|
by Christina Yeager
As we all know, homeschooling is a big decision to make for your children. It is also one that should not be done lightly. With this in mind, a major step towards making a decision about choosing to teach your children is determining what would need to be done if you go the home-based education route? What should you be aware of? Are there any specific regulations you have to follow? What does schooling at home entail for your state? Learn the homeschooling regulations, guidelines, and laws pertaining to the State of Michigan. 
Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
Compulsory school age From the ages of six to eighteen, students in Michigan are required to attend school. Homeschooling options As far as homeschooling options there is the option to homeschool under the homeschool statute or as a nonpublic school. Michigan’s homeschool statute Teaching at home under the homeschool statute is required to use an organized educational program covering the state required subject areas (*see below). Nonpublic school The chosen instructor in a homeschool conducting as a non-public school must have a teaching certificate, a teaching permit, or a bachelor’s degree. He or she may be either a parent or another person chosen by the parent. There is a requirement to send the following information to the local superintendent:
Reporting information In the State of Michigan, one thing that is a bit different from other states is that the reporting to the Department of Education is voluntary unless specialized programs for the student are being requested. This means that it is at the discretion of the guardian or parent as to if they want to report. Also, while making the school system aware of the decision to homeschool is not a requirement, it could result in the student being marked absent, which could cause potential problems with a truancy officer. If you do to inform the school system, a phone call or letter is sufficient. Certification While the parent or guardian is not required to have any special certifications, if they are deciding to report to the MDE, they must have a bachelor’s degree in order to be approved. Curriculum What is to be taught, at all grade levels:
For grades 10-12:
Testing The State of Michigan also does not require that student who is homeschooled take any standardized test, though they have the ability to if desired. To gather more information about homeschooling in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of Education site. If you were to ever compare state regulations, you would find that each state can have completely different expectations of what parents or guardians should do when it comes to their decision to begin homeschooling. This information is important to know in order to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition.
Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and then reach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.
|
|
|