Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option in the United States, with many parents choosing this route to cater to their children’s educational needs. For parents living and wanting to homeschool in Houston, Texas, there are some things to consider. Here is a guide on how to homeschool in Houston, Texas.
What Are the Rules and Regulations for Homeschooling in Houston, Texas?
Parents considering homeschooling in Houston have to familiarize themselves with the state laws and regulations. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules, homeschoolers must meet the following requirements:• They must give their children an education in the basic academic subjects – including reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and good citizenship, as well as science in high school. • They must provide instruction each year, for at least three hours of instruction for grades one through eight, and four hours of instruction for grades nine through twelve.
• They must submit an affidavit to the local attendance officer, certifying the fact that their curriculum meets the state requirements and that their programs are designed to meet the education needs of their children. • They must maintain records of the instruction provided each year, kept for two years from the date of filing the affidavit.
• They must allow their children to be assessed each year; complex assessment requirements have to be met, and assessments are typically conducted by professional evaluators. In Houston, homeschoolers must consult with a notary to make sure their affidavit is valid, as well as with a local school district to handle the assessment requirements.
How Can Parents Begin Homeschooling Their Children?
Once parents are well versed in the legal requirements of homeschooling in Houston, they need to prepare and set up their program. Much of the success of homeschooling depends on the preparation.
First, parents need to determine how many hours a day they can devote to homeschooling. This involves an honest assessment of their own skills as well as an understanding of their work obligations and other responsibilities. It’s also important to decide what kind of materials and resources they’ll need and identify the local support networks available.
Establishing a system to organize materials and equipment is beneficial. It’s also wise to establish a regular schedule for homeschooling – outlining what subjects need to be covered throughout the year – and vary it when necessary. Where appropriate, consider integrating outdoor and experiential activities into the homeschooling program to keep the process fun and engaging.
How Can Parents Find Homeschooling Resources in Houston?
Resource material for homeschooling is abundant. There are books, online courses, and computer programs available.
The Texas Education Agency has online textbooks, online testing materials, information about technological resources for teaching and technology tools for Texas public schools. The internet has numerous websites dedicated to homeschooling in Texas, including newsletters, podcasts, and websites on homeschooling in Texas. Additionally, parents can find resources such as books, workbooks, and other material in the local libraries.
It’s also a great idea to join Houston homeschooling groups, networking with other Houston homeschoolers who may have tips and advice to share.
What Education Outcomes Are Homeschool Parents Working Towards?
The objectives of homeschooling are unique; parents have to find out what works best for their child on several levels. A primary aim of homeschoolers should be to instill in their children a love of learning. Parents should also ensure that their children are well versed in the basic academic subjects – reading, science, mathematics, and social studies.
Depending on their level, some homeschooled children may also need to be updated on certain skills and topics. Additionally, parents should focus on creating independent learners and encouraging the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Houston, Texas can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for both parents and children. To ensure that homeschoolers are meeting the educational and legal requirements set by the state, parents need to familiarize themselves with Texas education laws and regulations. Parents need to be prepared and organized to set up and run their homeschool program successfully.
The internet and local libraries offer a wealth of homeschooling resources and support networks, while homeschoolers should strive to develop their child’s skills in basic academic subjects and problem solving, among other things.