Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular amongst parents who would like to provide their children with a custom educational experience. For parents who live in Tennessee, homeschooling your child is a viable option, thanks to the state’s relaxed laws governing home-based education. To help get your child on the path to success, here are 15 questions you should consider when homeschooling your child in Tennessee.
1. What Are the Advantages of Homeschooling in Tennessee?
The primary benefit of homeschooling in Tennessee is the ability to create a customized learning environment. Since you are in charge of your child’s entire curriculum, you can tailor lesson plans, extracurricular activities, and educational field trips to best match your child’s individual needs.
Furthermore, homeschooling can provide your family with a flexible schedule and accommodations to travel.
2. What Are the Disadvantages of Homeschooling in Tennessee?
While homeschooling in Tennessee can offer a variety of benefits, there are some drawbacks. Primarily, homeschooling in Tennessee requires a significant commitment on the part of the parent.
As the primary educator, the parent must take responsibility for all the teaching and monitoring their child’s progress. Additionally, depending on the curriculum selected, homeschooling can be costly.
3. What Requirements Must I Meet to Homeschool in Tennessee?
When homeschooling in Tennessee, parents must meet certain requirements with regards to curriculum as well as examinations. The state requires parents to use either a prescribed secular curriculum or their own curriculum, which must be approved by their local school district.
Furthermore, parents must have their children tested by a certified individual in order to evaluate their progress and homeschooling success.
4. Are There Any Religious Requirements?
No. Homeschooling in Tennessee does not require that parents adhere to any type of religion or spiritual practices.
5. How Do I Propose My Homeschooling Plan to My Local School District?
If you are homeschooling in Tennessee, you must submit a written notification of intent to your local school district. This notification must include the names and ages of your children, a description of the curriculum you will be using, the address at which you intend to homeschool, and a statement of verification that you are aware of the state requirements.
6. Do I Need to Comply With State Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Standard Testing?
Yes. The Tennessee Department of Education requires that all homeschool students take the TCAP standardized test in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. These results are used to best evaluate the progress of students in your homeschool and to make sure that parents are meeting the state’s educational standards.
7. What Types of Curriculum Can I Use When Homeschooling in Tennessee?
When homeschooling in Tennessee, parents have the choice of using either a prescribed secular curriculum approved by the state or designing their own curriculum. It is important that any curriculum chosen puts forth a program equivalent to the educational program of public schools in the state.
Furthermore, any curricula chosen must include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and good health and physical education.
8. Is Homeschooling in Tennessee Expensive?
The price of homeschooling in Tennessee can vary based on the curriculum you choose. Using a self-designed curriculum or prescribed secular curriculum may require parents to pay for supplies, books, and other materials necessary to ensure their child is receiving the best education possible.
9. Are There Any Extracurricular or Social Activities Available for Homeschooled Students in Tennessee?
Yes. Homeschooled students in Tennessee can take part in a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, speech, drama, and art. Furthermore, parents can take advantage of local homeschool co-ops, which serves as both a source of educational materials and a way to connect with other homeschooling families.
10. Can a Homeschooled Student Participate in Tennessee’s Statewide Assessment Program?
Yes. A homeschooled student in Tennessee can take the state’s Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) standardized test in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.
Taking the test is compulsory for homeschooled students in the state and the results are used to evaluate the progress of students in the home-based education system.
11. What Are the Requirements for Homeschool Diploma State-Wide?
A home school diploma will recognize and certify that the student has met all academic criteria set forth by their local school district. In many cases, parents must submit a written request in order to receive a diploma.
Furthermore, the student must submit a portfolio of their work in order to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum they have been taught.
12. Are There Any Tests or Assessments I Am Required To Complete During the Year?
Yes. Parents must have their children tested by a certified individual at least once every two years in order to evaluate their progress and homeschooling success. This test must measure the student’s academic abilities and must be arranged by the parent.
13. How Does Homeschooling Impact My Child’s Ability to Attend a College or University?
Many colleges and universities across the nation accept homeschooled students, including those in Tennessee. Parents should check with their school of choice’s admissions office in order to learn what admission requirements are necessary for their child. Generally, homeschooled students can expect to be asked to submit a portfolio of their work in order to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum they have been taught.
14. Are there Any Other Resources Available to Me As a Homeschool Parent in Tennessee?
Yes. In addition to the sources outlined above, there are a variety of statewide organizations that can help parents homeschooling in Tennessee.
These include the Tennessee Homeschool Organization and the Home Education Support Network.
15. Do I Have to Report My Child’s Progress During the Year?
Yes. The Tennessee Department of Education requires parents to submit a yearly evaluation to the local school district showing their child’s progress.
In some cases, parents must also submit a portfolio of their child’s work as part of this evaluation.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Tennessee is a viable option for parents looking to provide their children with the best possible education. Before committing to homeschooling your child, it is important to understand all the laws, requirements, and advantages of home-based education. By answering these 15 questions, you can be sure that you are taking all of the necessary steps towards ensuring your child’s educational success.