Starting to homeschool your child can be an overwhelming experience. There are a number of questions to answer and processes to go through to make sure that your child is receiving an appropriate educational experience according to the homeschool laws in your area.
Rexburg, Idaho is no different in that the laws and regulations that must be abided by can be those set forth by the state of Idaho and the laws of Madison County. Knowing what forms must be properly filled out, who must receive notification of your intent to homeschool, and any standardized tests or reports that must be completed are vital to an effective homeschooling experience.
What Forms are Required to Homeschool in Rexburg, Idaho?
The first, and most important, step when homeschooling in Rexburg, Idaho is to fill out and file the necessary forms in order to legally homeschool your child. The forms are available from the state of Idaho, which can be found online. The forms include an affidavit stating that the parents have accepted full responsibility as the schoolmaster, a statement of understanding of the requirements and regulations that must be abided by, a plan for instruction for each student, and a request for exemption from state-mandated testing.
Parents must complete these forms and submit them to the local school district’s superintendent or their designee. In addition to the forms that must be filled out and filed with the local school district, parents should also familiarize themselves with the Idaho’s homeschooling laws and regulations.
These laws and regulations can be found on the Idaho State Department of Education’s website. Parents may also want to seek out assistance from experienced homeschoolers in order to gain a better understanding of the law and to ensure they are meeting all legal requirements.
What Notification is Required When Homeschooling in Rexburg, Idaho?
Second, parents must provide written notification to their local school district informing them of their intent to homeschool. This notification must be provided each year and must include the student’s name and the name and address of the parent/guardian. This notification must also include a signed statement from the parent/guardian declaring their commitment to homeschooling their child.
Parents should also be aware that they may need to fill out additional forms at the end of the school year. These forms are used to demonstrate that the student has received a certain amount of education during the year and that the student has shown satisfactory progress.
The forms must be signed by the parent/guardian and submitted to the local school district.
What Tests or Reports are Needed When Homeschooling in Rexburg, Idaho?
Finally, parents must also be aware of any testing or reporting requirements when homeschooling in Rexburg, Idaho. It is important to note that all homeschoolers in the state of Idaho are required to take either the ISTEP test or an equivalent alternative test.
This test is administered by the local school district and must be taken each year by the student. Additionally, the state of Idaho requires that parents submit a report at the end of each school year detailing the student’s progress and accomplishments. This report must be submitted to the local school district and should include any scores received on the ISTEP test or alternative exams.
Conclusion:Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both the parents and the student, but it is important to understand the laws and regulations that must be abided by in order to legally provide an appropriate educational experience for your child. Filling out the proper forms, providing the appropriate notification, and following any testing or reporting requirements are all integral parts of homeschooling in Rexburg, Idaho. Knowing these steps can help to ensure that your child is properly educated according to the homeschooling laws and regulations of the state of Idaho.