7 Steps to Getting Started by Texas Home School Coalition Association

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7 Steps to Getting Started

Common Questions • Is homeschooling legal? • Do I have to notify the district that I am going to homeschool? • Can I withdraw my child anytime during the school year? • What curriculum do I have to use? • Does somebody need to review my child’s work?

7 Steps to Getting Started 1. Join THSC 2. Become familiar with the law 3. Watch orientation videos 4. Find a local homeschool group 5. Research curriculum 6. Withdraw from public school (if enrolled) 7. Begin homeschooling

Step 1: Join THSC

THSC Promotes Homeschooling and Parental Rights Through: • Lobbying the Texas legislature • Communicating with school districts and other public officials • Monitoring court cases • Raising awareness of important issues that impact homeschooling

Joining THSC Association: • Connects your family with other homeschoolers • Allows your voice to be heard in our effort to protect your homeschool freedoms • Empowers us to fight for you

Joining THSC Offers Valuable, Money-Saving Member Benefits! • Free legal assistance and advocacy in Texas (problems related to home education) • Emergency attorney consultation via THSC members-only CPS hotline • FREE adult registration to Called to Teach THSC Conventions • Digital copy of the “Texas Home School Handbook” and “Lone Star Study” • Student and teacher photo ID cards • Online IEP Generator • High school transcript & diploma templates

Membership Benefits (continued): • Featured Convention Audio of the Month (includes past months) • Grade school report card template • Term average template • Discounts from select homeschool providers • Special needs consultant and support • 3 months free + $50 off an annual subscription: SchoolHouseTeachers.com • Access to knowledgeable homeschool staff

Step 2: Become Familiar With the Law

Home Education is Legal THSC defines a homeschooled student as a student who predominantly receives instruction in a general, elementary or secondary education program that is provided by the parent—or a person standing in parental authority—in or through the child’s home [Texas Education Code 29.916 (a)]. The parent or person standing in parental authority might contract with outside sources in order that the student receives additional instruction (for example, a private tutor, co-op class or a college class). However, this source or these sources do not circumvent the parent’s role in determining the overall success or failure of the student.

Texas State Law Requirements To homeschool legally in Texas, you must follow three state law requirements: • The instruction must be bona fide. • The curriculum must be in visual form. • The curriculum must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship.

Step 3: Orientation Videos Find the videos in step 3 below: THSC.org/GettingStarted

Step 4: Find a Local Homeschool Group Benefits of joining a homeschool group: • Build friendships for you and your children • Share encouragement and ideas • Participate in activities such as field trips, sporting events, play groups, etc. • Attend co-op classes to help share and expand the learning opportunities • And more.

Step 5: Research Curriculum By Texas state law, homeschool parents are responsible for choosing and pursuing in a bona fide manner a curriculum that covers the basics of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship.

Curriculum • Wide variety of curriculum available • THSC does not endorse curriculum providers or types of curriculum • Parent responsible to pursue the curriculum in a bona fide manner • Keep a record of work completed • Curriculum is not “accredited” • Schools and programs can be accredited • Accredited correspondence schools may be available where teachers give assignments and grade work.

Step 6: Withdraw from Public School You are not legally required to register with your local school district or receive their permission to homeschool, but you must withdraw your child(ren) from public school if they are already enrolled.

The date that you will begin homeschooling is now required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in order to withdraw a child from public school. It is important to make certain that students are withdrawn before homeschooling begins and that homeschooling begins as soon as the student is withdrawn in order to avoid schools counting the student absent prior to withdrawal and potentially filing truancy charges.

Process of Withdrawal Withdraw by Email (preferred method): • Send to principal, counselor and attendance clerk of the school (and to anyone else from the school with whom you have had contact) • Send a copy to disenroll@thsc.org • If part of local homeschool support group, send copy to leader • Email the letter one day; keep child home next day • Begin homeschooling.

Withdraw by Letter Note: In some cases, school districts have not opened certified letters, and they have been returned unopened to sender.

• Write to principal of the school, explaining you will teach your child(ren) at home • Print three or four copies • Print the Commissioner of Education’s letter; include in envelope with withdrawal letter • Mail a signed copy; request Certified Mail Receipt; retain proof of delivery.

Withdraw by Letter (continued)

• Keep second copy with post office receipts for your records • Mail the letter one day, keep child home next day; begin homeschooling • Send third copy to THSC (THSC, P.O. Box 6747, Lubbock, TX 79493). • If part of local homeschool support group, send 4 th copy to leader

Letter of Assurance Instructions If the school subsequently contacts you and says you must do more (e.g., come to the school office, fill out a form), do not go to the school.

Instead, respond by email or mail with a letter of assurance. The TEA has instructed school districts that such letters meet the guidelines of cooperation in compliance with compulsory attendance laws.

Step 7: Begin Homeschooling!

Now All You Have to Do is Begin! A few things to remember: • Enjoy your students and the opportunity to homeschool. • Be flexible. If something is not working, be willing to try something new. • Keep realistic expectations. Comparison to the public school system or other homeschoolers will leave you frustrated. Set educational goals that fit the needs of your children. • Know you are not alone. Staying connected with other homeschoolers will provide information, support, and encouragement during difficult times.

THSC.org/KeepInformed