Homeschooling in Tennessee can be a rewarding and historical experience for both the parent and the child. The state holds a unique set of criteria that you must meet in order to home school your child.
This article will answer the questions of what is necessary to properly homeschool a child in Tennessee in a detailed and comprehensive manner.
What are the Different Types of Homeschooling Available in TN?
Tennessee offers two types of home-schooling programs: a church related plan and a legally constituted school program. For the church-related plan, any child in the state of Tennessee between the ages of 7 and 17 is eligible to participate.
In this program the parent of the child has the responsibility to provide an appropriate home instruction program with respect to the subject matter taught in the public schools. The parent is also responsible for keeping records of the student’s progress. However, the parent does not need to be a certified teacher.
The legally constituted school program also has a range of eligibility. From ages 5-17, the school can enroll and provide instruction to the child.
This type of program requires the parent to establish a school in the state of Tennessee that has an association with the local school district. The parent must be a certified teacher and the school must maintain the same standards required of public schools in the state.
What are the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in TN?
The legal requirements for homeschooling in TN come from two sources: the Tennessee Code Annotated 37-13-1501 and the Tennessee Home Education Law. In order to homeschool your child, you must submit a notice of intent to the local school district stating that you are beginning a home education program.
This must include a description of the curriculum being used, a list of books and other material, the duration of the home education program, and the age of the student. You will also be required to maintain a portfolio of student records, including attendance and performance records. Tennessee law requires that each portfolio contains samples of the student’s work, written evaluation tests, and other evaluations of the student’s progress.
The portfolio should also include narrative reports from the parent regarding the child’s progress in the program, signed and dated by the parent. In addition, you must comply with the local school district’s immunization policies and requirements.
What Resources are Available for Homeschoolers in TN?
There are a number of resources available to homeschoolers in Tennessee. The Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of home education in the state. The Association offers support and advice on homeschooling, resources, and tools to help parents successfully homeschool their children.
The state also offers a number of approved homeschooling curriculum and other helpful resources. One popular curriculum is K12, a public school-at-home option that’s free to Tennessee residents.
The state also offers a public-school-at-home program through the Tennessee Virtual Academy, as well as accredited courses through companies like Connections Academy and K-1Finally, there are a number of private schools, organizations, and companies offering supplemental educational materials and extracurricular activities, such as science labs, field trips, and tutoring.
What are the Socialization and Accountability Requirements for TN Home Schoolers?
Socialization is an important factor for any child in order to feel connected to their peers. One way to ensure that children are socially connected, even when homeschooling, is for parents to get involved with local co-ops or organizations that offer extra-curricular or community-building activities.
Dealing with accountability is also important when homeschooling. Home education programs in Tennessee are subject to annual evaluation by the local school district. The school district can select a teacher or outside agent to evaluate the home education program.
This evaluation will help ensure that the student is receiving an appropriate level of education and that the portfolio is compliant with state regulations.
Are There Requirements for Parent Qualifications When Homeschooling in TN?
When homeschooling your child in Tennessee, you must meet certain parent qualification requirements. If you will be completing a church-related home instruction program, you do not need to be a certified teacher. However, if you choose to enroll in the state’s legally constituted school program, you must be a certified teacher.
Additionally, even for the Church-related program, you must demonstrate that you have the competency to manage and teach the subjects of instruction. If this competency is not demonstrated, then you can enlist the support from a certified teacher in order to meet the requirement.
What Kind of Reporting Is Required for Tennessee Home-Schoolers?
Home-schoolers in Tennessee are legally required to submit an annual report to the local school district which contains the following information: -The student’s name, date of birth, address, and date of admission; -A description of the educational objectives planned for the student to achieve during the current year; -The curriculum choice and any texts or instructional materials; -The student’s academic progress, with specific indications of the work completed and the grade level at which it is consistent; -A list of tests taken during the past year and the results of those tests; and -A portfolio review, which includes samples of student work and a narrative report of progress.
What Are the Criteria for Evaluating Student Progress?
The criteria for evaluating student progress in a Tennessee home school program is based upon the Tennessee Academic Standards. These standards are used to guide instruction and must be used to measure a student’s yearly progress.
A portfolio which includes samples of the student’s work, written evaluation tests, and other evidence of the student’s progress are also important criteria used by the review team in evaluating the student’s progress.
Are Outside Testing and Evaluation Required for Home Schoolers in TN?
Yes, outside testing is required for homeschoolers in Tennessee. Home-schooled students must take a nationally recognized standardized test in the subjects of reading, language arts, math, science and social studies annually. Also, the local school district can select a teacher or outside agent to evaluate the home education program.
This evaluation will help ensure that the student is receiving an appropriate level of education in accordance with state and local laws and regulations.
Are Field Trips Part of a Home School Program in TN?
Yes, field trips can be part of a home school program in Tennessee. Field trips are a great way for a student to learn more about what is being taught in the classroom. Field trips are also a great way to stimulate a student’s interest in a particular subject.
Parents should always get permission from the local school district before taking a student on a field trip. The district may have additional requirements or guidelines that must be followed.
Additionally, parents should check with the organization or site that they will be visiting to ensure that all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines are followed.
What are the Requirements for Updating Homeschool Records?
It is important to keep up with the records of a home-schooled student in Tennesee. The portfolio must contain student records that include attendance and performance records. Tennessee law also requires that each portfolio contains samples of the student’s work, written evaluation tests, and other evaluations of the student’s progress.
The portfolio should also include narrative reports from the parent regarding the child’s progress in the program, signed and dated by the parent. The parent must also document the amount of instructional time given to the student based on the state’s definition of “time-on-task.
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Are Homeschoolers Eligible for Post-secondary Education?
Yes, Tennessee home-schoolers are eligible to attend post-secondary education programs. The state has specific criteria that must be met in order to enroll in these programs.
In order to be eligible for admission to a college or university, home-schooled students must meet the requirements of the particular institution at which they are applying. This includes a prescribed amount of coursework in specific subject areas, as well as a prescribed test score. The institution will also take into account a portfolio of the student’s work.
Are Transcripts Required for Homeschoolers?
Yes, Tennessee homeschoolers are required to maintain transcripts for college applications and other post-secondary opportunities. The transcript must include grades earned, course titles, credits earned in each course, and a cumulative grade point average (GPA). The transcript should also include a listing of standardized tests taken and the results of those tests.
Are Home-Schooled Students Eligible for Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, Tennessee home-schooled students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. In order to be eligible, students must register with the local school district, notify the athletic participation association, and submit the completed application which includes information such as medical and insurance forms.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Tennessee requires meeting certain criteria on the part of the parent. These criteria include legal requirements, parent qualifications, reporting and evaluation requirements, as well as eligibility for post-secondary education and extracurricular activities.
For those parents who meet these criteria and wish to homeschool, Tennessee offers rewarding opportunities for both the parent and the child. By selecting the right resources and remaining in compliance with all state laws, homeschooling in Tennessee can be an enriching and enjoyable experience.