This doesn't sound right to me but what do I know? I am new at this! I called the school to ask about a question I had on the forms to send in. I was told as a homeschool parent, I am required to find the answers to my questions. It isn't up to the district to tell me MN law for reporting. Not in a rude way, just informational. My question is where do homeschool families find out. I can look up MN law but I am not clear on some requirements. I don't want to pay MACHE is it? Is that what I have to do to get answers? I would rather spend my money on actual homeschooling and field trips. One question I have is about the yearly testing. I am not a licensed teacher. So do I find a licensed teacher to come to our home or do I take my daughter to the school for testing or ?
I would look on HSLDA but I would also make a point to seek out a support group leader who will help you. That's what we support group leaders do and while I can't speak for anyone else. . .I used to get so many calls that I actually set up a website with FAQs explaining NYS law. . .chances are good that someone there has done similar. Start at HSLDA though bc they have links to groups too.
If MACHE is the state homeschool association, I would suggest you join. They are wonderful as far as keeping abreast of the laws, etc. They will tell you of any pending legislation or action to prevent more restrictive laws. And yes, HSLDA is the place to ask about the laws.
You probably already have, but have you been to this site yet? It is the other organization besides MACHE. (I am not in MN, I was just curious about your question. ) They do have some sample letters/forms on this site. I know my state has a similar stance about politely NOT providing info, but we have an excellent HS organization here that explains everything AND our laws are very easy to understand and comply with. It looks like you are able to HS as a parent, right? It seems like you have to do testing, but you don't have to submit it, right? (Who thought of that??!) Anyway, hope you find your answers. http://www.homeschoolers.org/minnesota_law_and_forms
I'm sorry, but I think it's the RESPONSIBILITY of the school district to answer questions about homeschooling of this nature in an honest, factual manner. If they're the ones we report to, then they should be able to tell us HOW to do so!
I totally agree with ya, Jackie! However, our state board of ed's website STILL has not been updated to reflect the new laws that went into effect in July. BUT the HSing website for our state is a great source of FREE info. Of course, this was the organization that put together the legislation for the new HS laws. I was actually pretty irritated tho when I called to find out about sending my paperwork in. First, they would not accept it until August, then it had to dropped off in person (not mailed), and when I went to drop it off a couple of days before the school year started they were closed. So, not so helpful at all! I'm still waiting to get a confirmation in the mail for this. I have no doubt it is not beneficial for them to have HSers in their district, but fortunately I know the law also. I probably could have fought them on the drop-off vs. mail and I still might IF I don't get my confirmation letter soon.
Sports, Fellow MN hser here! If you go to the MACHE website (you don't have to be a member to access it), they have the "intent to homeschool" form. You can print it out. DO NOT fill out any forms that the local school asks for. More often than not, they want more info than legally required. We are fighting that right now in our school district. The intent form needs to be turned in Oct. 1st. Some testing companies allow you to give the test yourself in your home, but they are few and far between. For our daughter, she had attended a private Christian school a few years back and they are willing to test her with the rest of the school next spring. That way she'll also get to spend a week with her old friends (we moved a year ago). I will pay the school for the cost of the test and probably do some volunteering that week to help out. I'd try not to have the testing done at the public school as then they have access to your child's scores. Although MN law says we have to test our child, we do not have to report the scores to anybody. It's always made me wonder, than, how do they know if we even test? If you have any other questions or would like to speak privately, pm me and I'll give you a call. Hope this helps. By the way, where in MN are you?
St Loius County MN Yes I thought it was odd as well!! We have to test yearly but we don't have to turn in the results?? When I spoke to them today, I was told they do not test children until 3rd grade. Yes I did print out that form and mailed it in today. I was not sure what calender they wanted and wanted to make sure before submitting the info. I do have another question that you can probably help with if you don't mind! I will PM you. I am new at this and want to make sure I meet requirements. My daughter is doing well homeschooling so that is not an issue at all! Just the legalities that I am nervous about! Want to meet all requirements!
