How to Meet Educational Standards for Homeschooling

Thanks to the work of many organizations and individuals, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Each state sets its own regulations, which range from very lax to somewhat troublesome. It is important to meet your state's mimimum requirements, and, fortunately, excellent resources are available to help you navigate the law.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Homeschool Publications
• Internet Access
• Library Cards
• Personal Organizers
• Computers
• Educational Software

1. Start with a local homeschool support group, inclusive state association or statewide e-mail discussion list - all of which can be found at the National Home Education Network. Experienced homeschoolers in your area can offer their experience in dealing with state and district level education officials and can assist you in developing whatever documentation is required.

2. Keep records if your state requires. Pay attention to any filing dates and submit paperwork promptly. Remember to submit only the information required by your state law.

3. Create a portfolio of projects, which can be something meaningful to do with your child to acknowledge her best work and show her how much she has learned. A portfolio will also provide evidence of progress at the end-of-year review if your state requires one.

4. Provide the local school division with only the items required by law. Submitting more than the law requires has proven to bring tighter restrictions on homeschoolers. To personally track your child's progress through standardized testing, you may use a CD-ROM program or purchase the CAT test for a reasonable fee. Results from these tests are private unless the parent chooses to submit them as proof of progress under state law.

5. Know your rights. If you feel that state or district personnel are asking for more than the law requires, cite the homeschooling law, and politely ask the person to show you where, in the law, it says you must provide what they ask. Also, contact your local support group, inclusive state association, state discussion list or other homeschoolers in your area to learn what strategies and resources they have used effectively in similar situations.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states require annual "proof of progress" or periodic testing. Regulations vary, so refer to your state law.

• Your state may offer to test children at no charge, test for a fee, require that children be tested independently, or expect parents to test at home. Acceptable tests can vary by state or county. Check your state law and ask questions of your local group or network.