements, such as work-based learning, may be used to count toward the physical education credits. The remaining 15 credits may be taken from any of the above subject groups, or they can be devoted to an additional course, such as foreign language.
Are There Any Additional Requirements for the Massachusetts High School Curriculum?
In order to receive a Massachusetts high school diploma, homeschooled students must also complete the following requirements:
- Civics: A student must complete a comprehensive course in civics that covers state, local and federal government, international relations and citizenship.
- Culminating Project: All students must complete a graduating research project that demonstrates the student’s writing, researching, presenting and problem-solving skills.
- Standardized Assessment: All students must complete a standardized assessment, such as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) or the SAT.
What are the Options for Meeting the Physical Education Credits Requirement?
In order to meet the physical education credits requirements, homeschooled students in Massachusetts may take a physical education class or they may demonstrate that they have met the requirement in other ways. For example, students may show evidence of:
- Completion of a sport or athletic activity, such as sailing, jogging and tennis.
- Completion of a course in first aid or lifesaving.
- Completion of an employment position that involves physical activity.
- Completion of therapeutic exercise, such as physical therapy and yoga.
What is the Massachusetts Home-Schooling Law?
According to Massachusetts home-school laws, parents, guardians, and legal custodians of a minor child who wishes to engage in home-schooling must:
- Notify the Board of Education and the school district superintendent, in writing, that their child will be home-schooled by September 1st of every year that they are home-schooled.
- Provide instruction, in a manner consistent with Massachusetts legal standards and academic expectations.
- Keep, organize and maintain records of the courses of study, textbooks, educational materials and documents, tests, and evaluations related to the child’s home-schooling.
- Provide an annually updated individualized learning plan to the local school district.
Are There Any Additional Regulations or Guidelines?
Additional regulations for homeschooled students in Massachusetts include:
- Parents, guardians, and custodians of home-schooled children should also provide proof of age and residency of the student to the school district superintendent.
- The school district may require the student to take standardized tests in order to make sure that the student is progressing adequately.
- Home-schooled children must take the same standardized tests used in public schools.
- Keep in mind that the home-school curriculum should help the student to make progress towards high school graduation and should provide a general background in commonly accepted areas of study.
What Resources are Available to Assist with Drafting a Curriculum?
Massachusetts has a number of organizations that provide support to home-schooling families. These organizations include:
- The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) which provides legal assistance to families.
- The Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MAHLA) which provides support and encouragement for families.
- The Massachusetts Home Educators Network (MHEN) which provides links to resources and activities.
These websites include:
- The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) which provides a variety of research-based resources.
- Great Homeschool Conventions which provides listings of events and resources.
- The Home Education Network which provides an online forum for parents to connect and exchange resources.
How Can Parents and Guardians Ensure Their Child’s Curriculum is Engaging?
It is important that homeschooled students have access to engaging learning opportunities in order to maintain interest and motivation. To best ensure a successful curriculum, parents and guardians should:
- Take advantage of online learning opportunities and homeschooling activities offered in the area.
- Integrate technology into the curriculum.
For example, enroll in enrichment courses online or use apps to supplement the learning material.
- Give the student opportunities to participate in activities and clubs that foster their interests.
- Provide the student with real world opportunities, such as volunteering, to help them connect their curriculum content with the world around them.
- Encourage the student to collaborate with other homeschooled students on projects or activities.
Where Can Additional Help or Advice be Accessed?
In Massachusetts, schools districts and homeschooling organizations may provide additional advice and resources to parents and guardians looking to create a successful homeschool curriculum for their high school student. As always, it is important to stay up-to-date on any state regulations and to follow the law closely. For more information, be sure to visit the website for the Home Education Network and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Conclusion
Being informed about Massachusetts homeschooling regulations and requirements is essential to providing your student a successful homeschooling experience. By understanding the necessary courses, additional requirements, and available resources, parents and guardians can create a homeschooling curriculum that will prepare their child for success after high school. With education being one of the most important factors in a child’s future, it is important to make sure that their homeschooling program meets their needs and prepares them for success.