When a student reaches the age of eighteen, deciding to pursue a homeschool education, questions often arise and confusion persists about who is responsible for filling out the required paperwork. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the process for completing homeschool paperwork in the state of Texas, including who may sign the paperwork and the exact documentation required for a successful homeschool education.
What is Homeschooling in Texas?
Homeschooling is the process of providing educational instruction in the home, which can be done through self-teaching or with the help of a parent or tutor. Homeschooling is allowed in the state of Texas and regulated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA provides the legal guidelines and the necessary forms to establish and maintain a homeschool.
Who May Sign Up for Homeschooling in Texas?
In Texas, homeschooling is open to any child between the ages of five and eighteen. Additionally, anyone who is 18 years of age or older can sign up for a homeschool if they so choose, as long as they meet the academic requirements of their program. The person signing up for a homeschool in Texas must be a parent, legal guardian, or someone with legal authority over the student, such as a court-appointed conservator or a parent of an emancipated student.
What Paperwork is Needed to Establish a Homeschool in Texas?
The TEA requires that a letter of intent to operate a homeschool be submitted before the school year can begin. This letter must be signed by the parent or legal guardian, include the full name and residential address of the student, and state the name of the proposed homeschool and the initial date of the school year.
Additionally, the student’s immunization records must be submitted with the letter. These records can be obtained from the student’s previous school or from an official document acquired through a health care provider. A curriculum must also be submitted with the paperwork.
This is an outline of the courses and activities that the student will be focusing on during the homeschool year. The curriculum should include the academic subjects that the student will be studying and the books or resources that will be used. The TEA recommends that all courses adhere to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for their respective grade level and subject.
Finally, the TEA requires that annual evaluations be submitted at the end of each school year. This can be done in the form of standardized tests, portfolios, and/or oral presentations.
For students in grades 8-12, evaluations must include a Grade Placement Committee (GPC) review.
Who Signs the Homeschool Paperwork in Texas?
Texas requires that the homeschool paperwork (Letter of Intent and curriculum) must be completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian. If a student is 18 or older, they can sign the documents themselves if they have legal authority to do so.
Does a Teaching Certificate or Degree Require Additional Paperwork?
If the parent or legal guardian of the student has a teaching certificate or degree, they will need to submit additional paperwork to the TEA to be approved to teach their student at home. This paperwork needs to be completed online and will usually require professional references as well as background checks.
Are Third-Party Providers Allowed to Issue Homeschool Paperwork in Texas?
A third-party provider, such as a private school, can provide the necessary paperwork to enroll a student in a homeschool program in Texas. A third-party can also provide any additional services, such as assigning coursework and grading assessments, as long as these activities are still overseen by the parent or legal guardian.
Are Colleges Allowed to Issue Homeschool Paperwork in Texas?
Colleges are not typically allowed to issue homeschool paperwork in Texas; however, they may be able to provide the student with a diploma or certificate upon completion of a homeschool program if it meets the college’s requirements.
Are Dual Enrollment Programs Available to Homeschoolers in Texas?
The state of Texas does offer dual enrollment for homeschoolers, which allows them to take college credit-bearing courses through accredited colleges and universities. To take advantage of these programs, homeschoolers must meet the qualifications set forth by their college or university of choice.
Are Exams Required for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Homeschoolers in Texas are required to maintain an assessment regimen that includes periodic evaluations, standardized tests, and other assessments throughout the year. These tests are designed to measure the student’s progress in order to ensure they are meeting the academic standards of their program.
Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities in Texas?
Homeschoolers are allowed to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, through their local public and private schools. Some activities may require additional paperwork or a waiver in order to participate.
Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in State-Administered Assessments in Texas?
Homeschoolers in Texas are allowed to participate in the state-administered STAAR exams, which assess basic academic skills. These tests are necessary for some students to earn their diploma.
Are Homeschoolers Required to Participate in State-Administered Assessments in Texas?
Homeschoolers in Texas are not required to take the state-administered STAAR tests; however, if their program includes college preparatory courses, they will need to take the appropriate tests to demonstrate their academic proficiency.
Are Homeschoolers Required to Submit Transcripts in Texas?
Homeschoolers in Texas are not required to submit transcripts; however, they may need to provide transcripts or documents that demonstrate their academic progress if they intend to apply to college or transfer to another homeschool program.
Conclusion
Completing homeschool paperwork in Texas can be a daunting and confusing task; however, with the right information, it is possible to navigate the process with ease. When a student turns eighteen and is considering pursuing a homeschool program in the state of Texas, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for completing the necessary paperwork and submitting it to the Texas Education Agency. The family should also be prepared to submit immunization records, a curriculum, and evaluations at the end of the school year.
For those planning to apply for a teaching certificate or degree, additional forms may be required. Lastly, homeschoolers have the opportunity to participate in dual-enrollment programs, extracurricular activities, and state-administered tests.