The decision to homeschool your child is one that should not be taken lightly. Not only does it involve a significant amount of commitment from parents, but there are also a number of regulatory requirements that must be fulfilled in order to legally homeschool in the state of Michigan.
Understanding all the necessary steps that must be taken before, during, and after commencement of homeschooling will help ensure a smooth transition into the world of homeschooling your child. This guide will help you discover who you will need to notify if you wish to homeschool in Michigan, and what paperwork needs to be submitted to the state.
Do I Have to Notify Someone When I Start Homeschooling in Michigan?
Yes, if you decide to homeschool your child, the state of Michigan requires that you notify your local public school district of your decision. Your letter of intent to homeschool must contain the following information: Your name and address,
Your child’s name, birthdate, and address, Name of the school that you are withdrawing your child from,
A statement specifying that you will be homeschooling and Date of your statement. In addition to notifying the local school district, you are also required to submit to the state an affidavit that’s been notarized.
This affidavit needs to contain the same information as the letter of intent and must also provide proof that you reside in the State of Michigan.
What Else Do I Need to Do?
Once the letter and affidavit are received by the school, the district has 10 days to respond to the state with authorization for your homeschool program. The school cannot deny your request to homeschool; however, the district superintendent has the authority to review your program for adherence to the state’s regulations in regards to the educational requirements and standards for homeschooling.
In addition to notifying the school district, you must also provide evidence that your homeschool program meets the state’s regulations and requirements with respect to content and course of study. You will need to develop a curriculum plan which outlines the courses, objectives, and any material that you plan to use to teach each subject. You should be prepared to present this curriculum plan at any time, and it should include the following information:
Names and ages of family members who are being homeschooled, Review/overview of the planned curriculum, Any assessments that you plan to use,
How often you plan to evaluate your child’s progress, and Names of any outside subject matter experts, if applicable.
Are There Any Specific Criteria for Choosing Curriculum?
When selecting a curriculum, you should be mindful to adhere to the Michigan compulsory attendance law which states that students must be provided an “educational level of instruction equal to that provided by the public schools. ” This means that your chosen curriculum should meet the standards that are set by the state. Additionally, the State of Michigan will require you to offer instruction in the following subjects: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Personal Health, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.
It is important to note that the way instructional materials or books used for each subject is not prescribed by the school district, so you are free to choose whatever materials are most suitable for you and your child. You may decide to use a textbook; however, you can also draw lesson plans from online websites, YouTube videos, or any other educational resource.
Do I Need to Keep Any Records?
Yes, in addition to providing evidence of the curriculum you plan to use, you will also need to submit to the school district an annual statement that details the scope and content of your child’s homeschool program for that school year. This statement should include the following information:
Student names and dates of birth, Names of the parent/guardian, Type of curriculum and books used,
Grade levels, Subjects taught,
Periods of instruction, and Any required documents related to evaluations and/or assessment tests. You are also required to keep attendance records for each day of instruction and submit them to the school district twice a year.
Lastly, you must also keep records of any outside help you may have obtained such as tutors, mentors, or workshops attended.
Do I Need to Administer an Assessment Test?
Yes. Michigan requires that families homeschooling in the state provide some type of assessment test to the school district. The specific assessment test and frequency of tests should be outlined in your homeschool program plan.
You are allowed to choose any approved test, or you can administer a test created by the parent/guardian. Tests are usually administered in the spring and must be given to children ages 6-1
You will need to keep records of your child’s results from the assessment tests which will then be submitted to the school district along with their annual statement of instruction.
What Happens After I Submit the Required Documentation and Records?
Once the required documents and records have been submitted to the school district, you will receive notice either via mail, email, or fax confirming receipt of the submitted materials. The school district is required to maintain all documents for a minimum of 3 years from the date of receipt.
What Are My Rights as a Homeschool Parent?
As a homeschool parent, you have certain rights and responsibilities which must be upheld. You have the right to not be discriminated against by the public school district and the right to use any curriculum of your choice.
You have the right to have a flexible schedule and the right to be exempted from paying school taxes. In terms of responsibilities, you are responsible for providing a suitable learning environment for your child and for obtaining any necessary materials or resources. You are also responsible for developing an appropriate curriculum and ensuring that all required documents and records are submitted to the school district.
Lastly, you are required to adhere to all laws and regulations governing homeschooling in the state.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Michigan is a tremendous opportunity for both parents and students, but one that requires careful consideration of all the legal and regulatory requirements. While researching and understanding the necessary paperwork and documentation can seem daunting, it shouldn’t dissuade parents from homeschooling their children.
Informed parents are better prepared to succeed in the world of homeschooling, and the state of Michigan is here to provide the necessary support and assistance. By understanding who needs to be notified and what paperwork needs to be filed upon starting homeschooling in the state and beyond, parents can gain invaluable peace of mind through knowing that their homeschooling plans are in accordance with state regulations and are in the best interest of their child.