Home Schooling Legalities
Home Schooling exists legally in many other parts
of the world. Countries with the most prevalent home education
movements include the United States, the United Kingdom,
Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Some countries have highly
regulated home education programs which are actually an
extension of the compulsory school system, while others have
outlawed it entirely. In many other countries, while not
restricted by law, home schooling is not socially
acceptable and, therefore, virtually non-existent.
In many countries where home education does not exist
legally, underground movements flourish where children are kept
out of the compulsory school system and educated at, sometimes
considerable, risk. Still, in other countries, while the
practice is illegal, the governments do not have the resources
to police and prosecute offenders and, as such, it takes place
largely in the open
Without a doubt, home schooling is legal in all the 50
States of the U.s. But, that is just about where the similarity
ends. Laws and regulations can vary from state to state.
Interpretations of these laws can vary from school district to
school district. Additionally, these laws may change every
year.
The National Home Education network is a wonderful resource
when it comes to the legalities of home schooling. It has
a listing of the actual state laws for each state in the
U.S. Reading the laws that pertain to your state is perhaps the
best way to get accurate information about these laws. But,
most people need to get the laws interpreted by a qualified
attorney.
You can get valuable information from the support group at
your locality. Additionally, many state education
departments have online resources that will help you in
interpreting the state requirements for home schooling.
The internet is also a good source of information.
It is a good idea to check out your state laws regarding
home schooling before you start educating your child at home.
This will prevent any nasty surprises on the way. If you have
to move, you will need to be aware of any tests or exams
that your child may need to take when you make the move.
Every state has some form of a compulsory attendance law
that requires children in a certain age range to spend a
specific amount of time being educated. The most common way for
parents to meet these requirements is to have their children
attend public school.
Related
Articles:
Education is not
the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a fire.
~ Wiliam Butler
Yeats
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