Contrary to popular belief, it is perfectly legal to take your children out of public school and to teach them at home. However, there are some laws directed toward homeschooling and you should understand these before you begin teaching your children at home. The Constitution does not discuss education, so it has no real impact on rules governing educational services.
The Department of Education does that. It's vital to understand that there are different educational laws for each state. You'll find that the different laws and practices vary widely from state to state.
If you are trying to set up a Texas homeschool, for example, the laws are considerably relaxed. Parents just need to make sure that they establish and operate their homeschool as if it were a private school. When you homeschool in Texas, you are expected to teach your child to be a good citizen who can read, write, spell, and do math.
You don't need to get a degree, you don't need to keep records, there are no attendance requirements, and there are no tests your child has to take. Even though homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, some states are easy-going like creating a Texas homeschool, while others are stricter. Some states demand state approval of your child's curriculum and submission of student achievement test scores. Sometimes home visits are even required. In severe cases, one parent must be a certified teacher. There have been a lot of efforts to undermine homeschooling over the last few decades.
Plenty of parents are afraid that homeschooling will be made illegal in the not-too-distant future. Looking at the history of homeschooling law, it is unlikely that this will happen as the courts continue to be in favor of homeschooling. If you are afforded the ease of a Texas homeschool, you will want to become informed about all of the legal aspects of homeschooling in your state. The Home School Legal Defense Association, founded in 1983, is the only source of homeschooling legal rights. This association also fights many battles in behalf of parents who choose to homeschool their children. If you are thinking about homeschooling your children, don't be overwhelmed or intimidated by your legal position.
It is essential for you to learn what these laws are and how they would affect your desire to teach your child at home.
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