Introduction – What is Home Schooling?
Home schooling is an increasingly popular choice for many families across Texas and the United States as a whole. It is a way for parents to provide their children with an education of their own choosing, allowing them to tailor their kids’ education to their unique wants and needs. It also enables families to receive financial aid, in some cases, through various scholarships.
Moreover, it can provide a more relaxed learning environment, providing the opportunity for the student to explore their passions and dive deeper into individual areas of interest. With all these advantages, it can be a great option for families facing issues like truancy; parents may be able to use homeschooling as a tool to help their children.
What is Truancy?
Truancy is the absence of a student attending classes or participating in school-related activities without permission. A student can be defined as truant if they have only been absent once in the school year or if they have three unexcused absences in a month. Truancy can be a result of any one of a variety of factors.
These can be anything from avoiding physical or psychological abuse to personal family issues, such as divorce or death. More often than not, the causes of truancy are multi-faceted and complex.
What does the Law Say?
In Texas, parents can legally remove their child from school and homeschool them as long as they follow the applicable laws and regulations. In accordance with the Texas Education Code, parents are required to submit a ‘notice of intent’ to the school their child will be pulled from before the beginning of their homeschooling journey.
An official notice needs to be submitted which states that they intended to teach their child using an approved or accredited curricula of their own choice.
What do I Need to do to Start Homeschooling?
The first thing you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws of your state. In Texas, you are required to register with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) before you begin the homeschooling process. This should be done before you withdraw your child from their current school.
The TEA website offers a wealth of information on what you need to do to homeschool your child, including sample forms, tips and guidelines, curricula listings and more.
What Curriculum is Right for Our Child?
Choosing the right homeschooling curriculum is key to your child’s successful transition from the traditional classroom to homeschooling. It is important to select a curriculum that matches your child’s individual needs, strengths and interests.
For instance, if your child enjoys science, you may want to select a more science-based curriculum such as Abeka homeschool curriculum. If on the other hand, your child is leaning toward an artistic or engineering career, it may be best to choose a mathematics-based curriculum like Math U See.
What Teachers or Teaching Services Can We Use?
In Texas, you have many options when it comes to choosing teachers or teaching services. Some families choose to hire a tutor to supplement the homeschooling process, while others take advantage of online services like Connections Academy or Homeschool Connection.
You can also choose to use a combination of both, with the tutor providing personalized instruction and the online service providing a more independent and autonomous learning experience.
What Resources are Available?
Just like when selecting a curriculum, parents need to be aware of the resources available to them. In Texas, there are a variety of both public and private resources that can aid homeschooling families.
These can range from local libraries and museums to online resources and even virtual classes. You must do your research to ensure that the resources are appropriate and helpful to your child.
What Networking Opportunities Exist?
In addition to resources, parents need to consider the networking opportunities available to them as well. With the advent of the internet and social media, parents can now network with other homeschooling families, sharing advice, experiences and even classes.
For instance, the Texas Home School Coalition offers a variety of online classes, workshops and resources to assist the homeschooling family.
What to do if You Run Into Problems?
It is important to be aware of the various regulations and guidelines that apply when it comes to homeschooling. The Texas Education Agency publishes an informational pamphlet each year that covers the basics and should be reviewed periodically.
Furthermore, if you run into any problems during the homeschooling process, it is essential to contact either the TEA or a local homeschool association that can provide you with assistance and understanding.
What About College Admissions?
Many homeschooling families worry about their child’s college admissions prospects. But this worry is unfounded as most colleges accept homeschoolers.
In fact, some colleges, like Harvard, have been increasing their acceptance of homeschoolers over the past several years. In order to ensure admission, parents need to make sure their child is following an appropriate course of study and is aware of any entrance exam requirements.
What if Our Child Needs Special Needs Accommodations?
If your child has special needs and you are homeschooling, there are various accommodations that may be available. Texas has a number of organizations and services that you can contact for assistance. For instance, The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) provides training and support for homeschooling special needs students as well as resources for parents.
What Support is Available for High Schoolers?
Parents of high schoolers may need to look for additional resources and networks. The Texas Home School Coalition helps provide support and networking to homeschool families of all levels, including high schoolers. There they can find assistance with transcripts, standardized testing and more.
What Testing Can We Do Yearly?
In order to track the progress of their child, parents need to conduct standardized tests. These tests can include the state-mandated STAAR test, ACT or SAT and/or individualized exams. These tests must be properly administered and reported in order to show the academic progress of your child over time.
What Extracurricular Activities are Available?
Extracurricular activities are an important part of a student’s overall educational experience. In Texas, there are plenty of physical, creative, social and educational opportunities for homeschoolers. These can include sports leagues, art classes, 4-H Clubs and many more.
Parents can also look online to find extracurriculars and events that are available in their local area.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be an alternative for families whose children are having troubles in a traditional school setting. It provides parents with control over their child’s education, allowing them to choose the curriculum, teachers, resources and other materials necessary to ensure their child’s academic success. In Texas, homeschooling is allowed as long as the proper forms, paperwork and guidelines are followed.
Parents will need to research the different courses, resources and support networks available in order to ensure that their child is receiving the most comprehensive education possible. With the right resources and dedication, a successful homeschooling career can follow.