How can I start the process of homeschooling my child?

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For various reasons, many people decide to start homeschooling their children. They may make the decision before their child is age ready to start school or they may decide to start anytime during their child's education.

After you have decided that you as a parent are ready to homeschool, in most cases you will need to file a letter of intent to your county's superintendent. This can come as just a printout letter stating that your child is going to begin being homeschooled by his parent.

Most states give you approximately three options. One is to homeschool as a parent, under no institutional guidance. Another is to have a certified teacher private tutor your child for the required days of school. The third may be to register with a satellite school that oversees the instruction of your student using its curriculum.

Each of these may require different prerequisites in order to comply with the laws such as parent educational qualifications,teacher certification,satellite school credentials etc. However, most parents choose to file independently and in some states may be required to have qualifications such as a high school diploma or college credits.

Keep in mind that the majority of the process is after you notify your county of homeschooling. It involves keeping adequate records and progress reports, completing standardized testing and/or evaluations.

Keeping a homeschool profolio: Ideas and Guides

With a quick review of your state's homeschooling laws, you will most likely find out that reporting to your local superintendent goes beyond just sending your child's name and address. In addition to sending your info, most states will require you to submit a collection of all the work you have been doing with your child, otherwise known as a portfolio.

This collection will include things like:

• Progress reports for each subject
• Copies of tests and quizzes with grades
• Attendance sheets listing what was done on each day
• Writing assignments such as essays and poems that show your child's writing ability.
• Standardized test prep scores
• Projects that students have completed throughout the year
• Textbooks and other teaching material used to instruct students

Keep in mind, porfolios are used as evidence that you are keeping the laws such as attendance requirements, subject requirements, curriculum requirements, grade level requirements. If your state requires standardized test taking, your evaluator may also use your portfolio to advise you on whether your student is being properly prepped for the exam.

Knowing your state's laws will give you a better idea of what should be included in your portfolio. If your state requires a certain amount of days for homeschooling instruction, developing an attendance log will most likely be included. If your state requires certain subjects to be taught, you should include graded material on each of the required subjects. Your portfolio is proof that you are keeping the laws.

When in doubt, include everything. Nothing will seem trivial to your evaluator and you will want to present all the proof possible to show that you are adequately teaching your child and that he is progressing.

State By State Homeschooling Laws : HSLDA

Before starting your homeschool journey, you will need to comply with state laws regarding homeschooling. When seeking advice, it's best to call your state's Department of Education or your local county superintendent. However, HLSDA offers a good state by state guide to the laws based on state statutes.


For more information go to: http://www.hslda.org/laws/