Homeschooling Laws? Whats Ohio like?

[genifer]

I am hoping to move back to the US within the next year, currently living in the UK. I would be initially moving back to Ohio so I wanted to know what the Laws were like in Ohio. I was also wondering if anyone could tell me what the Laws were like where they live, incase I didnt like the hs-ing laws in Ohio.

tia!
gen

[Alana]

It isnt bad at all. Beginning of the year you send in a brief notification...and end of the year you either do standardized testing OR get an assessment done by a teacher...and there are a few licensed hs'ing teachers.

[4evermom]

Stay out of PA .

[crazycandigirl]

In Texas they leave you alone really. No paperwork is required and no tests to be taken. We just spend time learning. I really like that about here.

[mama_b]

Originally Posted by 4evermom

Stay out of PA .

Why?

[4evermom]

Originally Posted by mama_b

Why?

It's one of the more highly regulated states. Annual portfolio, evaluator, testing in 3rd, 5th, and 8th grades. At least the mandatory school age is 8. I suppose there are worse states but being close to NJ which doesn't have any regulations, it is a sorry comparison.

[Ravin]

AZ is nice. You file an affidavit. That's it.

[HikeYosemite]

Just to add, the "assessment" can be a simple portfolio evaluation--meaning that your kids (or you) show the teacher some of the things they've done over the year, or the teacher simply talks to them to see if they appear to be doing okay.

Originally Posted by Alana

It isnt bad at all. Beginning of the year you send in a brief notification...and end of the year you either do standardized testing OR get an assessment done by a teacher...and there are a few licensed hs'ing teachers.

[1growingsprout]

Actually the HS laws are about the only thing I like about AZ... you simply send in one affidavit the first year you HS then they never bother you again... no testing, no portolifo, no home visits... NADA...

we unschool so its a great fit for us

[1growingsprout]

Originally Posted by 4evermom

It's one of the more highly regulated states. Annual portfolio, evaluator, testing in 3rd, 5th, and 8th grades. At least the mandatory school age is 8. I suppose there are worse states but being close to NJ which doesn't have any regulations, it is a sorry comparison.

Is there anyway to have your child 'Skip' 3rd 5th and 8th grade? to avoid the testing...

[4evermom]

Originally Posted by 1growingsprout

Is there anyway to have your child 'Skip' 3rd 5th and 8th grade? to avoid the testing...

I've heard that brought up on yahoo groups so I'm sure that some do. I'm pretty sure the tests can be administered by the parent, as well, which means it can be done in a more relaxed fashion. The scores can't be used to determine whether the child can continue to be homeschooled, fortunately. You have to pay for the test. I think you can choose which one of several options.

[shaywyn]

Michigan. I can't say it enough. Michigan, Michigan, Michigan! No reporting, no letter of intent, no affidavits, certainly no testing, no anything. There are very obscure ways the state could become involved, but at this point, and unless you are a neglectful or abusive parent, it is an absolute non issue.

Good Luck!

[genifer]

thank you all so much!
gen

[nomadmom]

Originally Posted by genifer

I am hoping to move back to the US within the next year

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!! Don't leave us! I do understand about wanting to go back. I might go myself some day. I've home ed'ed in FL, GA and NC, but bad me, we did it all under the radar. Actually, I did send in my letter of intent the last time we lived in FL, then we moved again, lol. FL isn't bad as far as regulated states go (lots of support groups and home ed-friendly evaluators), but now that I'm living in a place w/ no regulations I would not want to go back to that.