Texas Homeschool - Homeschooling the Texas Way
Contrary to what many people might try to tell you, it’s quite legal in the United States to take your children out of public school and homeschool them. However, you need to be aware that different states have different laws when it comes to homeschooling. You’ll want to understand them before you get started teaching your child at home.
Education is not covered in the Constitution. The entity that affects the rules governing educational services is the Department of Education.
It’s very important to understand that each state is allowed to create educational laws as its governing body sees fit. You’ll see a wide disparity between laws and practices from state to state.
For example, let’s say you wanted to set up a Texas homeschool: The laws in Texas are very relaxed. Parents just have to make a point of establishing and running their homeschool as though it were a private school.
Texas only requires that you teach your child how to read, write, spell, do math, and be a good citizen. Texas doesn’t require any recordkeeping, no attendance requirements, no special qualifications, and no mandatory tests.
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.
Over the past few decades, there have been many endeavors to discontinue homeschooling. There are many parents who fear the possibility of homeschooling to be illegal in the near future.
Fortunately, the courts continue to rule in favor of homeschooling. The history of homeschooling law gives us reason to be optimistic.
If you live in Texas and can enjoy the easy Texas homeschool requirements, you’ll still want to be informed of all the legal aspects regarding homeschooling in the state.
The Home School Legal Defense Association is the source of legal rights for homeschooling. The association, founded in 1983, fights battles for parents who want to protect the right to homeschool their children.
Don’t let yourself become intimidated or overwhelmed by the legalities if you’re thinking about homeschooling your children. It’s important to learn all about these laws and how they will affect your ability to teach your children at home.
