New York Homeschooling Laws: Understanding the Regulations
A Step-by-Step Guide to Homeschooling Legally in New York
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Homeschooling is a growing trend in the United States, and New York State is no exception. There are a number of legal guidelines that homeschoolers must follow in order to ensure that their children are receiving a quality education.
Overview
The New York State Education Law requires that all children between the ages of 6 and 16 receive an education. This can be done through public schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Homeschoolers must submit a written statement of intent to the district superintendent of the school district in which they reside. This statement must include the following information:
The name and address of the child
The grade level the child is enrolled in
The names and addresses of the parents or guardians
A description of the curriculum that will be used
A statement that the parents or guardians will ensure that the child receives at least 180 days of instruction per year
Homeschoolers must also maintain records of their child's attendance and progress. These records must be kept for at least six years.
Curriculum and Instruction
There are no specific requirements for the curriculum that homeschoolers must use in New York State. However, the curriculum must be "substantially equivalent" to the curriculum used in public schools. This means that the curriculum must cover all of the same subjects, such as math, science, reading, and writing.
Homeschoolers are also not required to follow a specific instructional method. However, the instruction must be "competent, systematic, and regular." This means that the instruction must be appropriate for the child's age and grade level, and it must be taught on a regular basis.
Testing
Homeschoolers in New York State are not required to take standardized tests. However, they are encouraged to do so in order to assess their child's progress.
Assessment
Homeschoolers in New York State must submit a portfolio of their child's work to the district superintendent every year. This portfolio should include samples of the child's work in all subjects, as well as a report on the child's progress.
Conclusion
The legal guidelines for homeschooling in New York State are relatively straightforward. Homeschoolers must submit a statement of intent, maintain records, use a substantially equivalent curriculum, and provide competent, systematic, and regular instruction. They are also encouraged to assess their child's progress through standardized tests and portfolios.
Additional Resources
New York State Education Department: Homeschooling
Homeschooling Legal Manual: New York
National Home Education Research Institute: New York
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