Home schooling is becoming more and more popular as parents find greater education autonomy for their children. Texas, like other states, has laws that govern the instruction required for Kindergarten homeschool. Here we present a comprehensive look at what is mandated for the core subjects necessary for a Kindergarten curriculum in the Lone Star State.
What Subjects are Covered in Kindergarten?
The subjects that make up a Kindergarten curriculum vary across states, but in Texas each district has to adhere to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)—a set of educational standards defined by the Texas Education Agency. Depending on the district and its policy, the curriculum may include some combination of language arts and reading, mathematics, science, social studies, art, health and physical education, character education, and technology.
Can I Use Curriculum Materials of My Choosing When Homeschooling?
Yes, Texas allows parents to use resources such as private educational material and publishing companies to develop a curriculum. The state also permits parents to employ accredited online programs, textbooks, libraries and museums/field trips, and even other certified educators to help teach the TEKS standards.
What Are the Attendance Requirements for Kindergarten Homeschool?
Homeschoolers don’t have to follow normal attendance rules. However, Texas does require that parents follow the instructions of their local education agency with regards to regular attendance.
Do I Need to Be Certified as a Teacher in Texas to Homeschool My Child?
No, you do not need to be certified as a teacher in order to homeschool in Texas.
What Are the Requirements for Record Keeping?
Texas requires that homeschooling parents keep keep records for their children for the purposes of review by the local education agency. Parents must include records such as attendance, a record or inventory of instructional materials, and an annual academic assessment for each student.
Are There Test/Assessment Requirements for Homeschool Students?
Yes, homeschoolers must have their students participate in an annual assessment. The assessment must consist of either a nationally-normed standardized test or the appropriate grade-level State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) accomplishment tests administered according to the rules of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Can I Meet with Other Homeschooling Parents in My Community to Plan Out Activities?
Yes, you may meet with other homeschooling parents in your community. Texas encourages mentoring and supports the formation of home-school organizations. However, these organizations cannot be religiously affiliated and need to file as non-profit entities to be in compliance with Texas law.
Are There Curriculum Requirements for Library Resources?
No, there are no specific curriculum requirements for library resources. However, homeschooling parents are encouraged to use local libraries and other educational resources within their community.
Are There Field Trip Requirements for Kindergarten Homeschool?
No, there are no specific requirements for field trips. However, field trips can be an important part of a homeschooling curriculum, and parents are asked to keep documentation of such events.
Does Texas Require Homeschooled Kindergartners to Meet Physical Activity Standards?
Yes, the Texas Education Agency recommendation calls for at least 20 minutes of physical activity during the school day. Parents of homeschoolers should keep records that demonstrate the student has participated in physical activities such as organized play, outdoor activities, fitness activities and team sports.
Does Texas Require Documented Character Education for Homeschoolers?
Yes. Parents must document that their student has received character education, which must be topic-specific and designed to develop in the student a code of personal conduct that encourages respect for others and civility.
Are There State Requirements for Arithmetic?
Yes. Among the topics students must be able to demonstrate are counting up to and completing basic addition and subtraction; using shapes to create and draw objects; understanding the differences between lengthening, shortening and combining line segments; and being able to identify symbols from common measurement systems.
Are There State Requirements for Reading?
Yes. Students must demonstrate an ability to create sentences, recognize parts of speech, and recognize rhyming words, as well as learning to read grade-level text with accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
Are There Special Requirements for Science Education?
Yes. Kindergarten homeschoolers must have an understanding of and be able to demonstrate the following scientific areas: physical science, earth and space science, and life science.
Conclusion
Texas has specific guidelines that govern homeschooling, including that for Kindergarteners. Parents must ensure their student meets course qualifications and demonstrate knowledge of core subject matter. Additionally, homeschooling parents must keep track of records, participate in both assessments and physical activity, and incorporate character education into their student’s curriculum.
Following these directions ensures a well-rounded education for the Kindergarten-aged homeschooler in Texas.