Texas homeschoolers?

Question

What records are texas homeschoolers required to have?

I currently just have a transcript, because that is all I thought we were supposed to keep, but looking at this site - http://www.3moms.com/html/homeschool_recordkeeping.asp -

It says I need different types of records, and I am not sure which ones apply to me..

Answer 1

Sorry...I wish I could help but im in Florida =]

~ Samantha

Answer 2

hslda.org has accurate information on what you need here in Texas.

The site you posted is wanting to sell something, so keep that in mind. Each section is prefaced with "in some states, many states, may be different where you live" things like that, so they are taking in to account each state is different.

They point out it is a good idea to keep thorough records because you never know where you will end up.

That is a good point.

In Texas, most of that is not required, as you know, but it is nice to have, just in case.

Answer 3

*Agrees with Terri*

This site is advertising some sort of organizer for homeschoolers to keep records. It is simply listing the types of records you're able to keep with the system. Under "State Compliance Kit" each heading mentions that each state is different insofar as its requirements.

It is my understanding that Texas has some of the most lenient HS laws, and you're probably perfectly fine with your transcript - if you're unsure I'd get in contact with other homeschoolers and/or HS organizations in your area. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I agree with Terri as well :-)

I'm in Oklahoma, and I believe that TX and OK have very similar laws.  The only things that we're required to have is attendance records (which can be kept on anything from a wall calendar to a computer program), and a transcript (for colleges, not the state).  As long as your transcript is fairly complete - from your other questions, it looks like you do quite a bit - you're fine.

The analysis from  HSLDA indicates that you operate as a private school, and as long as you study  "reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship" there are no other requirements.

The results of a 1994 case, you do not have to initiate contact with the state, submit to evaluation or home visits, have your curriculum approved, or have specific certification.  If anyone ever needs to know, your parents can provide written certification (a letter) stating that you are abiding by the above requirements.

Because your homeschool is treated as a private school, your transcript and diploma (that can be signed by your parents) is treated with the same legitimacy as if it were given by a public or private classroom school.

Here's the analysis from HSLDA: http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Texas...

Answer 5

There is a big difference between what records you are required by law to keep, and which records might be useful for college entrance.  The bare minimum for college would be your transcript.  You should have  a summary transcript that just lists courses and grades like this:

Algebra 1---         A

American Lit ----   B

It is also helpful to have a detailed transcript in case it is asked for (you can note on the summary transcript that a more detailed one will be available on request.)  The more detailed one would include a description of each course, something like this:

Algebra 1      ---                  A

Main Textbook:  Saxon Algebra 1

This course reviews addition and subtraction of fractions, signed numbers, evaluation of expressions, solutions of equations in one unknown, adding like terms, and number word problems.  It then introduces natural number exponents, factoring, percent and value word problems, addition of rational expressions, simplification of radicals, linear equations, simultaneous equations, and uniform motion word problems.

etc.

The records you keep to comply with the law are just that, the minimum the law requires.  The records you should have for college applications are much more detailed.

At the same time, the site you listed seems a little excessive for someone in an easy state like Texas.

Hope that helps   :-)