Is there an agency that regulates home schooling in Indiana?

Question

I would like to know if there is an agency that holds parents accountable for their childs education or do they just simply allow them to call it home schooling when the kids are out running the streets all day long. I know several of them who cannot read, write or do simple math problems and it really angers me to see these kids being left to their own supervision to run the streets and learn how to cheat on their on-line studies. I would like to know if there is someone I can call to report these things about these children? Thank you.

Answer 1

You need to realize that HS'ing doesn't take all day to accomplish the equivalent of a "public school day's" worth of education - what a school will finish in a typical 180day/36 week school year.

So there are times when HS'ed kids will be out in the community - they're probably done with their work already.  Or, if they're a bit younger, they may do "school" in the evenings or weekends.

In our home, my DH does Algebra and Physics with my DS - but it's done after his working hours.  So the work DS does with me is cut back during the day.

If you really truly know HS'ed kids who can't read, write, or do math (not sure *how* you'd know this), then did you ever stop to think that they were pulled *out* of brick & mortar schooling b/c they didn't learn anything there?  Perhaps the parents are trying to do a better job than the schools did with their kids.  I know it's a big part of the motivation many parents have for HS'ing.

FWIW, kids in public and private schools also learn from friends how to cheat in school.   Cheating is not limited to students educated online.

Here are the laws about HS'ing in IN, from:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

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Legal Option:  Operate a home school as a private school



Attendance:  Same as the public schools; Generally, 180 days per year



Subjects: None



Qualifications:  None



Notice:  None, unless specifically requested by the state superintendent of education



Recordkeeping:  Maintain attendance records



Testing:  None

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We homeschool year-round, so we do way more than 180 days of school per year, even counting only "full" days.  We take all the time off from Thanksgiving to New Years instead of having a "summer break" in summer when it's so danged hot.  So if someone saw my sound "out and around" in December, and assumed like you do, it would be an unfounded assumption and if Child/Protective Services came to my door about it - I wouldn't have to let them in my house or talk to them.  If I did, I'd clearly show them my records of how many days and what days we did lessons, and even the progress within courses and DS's grades on the lessons.  There would be nothing they could do.

Answer 2

I am just curious, how do you know that they don't know how to read or write? Have you issued a test?  How do you know they don't do there studies before or after they are outside? If you are concerned, maybe it would be best to talk to the parents about it.

If they aren't being supervised, then that is an issue, but not relating to them being home schooled. That would be social services or something. Just be careful how much you interfere or if its really an issue.You wouldn't want to be labeled a busy body.

Answer 3

First, homeschooling is parental choice.. just like public or private school. In Indiana, there is compulsary education laws and the child must be provided with instruction.  Parents must also maintain records of attendance but this information is not submitted to anyone, but may be request by a judge if the situation was warranted.

Second, I am suspicious. I wonder how you are so knowledgeable about these kids and their academic achievements. Are you absolutely sure they are home-schooled or are the truant kids. If truly home-schooled, do you know what time they do their schooling? Some people school in the early morning, others in the evening.  How do you know they are 'cheating' on their online tests?   How do you know they do online tests! Educational neglect is a serious charge but if you are ABSOLUTELY sure this is happening, you can report it to your county child protective services office. I would be cautious about making this report based on opinions and a dislike for the kids. Anyone who intentionally files a fraudulent report may be subject to prosecution for malicious reporting under Indiana law.