What Materials Does The School Need To Offer Homeschooling In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania homeschooling laws outline the legal requirements for homeschooling, including affidavit, portfolio, evaluation, curriculum, diploma, transcripts, and special education. The state requires certain courses and standardized testing for elementary level (grades kindergarten-6) students. School districts provide a form to file for a home education program, and materials such as curricula are required. Pennsylvania also requires a fire safety sheet to be included in portfolios every year.

Homeschoolers are legally required to provide curriculum supplies for mandatory subjects, and school district approval is not required to commence a home education program when all necessary paperwork is completed. Courses of study may include economics, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages.

The Pennsylvania Homeschooling Law, passed in October 2014, outlines the legal requirements for homeschooling, including filing a notarized affidavit with the local school district. All children between the ages of 8 and 16 are required to attend school under Pennsylvania’s compulsory education requirements.

What is required in a homeschool portfolio in Pennsylvania?

A portfolio of records and materials is a crucial tool for home educators to document their student’s progress. It includes a log, samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials, and results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics. The department must establish a list of tests for the supervisor to select if the tests are not chosen. The portfolio may also include results of other subject areas or grade levels.

There are various ways to assemble a portfolio, such as using a three-ring binder with sheet protectors, an envelope, compact disc, folder, or report cover. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate progress to the evaluator, who will write a letter or form letter stating that learning has taken place for the required amount of time. The superintendent uses the evaluator’s letter to determine compliance, so it is essential to select an evaluator who understands your philosophy and method of home education.

It is also wise to choose an evaluator early in the year and ask what they like in a portfolio. Be aware of the law and avoid making extra demands for documentation that go over and above what is required by law.

What is Section 511 of the PA homeschool Law?

Senate Bill 361, signed into law by Governor Rendell on November 10, 2005, grants Home Educators equal access to all extracurricular activities under Section 511 of the PA School Code. The legislation, which had previously been criticized for its amendments, was modified by the PHEA Advisory Board to ensure that it does not conflict with home education law. The new legislation requires school districts to change their existing access policies that conflict with Act 169, the Home Education Law.

For instance, a district requiring a student to take a one credit course at a public school would be in violation. The legislation does not mandate a written policy, but some districts may handle Equal Access on a case-by-case basis, requiring home educators to be aware of their rights within the law’s scope.

What is required to homeschool in PA?

A home education program must begin with a notarized affidavit and attachments from the student’s district superintendent. This documentation is necessary for the program to legally exist. The initial affidavit can be submitted anytime during the school year, but all subsequent affidavits must be submitted by August 1. If a parent wishes to teach year-round, the affidavit can be submitted as early as July 1 to count mandatory days or hours. The cut-off date for completing a school year is June 30, when the evaluation is due to the school district’s superintendent.

Can a child attend school without vaccines in PA?

In the state of Pennsylvania, parents, legal guardians, or individuals acting in the capacity of caregivers for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade are legally required to have their children immunized against a range of diseases. This legislation is designed to safeguard the health and security of all students and their classmates.

Are vaccines required for homeschool in PA?

Pennsylvania mandates all school children, including homeschooled ones, to be immunized. However, exemptions can be made for medical reasons, religious beliefs, or strong moral or ethical convictions. Homeschool families should keep their records or exemptions on file and attach them to their Homeschool Affidavit annually. Pennsylvania offers numerous resources for homeschooling families, including support, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Local homeschool organizations can provide connections to highly recommended evaluators.

Is there a religious exemption for homeschooling in PA?

Pennsylvania does not have a formal religious exemption option specifically for homeschoolers. However, some homeschoolers have made informal agreements with their school districts. Some are considering whether the 2003 PA Religious Freedom Act can apply to the requirements of PA home education law or compulsory attendance law. Some families are working with HSLDA on a lawsuit over this issue. It remains to be seen whether this new law will be useful to homeschoolers.

Which state has the strictest homeschool laws?

Homeschooling is a nontraditional schooling option that occurs outside of a classroom and without the use of additional programs. It involves parents, family members, and the student being responsible for their academic success. Homeschooling differs from online schooling, which is approved or accredited by a governing body. It can happen at home, on the road, or anywhere you choose. The regulations and requirements for high school students vary by state, with some states having strict guidelines, while others like Connecticut and Idaho have very little regulation.

New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are the states with the highest level of regulation for homeschooling. It is essential to give notice to the state when considering homeschooling for your child or student.

How do I switch to homeschooling in PA?

In Pennsylvania, homeschooling is legally allowed by submitting a notarized home education affidavit to the local school superintendent. This affidavit can be submitted anytime during the school year, but must be submitted by August 1. The affidavit should include the name of the homeschool supervisor, child’s name and age, homeschool address and phone number, English language instruction, immunizations, health and medical services, required courses, a minimum of 180 school days or 900 hours of instruction, no convictions of criminal offenses in the last five years, and an attachment of education objectives by subject matter. The affidavit must be submitted for any child aged 8 or older, unless they were previously enrolled in kindergarten or first grade.

What is the Act 169 for homeschooling in PA?

Peters Township School District allows home education under Pennsylvania’s Act 169, allowing parents, guardians, or legal custodians to conduct a program for their children. The supervisor must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have broad responsibility for the children’s education. The district has established guidelines for home education, including School District Policy No. 137 and 137 AR-1, which provide administrative guidelines and extracurricular information. Parents must sign an affidavit and submit an outline of proposed educational objectives by subject area to the District Administration Offices.

What is Act 13 in PA education?

Act 13 of 2020, signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on March 27, 2020, revises the Act 82 Educator Effectiveness (EE) process used to evaluate professional and temporary employees in PK-12 education across the commonwealth. The revised rating system applies to classroom teachers, nonteaching professionals, and principals. Classroom teachers provide direct instruction to students, nonteaching professionals provide services, and principals are defined as building principals, assistant principals, vice principals, supervisors of special education, or directors of career and technical education.

Is unschooling legal in PA?

Pennsylvania homeschool regulations do not prohibit specific teaching methods, philosophies, or styles, making unschooling a legal and valid approach as long as you cover the required days/hours and demonstrate learning through your annual student portfolio. This guide provides tips for getting started homeschooling in Pennsylvania, including requirements to follow throughout the school year, and choosing the right curriculum.

However, this article is not legal advice and should be checked with your local school board and official Pennsylvania laws. Homeschooling is closely regulated in Pennsylvania, and Sonlight moms have expressed that it is not difficult to homeschool in the Keystone State.