{Day 8} What Laws Must Homeschoolers Follow?
{For an overview of all 31 Days of Homeschooling click HERE.}
Homeschooling may be the most effective schooling option to date, but behind the scenes exist a set of laws governing what homeschoolers may or may not do. Though these laws allow a great deal of flexibility and freedom of choice, it is still important for families contemplating homeschooling to know exactly what will be expected of them before starting.
In my work as a homeschool coach and counselor, I meet a good number of people who do not even realize these laws exist. Of those who do, some have difficulty interpreting the finer details of this legislation, or are surprised when they learn exactly what the duties and responsibilities of homeschoolers truly are. As laws change, homeschool regulations sometimes change, too. Therefore, it is important for homeschoolers to know where to find local laws, and to read them once in a while to be sure nothing has changed.
In the United States, individual states are governed by their own set of laws. One state may require annual testing for homeschoolers, while others might not. Some states may require parents to file a set of lesson plans at the start of every year, while others do not. The rules of homeschooling in an area will loosely determine the kinds of schooling activities that are possible in the area anyway, so it behooves parents to learn their laws and how to apply them, both to maximize experiences for their children, and to avoid complications if something important is forgotten.
Fortunately, there are many reliable sources of homeschooling legal information. These include legal web sites, designed to point to state laws themselves, and also to interpret the laws to make them easier for ordinary families to understand. Other useful information can come from state-run support groups, designed to educate families on how to homeschool in particular states or regions. Some of these web sites require a membership fee, used to cover representation for those who need it in times of legal dispute. Others offer free information for the taking.
Helpful web sites to obtain legal information include:
National Home Education Legal Defense
A to Z Homes Cool Homeschool Laws Regional and World-Wide
National Center for Life and Liberty and Christian Law Association
Homeschool Legal Defense Organization
List of homeschool support groups by state (ABOUT)
List of statewide groups (Homeschool World)
Support groups by state (Home Ed Directory)
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of speaking to other families who have already been homeschooling in an area for a long time. Seasoned homeschoolers can frequently offer a different look at state laws by explaining in everyday language exactly what the laws mean for real families. Homeschool veterans can also offer valuable insights as to the local interpretations of state laws, or anything peculiar that takes place in certain areas, proving very helpful to new families who are just starting out.
Do you need information or support? I offer a program to help homeschoolers “Get Started Right & Keep Going Strong”. Visit THIS PAGE to learn how I can help you. Or, pick up a copy of THIS BOOK to learn exactly how to find the information you need more.
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