Hi from Fort Worth, I have a 16yo dd, 15yo ds, 13yo ds, we are considering hs for our 16 yo. Am hesitant about regs, laws, credits in Texas. Virtual online schools want loads of money,(not accessable due to one income) dd is determined. How do I get started and how to I get past this feeling of hesitancy? Robin
Well you are in luck on the part about Texas regulations and such. The Texas laws are VERY lenient! One of my good friends HSs in Texas and all she has to do is tell anyone who asks that they cover all the required subjects of Reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship with a written curriculum. There are no forms to fill out specifically for Homeschooling. I think there might be something that you have to do to notify the school you are removing the kids from. (my Friends kids never attended a public school at all.) Check out http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=TX It's normal to feel a little hesitant when you are first starting out... it's something new after all. IS there something in particuular that worries you?So many people here have good ideas I'm sure we can help sort out whatever it is.
hesitant Not sure I will give her the best she deserves, what about peer interactions, transcripts upon graduating, who keeps track of her credits for the state, getting a diploma, prom? All these come into consideration Robin
Do you think she is getting the best at public school? If so why consider hs? At 16 IMO she has gotten lots of the social stuff that Public has to offer and her determination should be good for homeschooling. She probably has plenty of friends around school and she can still do stuff with them outside of school. Homeschooling dosn't mean isolation.. it just means joining in the real world .. where ages and views are mixed and instead of bing segregated. I noticed in that link I gave you (the pdf part) that Texas colleges are required to accept HSers on equal footing with Public School kids... so I would say you are safe to issue a diploma when she completes all that you feel she needs to have graduated. I know that for college you will need to prepare a transcript of some sort.. I'm not to the highschool stage yet so someone else can probably help better about that. They need a transcript or a portfolio so that they can ealuate if the student is ready for college. I have read that many largers Cities hold a homeschool Prom you could check to see if there is one near you. I found this: also check http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/102303.htm
I am not sure about there, but our Christian Book Store carrys a highschool thing that holds records and maltriculates the gpa and everything, its like a file folder that you keep the record of thier grades and all that in. I will be using one next year. WOW I am going to check out that Christianhomeschoolprom.org too! COOL! My dd will be doing some 9th grade work next year so I guess I have to be thinking on highschool too. My dh decided last night that she would do history and Lang arts 9th grade next year, and Science too, I tested her this morning too, she will be able to handle it by next fall for those two additional grades whew! :!:
Hi Robin and Welcome. I am not at the high school age yet, either, but I think if you do an online search on keeping records you will find different ideas. I am sure that there are "kits" you can buy to keep the right records that your state requires. Good luck!
Hey there, Welcome! Realy helpful group, here! I'm crazy jen. My kids are little, 3, 5 and 5. And I am ALSO in TEXAS! YEE HAAAWWW!!! We are down in Houston, but still in Texas! We have nearly NO Homeschool restrictions, in Texas, because of a STRONG Homeschool Lobby! Yea! I do keep a journal and records and nearly very scrap of paper. But this is because I know that things can change and so can laws and I would like to have that back up. Anyway, welcome! Crazy Jen
Well, seeing as im a 16 year old Homeschooled Student i might be able to help you in a way. Im currently using Switched on Schoolhouse (SOS) which is a Christian Based computer program. You do not have to pay any fees online, just a simple base price i believe, of $299.99 for a years worth of curriculum. Teenagers these days love the computer and the internet. Well, at least i do. I think it is a very good program for an age group of 12-18. You can even find used versions of SOS on Ebay for much cheaper. They also have electives that you can purchase also. I also noticed that you where worried about keeping track of grades and stuff like that. Well, the version i have, which is an older one from 2002, keeps track of all my grades. The teacher, whoever it may be, can go in and grade the essay type answers, while the computer will grade the rest. It also have a built in planner that is fully customizable to fit you and your students needs. Heres a link to the SOS website. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, i'll answer to the best of my ability.
hey Brad thanks! My two homeschooling kids will be using SOS this year too. One for whole curric, and one for just math and Science. Do you find the Math is good for you? Just curious as to what I am in for with my dd this fall in 8th grade Math. TeacherMom
Im currently taking another course of geometry for my 10th grade studies. Its not too bad, but i think a subject such as geometry would be better with regular books since it deals with shapes and measurements. I'll be taking consumer and business math next year in substitute for AlgebraII.
