I have read that it is a requirement of Texas law that a "good citizenship" subject be compulsory teaching in private (ie home) schools. I don't want to get into my political views here, but let me just say that I am skeptical about this one. Does anyone know what this subject is and what it teaches, and perhaps even why it is compulsory?
It's so wide-ranged it's ridiculous. And remember that in TX, they won't even check unless something happens. I know that any of the following "subjects" can count for "citizenship" in Texas: Social Studies (how to read a map, the types of landforms) History (of any time period or geographical place) Science (including but not limited to conservation, ingenuity, research, and design) Religious Studies (anything that teaches "morals" or "values") Even scouting counts!! No worries.
You're very welcome! And, welcome to the board! I've only just now noticed your number of posts. Are you in Texas? A homeschooler, I'm assuming? We'd love to meet you and get to know you! This is a great place for information, discussion, etc etc. Glad to have you!
It would also include government... how our government is set up, the three branches, voting, patriotism. If your child does any service projects, that could also be counted as Citizenship.
Yep! Hadn't thought of that! Or, I guess, in my brain I included it as "social studies" because all of that was included in the text we used as a spine. LOL (It also included things like economics - producers/consumers, sources of energy, trade, etc.) But yes, in TX we have the freedom to choose what we'd like to teach for that subject.
It depends on what grade that you are teaching but...yes all answers are correct. Now the why.... When TX homeschoolers were deemed to be private schools they put the same clause on it that they had on public schools, which have the good citizenship requirement. Why do public schools have this? Because back in the early 1900's the Texas legislators demanded that students learn about their government and how it works. Some think it is because the Texas Constitution adopted in 1876 was still new and many still remembered the difficulties suffered by citizens during the years of reconstruction after the Civil War. Those who have been denied the right to participate in the government of their state or country tend to have a greater degree of appreciation of the precious right of self-government. If you'd like to read more about this you can flip to page 2-21 of the 2007-2008 THSC Handbook. Sigvatr are you still in Australia? Just wondering why TX rules caught your eye.
Hey Sheila, Her intro post says she may be heading to America with her fiancee....guessing that's the interest (in case she doesn't see your post)....she's not actually HSing yet....but was HS'd for several years.
At any rate, non Texan here, but I think it is way important to teach about our government and how it is supposed to work too many people have it figured wrong in this country. I am enjoying learning about the making of this land that I love!
:lol: I assumed that if she was planning on moving to the states, she was seeking out the easiest, free-est ( :shock: ) place to homeschool. That'd be us! LOL
This is great to know, we're going to homeschool next year for the first time with Texas rules and I had just looked up what they were last night. They are so easy! It's great. Do you guys know, do they need to be studying all these subjects every year? Like do they have to do spelling all the way through 12th grade?
Hm, hadn't considered... but I know that public schools here don't teach spelling past the 8th grade. LOL (Though, they DO count off if you misspell things in high school....) And I'm not certain, either, if it's every subject every year or not! I'll have to go do some looking! (For instance, I think "writing" is one, right? And we haven't covered much writing this past year... but, we've done some, so I'm sure we're okay. LOL) And, like I said above - NO ONE CHECKS. Unless someone calls CPS on you for some reason, and then they have reason to actually call you on it, I've NEVER NEVER NEVER heard of anyone who's had to show that they teach each subject. And, if they did, I'd suggest calling HSLDA and/or the Texas equivalent (I forget the name) and finding out the details of what you really need to produce. NO WORRIES. Where in Texas will you be moving? And, welcome to the board!
I'm not sure anyone has the legal right to check because we operate as mini private schools. I know some school districts attempt to get parents in their school district to fill out a form which gives them the legal right to check. However, I don't think you have to legally sign it. I wouldn't, I would have my lawyer check it over first. Maybe CPS has the right but that's probably it.
Thanks for your replies, I know that probably no one will ever check, but I still want to do the right thing, you know?
Yep! I guess my main point is, what is "right" or even "legal" is very 'up in the air' here so to speak, because there is no clarity in the law itself about what the specific guidelines are. I do plan to go and find out, though, if things like spelling are expected to be taught all the way to the top compulsory age.
