Homeschooling your child in the state of Texas can be both a daunting and exciting prospect; however, there are steps that you can take to ensure that it is a successful experience. This article seeks to answer the question, “What do I need to homeschool my child in Texas?” by providing a comprehensive guide to the laws, regulations, and resources available to homeschoolers in the state.
Additionally, the article will offer fifteen questions to consider when looking to homeschool in Texas, from the selection of curricula to the organization of data.
1. What are the Texas Homeschool Laws?
The Texas Education Code sets forth the legislation that governs homeschooling activities in the state. According to the Code, parents or legal guardians are responsible for providing a full-time instruction for each child; although no specific qualifications or credentials are required, it is suggested that the parent or legal guardian employed to teach the student has at least a high school diploma or GED.
The curriculum must provide instruction on the reading, grammar, mathematics, science, and social studies as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Additionally, the Code states that the school district superintendent shall keep a log of every child’s attendance and progress.
2. What is the Required Notification Process?
Before beginning homeschooling in the state of Texas, parents are required to file a notification of intent with their local school district. The notification includes information such as the parent/guardian’s name, the student’s name, birthdate, grade level, and expected start date of the homeschool program. The notification must be submitted annually within 30 days of the start of the homeschool year.
3. What is the Role of the Superintendent?
According to the Texas Education Code, the superintendent of the local school district to which the notice is filed has the authority to inform the parents when the notification is insufficient or incomplete. Additionally, the superintendent will provide monitoring of the student’s progress by requesting test scores, transcripts, or other evidence that the student is making educational progress.
4. What Type of Tests Can be Requested?
The superintendent of the local school district may require the homeschooled student to undergo standardized tests, such as the Stanford-10 or the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Parents are also required to supply the superintendent with the results of any nationally-normed standardized tests taken by the student during the course of the homeschooling year.
5. Are There Any Other Requirements?
Aside from the notification and standardized testing requirements, parents are also responsible for providing a copy of their child’s immunization records upon request. Additionally, the homeschool program must be taught by an adult who has a high school diploma or GED and remain in compliance with the TEKS.
6. What are the Options for Curriculum and Materials?
Parents of homeschooled students in the state of Texas have access to a variety of curriculum options, ranging from traditional textbooks and workbooks to entirely online instruction. Additionally, a variety of supplemental resources such as text messaging, podcasts, and newsletters are available to parents who wish to supplement their child’s academic instruction. Parents are advised to research the various curricula options to determine which best meets their child’s learning needs.
7. What Extracurricular Activities are Available?
Homeschooled students in Texas have access to many extracurricular activities and resources. Parents may choose to enroll their student in sports and athletic programs offered by local churches, community centers, and extracurricular organizations. Additionally, many community libraries and college campuses offer classes and programs to homeschooled students.
8. Are There Homeschool Cooperatives in Texas?
For parents who prefer community-based instruction, many cities and towns across the state have homeschool cooperatives that are open to participating students. Such cooperatives typically offer enriching educational experiences such as field trips, art and music classes, and outdoor activities.
9. Does Texas Recognize Homeschool Diplomas?
The Texas Education Code states that high school diplomas issued by a recognized homeschool program are equivalent to a diploma received from an accredited school. Additionally, most colleges and universities across the U. S.
accept homeschool diplomas.
10. How Can Parents Monitor the Student’s Performance?
Parents of homeschooled students can employ a variety of methods to track their child’s progress and performance. Grading rubrics and checklists can be utilized to measure the student’s mastery of concepts, while assessments and tests can be used to gauge their level of understanding of the material.
Additionally, portfolios can be kept to document the student’s assignments and activities.
11. Are There Any Additional Resources Available?
Texas has a variety of resources and organizations specifically designed to support homeschooling families. Organizations such as the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), Homeschool Friendly Locally (HFL), and the Texas Homeschool Coalition (THC) provide legal assistance, workshops, and conferences. Additionally, many counties host homeschool support groups which provide a platform for parents and students to ask questions and receive advice.
12. What are the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling in Texas?
There are several advantages of homeschooling in Texas. Homeschooling allows parents to customize the learning experience of their child, as they can select curriculum tailored to their child’s particular academic needs. Additionally, homeschooling allows for scheduling flexibility, as the lessons are tailored to the family’s lifestyle.
Moreover, there are several drawbacks to homeschooling in Texas. Homeschooling is a full-time commitment; parents must devote their time and energy to the program to ensure their child’s success.
Additionally, homeschooling can be expensive, as parents must purchase curricula, materials, and extracurricular activities.
13. What Support is Available to Homeschoolers?
Homeschoolers in the state of Texas have access to a variety of support services. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides guidance with homeschool notification, as well as supplying an online list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and other resources for parents. Additionally, the Texas Homeschool Coalition publishes a bi-monthly newspaper that contains academic, legal, and social news for homeschoolers.
14. Do Homeschoolers Participate in the Public Education System?
In Texas, homeschooled students can elect to participate in public school activities, such as extracurricular activities, assessments, and classes. However, each school district has its own regulations regarding such programs, and parents should consult with the district to determine what policies apply.
15. Can Homeschoolers Take College Courses?
Many colleges and universities in the state of Texas offer a variety of dual enrollment options for homeschooled students. This allows homeschoolers to take college-level classes while still in high school.
Additionally, the Accredited Homeschool Program (AHP) accepts applications from homeschooled students who have met specific homeschool requirements and wish to transfer college credits.