As many parents and guardians adapt to the changing educational environment, homeschooling is increasingly becoming an avenue for some to explore. However, knowing where to start can cause significant amounts of stress and anxiety.
To ensure the homeschooling journey goes smoothly, here are the answers to fifteen questions focused on how homeschooling works in Texas.
1. Do I Need to Notify the State?
Yes, in Texas it’s required to notify the state of homeschooling intentions. Though there is no need to obtain prior approval, the state must be notified via one of the accepted methods. These include a letter from the school district of residence, certified mail, or email.
The letter or email should cite section 2086 of the Texas Education Code, and should include the following information: name(s) of the student(s) being homeschooled, temporary address, birthdate(s), grade level(s) of the student(s), and acknowledgement that a parent or guardian is the instructional teams and is responsible for the student’s progress.
This notification must be submitted within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. After the notification has been received by the state, there is no other mandated contact required.
2. Who Oversees Homeschooling in Texas?
In Texas, homeschooling is regulated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Their role is to ensure that parents and guardians are correctly following state guidelines for home instruction under Texas law. For example, the law stipulates that parents and guardians are responsible for providing the instructional resources and supervision, in addition to creating records of attendance and progress.
The TEA also has resources available for parents and guardians who wish to begin homeschooling. They offer a “Texas Home School” guide, which provides detailed information regarding the process and law.
In addition, they provide a list of resources on their website, such as a “Parent Guide to Texas Homeschooling Law”, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of homeschooling parents and guardians.
3. Are There Any Requirements in Terms of Instructional Time?
In Texas, there is no requirement for the minimum number of instructional hours set by the state. However, the law requires instructional weeks to be at least 4 1/2 hours per day, days per week. There are also attendance requirements, which state that students must be provided with instruction for a minimum of 180 days per year.
In terms of curriculum, instructional time must include the essential knowledge and skills for what the student should learn in language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, music, health, safety, and physical education. The form in which the instruction is delivered is up to the parents or guardians discretion.
4. Do I Need to Follow a Specific Curriculum?
No, there are no specific curricula required in the state of Texas. The instructional material used is the prerogative of the parents or guardians, and can be designed to meet the student’s individual needs. In Texas, the enforced standards are known as Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
The TEKS outline the knowledge and skills that every student should acquire before they graduate from high school, and can be used to guide curriculum choices and ensure that education is compliant with the state.
5. What Are the Grading Requirements?
There are no specific grading requirements in Texas. However, parents and guardians must keep detailed records of their child’s educational progress. These records should include all academic assessments, grade reports, course work, and any other records that document the student’s learning process.
This helps to ensure that parents and guardians are following the state requirements, and provides evidence that the student is progressing as expected.
6. Are There Any Tests Required?
Texas does not require standardized tests, but some parents and guardians may choose to use them as a means of assessing the student’s progress. For this purpose, the TEA offers a variety of standardized tests which have been approved for use by homeschoolers.
Some of the common tests include TerraNova, Stanford-10, Achievement Link, SAT, and ACT.
7. Are Record Keeping and Report Cards Required?
Yes, keeping records of the student’s progress and providing a yearly report card or transcript is required in Texas. The records kept should include academic assessments, grade reports, and other documents that support the student’s educational progress.
In terms of report cards, they should be issued by the parents or guardians at least twice a year, with the end of the year report summarizing the student’s performance over the duration of instruction. An official transcript should also be kept and issued upon student completion.
8. Is Socialization Necessary?
No, it is not mandatory to provide socialization opportunities for students who are homeschooled in Texas. However, as it is important for students to learn about social interactions, the TEA does encourage homeschoolers to engage in extracurricular activities and educational field trips.
The TEA also provides a support system for homeschoolers to connect with each other, in the form of regional support groups and online forums. These forums provide homeschoolers with an opportunity to interact with each other, which can help to expand their social circles and give them confidence.
9. Are books or other materials provided?
The state of Texas does not provide any instructional materials, but there are resources available to homeschoolers through the TEA. This includes a list of approved providers and links to other resources such as the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. In addition, parents or guardians can shop around for discounted textbooks or materials that suit the student’s needs.
As homeschooling can often be a financially demanding process, there are a variety of options from which to choose.
10. Is a Tutor Required?
No, tutors are not required for a homeschooling program in Texas. Tutoring can be extremely helpful for a student’s academic progress, however it is not necessarily mandatory.
Parents and guardians should evaluate the student’s needs and decide if a tutor is necessary.
11. Are there homeschooling exemptions?
Yes, homeschooling in Texas is exempt from certain rules and regulations. This includes exemptions from state-mandated assessments, attendance requirements, immunization requirements, and record-keeping requirements. Parents and guardians should be aware that there are still guidelines that must be followed, and that exemptions do not mean that their educational program is completely unrestricted.
12. Are Students Eligible to Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, students who are homeschooled in Texas are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. The school districts are legally required to provide equal access to activities, such as sports, music, volunteer programs, and after school clubs.
13. Are Any Services Offered to Homeschoolers?
Yes, in addition to providing exemption forms, the TEA also provides several other services to families that are homeschooling in Texas. These include a listing of approved learning clinics and tutors, educational workshops and seminars, access to student achievement records and transcripts, and a list of scholarships or awards that are available to homeschool seniors.
14. What is a Cover School?
A cover school, also known as an umbrella school, is an organization that provides support for homeschooling families. Their role is to provide a framework for parents and guardians to follow to ensure their student’s education meets the state’s requirements.
The cover school provides services such as monitoring, advising, curriculum planning, and record keeping services. They also issue official transcripts and records of the student’s progress, in addition to providing standardized tests, diplomas, and other recognition for students.
15. Are there any General Tips for Homeschoolers?
Yes, here are some general tips to help families embark on their homeschooling journey: Inform yourself – Research Texas homeschooling law and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Create a plan – Develop set objectives and assess the student’s needs to create an instructional plan.
Make connections – Seek out support or advice from experienced homeschoolers in the community.
Take stock of resources – Invest in materials and educational opportunities as needed. Ask questions – Never be afraid to ask for help if you’re stuck or in need of advice.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas can be an exciting opportunity for students and families. By understanding the law, evaluating the student’s needs, and making the necessary preparations, homeschoolers can make it an educational experience that is both successful and rewarding.