Parents in the United States are turning to homeschooling in increasing numbers. As such, they must decide which state they plan to homeschool their child in and what papers they need to complete the process.
This article will walk through all aspects of homeschooling in the state of Ohio, including the initial paperwork, ongoing requirements for reporting, and resources for families.
What is Ohio’s Homeschool Statute?
Ohio’s homeschool statute, found in Ohio Revised Code Section 33204, outlines the responsibilities and expectations for each parent who elects to provide homeschooling for their child. It requires that parents provide their children with “competent instruction” in a variety of subjects, including English language arts, math, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education, health, and language other than English.
The statute also requires parents to keep a portfolio of their child’s work, as well as a log indicating the number of days they have spent on instruction and the amount of time they have spent teaching each subject.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Complete Prior to Homeschooling?
Before beginning homeschooling in the state of Ohio, parents must complete an affidavit of intent or Notice of Intent (NOI) with their school district or the county Educational Service Center. The affidavit must include the student’s name, the name of the parent or guardian, the address of the student, the grade level of the student, the name of the school district in which the student resides, and the date on which the instruction is to begin. Parents will also need to include a short statement as to why they are electing to provide homeschooling for their child and that they understand their responsibility as outlined in Ohio’s homeschool statute.
The affidavit must be signed by the parent or guardian, or submitted to the school board through alternate means if necessary.
Do I Need to Provide Attendance Records?
Yes, Ohio’s homeschool statute requires parents to keep an attendance record for the children they are homeschooling. This record must include a log of the student’s daily school attendance, as well as the amount of time spent on instruction for each content area. Parents are also are required to maintain a portfolio of the student’s work, which the school district may request at any time for review purposes.
What Ongoing Requirements Must I Meet?
Even after submitting their affidavit of intent, parents must continue to meet certain requirements in order to remain compliant with Ohio’s homeschooling laws. Parents must provide at least 990 hours of instruction per school year and must adhere to the general standards and requirements of the state of Ohio. Additionally, they must update the affidavit of intent each year, renew the portfolio of the student’s work, and submit an evaluation of their child’s progress to their local school board each year by August 15th.
What Resources Are Available?
There are a variety of resources available to families who are considering homeschooling or who are already homeschooling in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Department of Education provides a list of homeschooling resources, and the Ohio Home Education Network (OHEN) provides numerous resources for parents to help them navigate the process.
Additionally, there are resources available through the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).
What Other Requirements Are There?
Parents must also be aware of Ohio’s specific global assessments and grade-level assessments when homeschooling. In order to meet Ohio’s graduation requirements, homeschooled students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), which covers mathematics, reading, and writing.
Additionally, homeschooled students may be required to take the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA), depending on their grade level.
Do I Need to Notify the School District When my Child Enters Grade 5 or Grade 8?
Yes, Ohio parents must notify their school district when their child enters grade 5 and grade Once the child enters grade 5 or grade 8, parents will need to submit the student’s progress report to the school board.
This progress report must include a description of the curriculum being used, the amount of time spent on instruction, and an explanation of the student’s progress toward meeting the global standards and grade-level assessments.
Must I Comply With the State of Ohio’s Health Requirements?
Parents must also comply with the state of Ohio’s health requirements in order to homeschool their child. Parents must provide evidence that the student is up to date on all of his or her immunizations and that a physical health form has been completed by the student’s pediatrician each school year.
Additionally, parents must provide evidence that the student is engaging in a physical activity 3 times per week.
Do I Need to Give an End-of-Year Assessment?
Yes, parents must provide an end-of-year assessment of their child’s progress to their local school board. This assessment must include a description of the curriculum being used, the amount of time spent on instruction, and an explanation of the student’s progress toward meeting the global standards and grade-level assessments.
Additionally, the assessment must include evidence that the child has met the health and physical activity requirements.
Do I Need to Administer Standardized Tests?
In Ohio, homeschooled students do not have to take standardized tests. However, some parents choose to administer these tests in order to gauge their child’s progress and to provide a valuable learning experience.
There are a variety of standardized tests available, including the California Achievement Test (CAT) and the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT).
Do Homeschooled Students Have Access to State Services?
Yes, homeschooled students in the state of Ohio have access to certain state services. For example, state libraries and museums provide free admission to homeschooled students, and homeschooled students are eligible for certain state scholarships and grants. Additionally, homeschooled students can enroll in the state’s public online schools and can take college-level courses through the Ohio College Credit Plus program.
Do Homeschooled Students Have to Take Part in State Testing?
No, homeschooled students are not required to take part in any state testing. However, homeschooled students may be eligible to take the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) or the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) if their parents elect to have their child participate in the statewide assessments.
Where Can I Find More Resources?
The Ohio Department of Education provides additional resources for families who are homeschooling in the state of Ohio. Additionally, the Ohio Home Education Network (OHEN) and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provide a variety of resources, including legal advice and support services.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in the state of Ohio is a rewarding experience that allows parents to provide a dynamic learning environment for their children. In order to ensure that they remain in compliance with Ohio’s homeschool statute, parents must complete the necessary paperwork prior to beginning homeschooling and must continually adhere to the state’s guidelines for homeschooling.
There are also various resources available to homeschooling families in the state of Ohio, from the Ohio Department of Education to the Home School Legal Defense Association. With the right preparation, parents can enjoy all of the benefits of homeschooling in the state of Ohio.