To make it easy for you to follow: 1) Act 169 of 1988, the original PA Home Education law is in black font. a notarized letter of intent (also called an affidavit) and immunization records, submitted annually to your school district; mandatory courses (see the list below) minimum days and hours of instruction; an annual portfolio review; graduation requirements (for high schoolers) The law requires that the evaluation submitted to the superintendent must be completed by individuals with certain credentials. 2284 (April 22, 2023). I would like to be able to focus on the actual school work instead of stressing about the portfolio if I can. You can submit your affidavit to homeschool at any time during the school year, but for all following years, affidavits must be submitted no later than August 1. They all tried cyber (some liked it better than others) and all have attended the local public high school. Normally, affidavits must be submitted for any child age 8 or older, unless that child was previously enrolled in kindergarten or first grade, in which case the affidavit must be submitted regardless of age. If you think your child will go to college, he probably should take the test. The evaluation of the student's educational progress must be annual and written. The written approval must be submitted with your notarized affidavit. Its best to think of this dilemma in 2 ways. The PA Department of Education home education diploma which came with the law change in 2014 made it possible for supervisors to issue a recognized diploma themselves. Early graduation for Pennsylvania homeschoolers is possible and legal. The graduation requirements are similar to those of their public school peers. 24 P.S. It is helpful to look at college websites to find out if they have specific requirements for homeschoolers. Can I homeschool an adopted or foster child? 3690. This diploma must be on a form provided by PDE, and must be co-signed by the evaluator whose evaluation was submitted to the superintendent for the student's twelfth grade (graduation) year (24 P.S. 13-1327.1(d.1)(1)). A teacher or administrator who evaluates a portfolio at the secondary level (grades seven through twelve) shall have at least two years of experience in grading any of the following subjects: English, to include language, literature, speech, reading and composition; science, to include biology, chemistry and physics; geography; social studies, to include economics, civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; foreign language; and mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and geometry. While Time4Learning is currently not ADA compliant, we are constantly working to improve our website. Although many colleges and universities don't require an actual diploma for admission, Pennsylvania state schools do. The diploma must be on a standardized form developed by the PA Department of Education, which is available on their website. *This should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. Some require 4 years each of math and science and impose special graduation projects, community service hours, state and local achievement testing standards and a minimum number of electives. The provisions of this 57.31 amended under the Private Academic Schools Act (24 P. S. 67016721). For purposes of this article, its good to know that PA homeschool law requires a miniumum of 15 credits between grades 9 and 12 to graduate, including 4 years of English, 3 years each of social studies, science and math and 2 years of arts and humanities. Keystone State. The current superintendent must issue the letter of transfer within thirty days after receipt of Im not seeing a topic search link? Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute. ~~ Record-Keeping Software. As I mentioned in this postabout homeschooling high school in Pennsylvania, sometimes early graduation makes sense. The evaluation must certify whether an appropriate education is occurring (24 P.S. This information must be provided at the time of the childrens admission to Please direct comments or questions to. 24 P.S. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. 13-1327.1. There are so many platforms for online learning, including university-sponsored (usually referred to as Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCS), that this whole post could be just a list of them. Kates had more formal writing experience than the average high school student so forcing her to write on these topics seemed useless, redundant and punitive. I did ask Kate to keep a list of the topics covered for her portfolio. (a) In grades 9 through 12 every student graduating shall have completed 120 hours of instruction in the following 21 units of credit: Student selects five additional courses from among those approved for credit toward graduation by the school including approved vocational education . Children have successfully matriculated to colleges, the military and trade school without the piece of paper. The choice of evaluator selected by the supervisor cannot be denied as long as that individual meets the vocational criteria. FAQs; Forms; Moving to PA; Moving Within PA; Important Dates; . Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Its a waste of time, money and resources. There are plenty of quality podcasts that arent labeled explicit. No statutes or acts will be found at this website. My point is, feel free to be creative in designing a course of study to meet the basic requirements for graduation. Even though Kate had more than enough credits of English, she enrolled in a basic composition class at the local community college which she loved. Requirements for Homeschool Students. Why You Shouldnt Worry About A Districts Attitude Toward Homeschooling, The Difference Between the Log and the Time Requirement, Early Graduation For Homeschoolers in Pennsylvania. She could study one topic in depth, read non-fiction books about different topics, stick with the textbook-based approach, plan a project related to one or a few areas of interest or find classes online that piqued her interest. Would she move toward independence in all things? Roadschooling: The Ultimate Educational Travel Adventure! To read all about how to satisfy the law, click the link in the paragraph above. Act 196 of 2014 provides for state-recognized supervisor-issued diplomas for students completing the graduation requirements of a home education high school diploma. If your child plans to attend college and plans to take the SAT, prep and practice time leading up to the exam(s) can be counted as credit toward graduation. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 53 Pa.B. Have each homeschooled child take a state-approved standardized test in grades 3,5, and 8, Comply with mandatory course requirements, depending on grade level and an agreement that those subjects will be taught in the English language, Comply with minimum graduation requirements to receive a state-recognized diploma (more info below), Name of the homeschool supervisor and a statement affirming that they have received at least a high school diploma, Affirmation that homeschool instruction will be in the English language, Affirmation that child has received requisite immunizations (with attached evidence), Affirmation that child has received requisite health and medical services (with attached evidence), Affirmation that the homeschooler will receive instruction in all required courses for their grade level, Affirmation that instruction will equal a minimum of 180 school days or 900 hours, Affirmation that no adult living in the home or in legal custody of the homeschooler has been convicted of the listed criminal offenses in the previous five years, An attachment of education objectives by subject matter, Samples of writings, worksheets, and other creative works completed during the homeschool year, The results of required standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8, The yearly written student evaluation (see below), Pennsylvania certified teacher with two years grading experience at the level they evaluate, Nonpublic school teacher or administrator with two years Pennsylvania teaching experience within the last 10 years at the level they evaluate, Other qualified persons who have received previous approval from the superintendent, Having a submitted affidavit for the 12th grade homeschool year, Completion of the graduation requirements of the law, Use of an approved and adequate home education evaluator, A completed evaluation for the 12th grade year by an approved evaluator and a co-signed diploma by that same evaluator, Use of a standardized diploma form developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, ($14.95/mo for each additional PreK-8th student). If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your community. When PHAA was first recognized, the PDE recognized PHAA as an accreditation agency that can accredit homeschool programs under 22 Pa Code 121.21 which states: Does HSLDA help members get access to special education and related services through public schools. One other benefit of dual enrollment is that it encourages independence. There was recently a good discussion on a yahoo group about that and most parents with experience graduating high schoolers agree that a diploma program isnt necessary. Course description or support should satisfy an evaluator that the basic graduation requirements have been met. Acceptable evaluators in Pennsylvania can include: One of the things that makes homeschooling in Pennsylvania unique is that is it one of the rare states that has created a path toward state-recognized homeschool diplomas. 13-1327.1 (d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program: (1) Four years of English. PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION. No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit. In order to homeschool your children, the tutor must be certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to teach in the public schools of Pennsylvania, teach one or more children who are members of a single family, provide the majority of the instruction, If the twelfth grade evaluator has not evaluated all of the student's high school portfolios, the evaluator will need sufficient evidence of completion of all courses required for graduation in the home education program. Please note: The information on this page has been reviewed by an attorney, but it should not be taken as legal advice specific to your individual situation. Can I Legally Homeschool Someone Elses Child Under PA Law. 2023 Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania. These services indirectly improve a childs ability to learn but are separate from traditional academic curricula. Beginning with the graduating class of 2017, passage of these exams in Pennsylvania was also intended to serve as a statewide graduation requirement. Ultimately, the evaluation must certify that the student is receiving an appropriate education, which is defined as a program consisting of instruction in the required subjects, a program meeting minimum instructional timetables, and in which the student demonstrates sustained progress. Whether to graduate a student early is a personal decision which will depend on your family dynamics, the students maturity and future plans. That class isnt too boring. That teacher is funny/nice. Its an easy A. My 9th grader is going through the process now and there just arent many electives available that interest him. Surprisingly, her public school course work made it possible. Have other questions about homeschooling in Pennsylvania? I let her know what subjects she needed to focus on in order to stay on track but didnt tell her right away about the possibility of graduating early. 13-1327.1(e)(1) as: A PA certified teacher's experience would apply regardless of where that experience occurred, including in a private tutoring program. Why Is Summer a Great Time to Begin Homeschooling? History and Government of the United States and Pennsylvania shall be taught as required in section 1605 of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. 16-1605). 24 P.S. For Nebraska, every semester-long course that meets 5 days a week for 18 weeks earns a student 5 credit hours. This came just when I needed it! In order to address implementation and policy challenges, the legislature enacted a series of moratoriums on the use of Keystone Exams as a statewide graduation requirement throughAct 1 of 2016,Act 55 of 2017andAct 39 of 2018. As used in this clause, the term "grading" shall mean evaluation of classwork, homework, quizzes, classwork-based tests and prepared tests related to classwork subject matter. (Still, thats a lot less than private school!). Thanks so much for the information, Beth. Im glad its useful. (d)The following planned courses shall be required and taught to students: (1)English4 planned courses, each 120-clock hours. Be aware that any school you are transferring to may request to view your students portfolio and may even require the student to submit to school-specific placement testing. (3)Science3 planned courses including laboratory sciences, each 120-clock hours. Keystone State. certification be submitted within 30 days. Likewise, definining subjects to meet the basic requirements is discretionary. This is truly killing two birds with one stone since the student gets both high school and actual college credit that could allow him to earn a degree sooner. One of my main incentives in putting together this site and the ebook is to encourage parents NOT to be intimidated by the notoriously demanding requirements of the PA homeschool law. First: Make a Four-Year Plan Sophomore Year: Take the PSAT Consider dual enrollment Or, CLEP tests Practice the college admissions essay Update their high school transcript Junior Year: Take the SAT or ACT Begin touring college campuses Fill out the FAFSA Begin applying for scholarships Senior Year: Finalize SAT/ACT Results Basically, all of those subjects listed in 24 P.S. Online classes present a great opportunity to design a high school education program thats practical, engaging and free or cheap. gave her a well-rounded high school experience and more than 21 credits. It amended section 1327, Compulsory School Attendance, to define a properly qualified private tutor and to allow a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a child to home school their children as an option for complying with compulsory school attendance. Its amazing how quickly we become programmed to one definition of learning]. The only PA recognized parent issued diploma is the form provided on the PDE website, according to the PA Homeschool law. From home repairs to graphic design to calculus to photography to computer programming. Dual enrollment is a great way for parents who feel unprepared to guide their children through higher level courses or classes that require labs. Graduation requirements. Although it's rare, a home education program can be designed to satisfy all the high school requirements in less than 3 years. ~~ Attendance Forms (180 days) ~~ Logs, Book Lists, Lesson Plans. 2023 Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania The provisions of this 57.31 adopted June 11, 1968, effective June 26, 1969; amended August 19, 1988, effective August 20, 1988, 18 Pa.B. The state-recognized diploma organizations may be helpful in assisting with consultation or guidance. Hi Christie, Although compulsory attendance only applies to children ages 8-17, I recommend filing the portfolio at the end of the year since that will complete the home education program, which is the equivalent of graduating with a diploma (although you dont need that piece of paper for most post-secondary endeavors). Whether the courses to which you are referring will satisfy an admissions committee at whatever college, I have no idea. However, modern psychology is based on research and scientific data and methods and its perfectly legitimate to classify the subject as a science for purposes of a transcript. A notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration must be filed with the local superintendent before you start your homeschool program for the first time, and by August 1 of each year after that. This diploma must be on a form provided by PDE, and must be co-signed by the evaluator whose evaluation was submitted to the superintendent for the student's twelfth grade . Why You Shouldnt Worry About A Districts Attitude Toward Homeschooling, The Difference Between the Log and the Time Requirement, Early Graduation For Homeschoolers in Pennsylvania. Regardless of whether your child will require proof of graduation in the form of a diploma, completion of a home education program by meeting the basic graduation requirements will affect your child's ability to receive benefits like grants and loans. English is the only subject that requires 4 years between grades 9 and 12, some people plan to double up on this subject in one year or during summers to graduate early. Identical information from me sounds like a lecture or telling her what to do. Many colleges are actively recruiting them. Managing her finances will allow her to do it sooner than later. She decided to browse itunes for interesting history and science podcasts. Apply for the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma after your child has received 30 college credits from an accredited college or by taking the GED. If yours does not, I would suggest challenging him to point to the language which requires a full year (or credit) of study in that particular topic. I dont see why not, but I have no idea. Additionally, if the superintendent has a reasonable belief at any time during the school year that an appropriate education may not be occurring, he or she may send you a letter requiring that an evaluation be conducted and that an evaluators you demand. However, with those regulations come some of the most generous provisions for state support of homeschoolers including free access to state-sponsored textbooks and materials, the ability to participate in extracurricular school activities, and the option to receive a state-recognized diploma. Follow the steps listed below the option you wish to use: You must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to teach in a homeschool. PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: PARENTS' GUIDE TO PROPOSED CHANGES Revised 8/16/20121 In order to graduate from a public high school in Pennsylvania, your child must meet specific requirements established by the Local Education Agency (district, charter school, or career and technical center) in which s/he is enrolled. HSLDA is the trusted movement leader that makes homeschooling possible by caring for member families and protecting and securing the future of homeschooling. It includes lessons on saving, budgeting, debt, credit, consumer awareness, bargain shopping, investing, planning for retirement, insurance, the effect of money on relationships, careers and taxes and giving. The compulsory attendance law in Pennsylania applies to children between the ages of 6 and 18* or until the student graduates from high school, whichever comes first. (B) The diploma shall be awarded to the student on a standardized form to be developed by the department and which shall be made available on the departments publicly accessible Internet website. One benefit of online learning platforms is the 24/7 accessibility from any internet-connected device. Ive been looking for information/discussion on parent issued diplomas vs. the diploma programs in Pennsylvania. To help you plan HOW to meet the minimum requirements, the law also identifies certain subjects which must be taught during the secondary years (7-12). Keep me posted. Her favorites were Hardcore History by Dan Carlin, Ben Franklins World by Liz Covart, Sci Fri with Ira Flatow and Star Power with Neil deGrasse Tyson. We get it. In more standard terms, Nebraska's graduation requirements are more like a 20-credit requirement. Students are required to take the Keystone Exams to meet federal accountability requirements. You may teach your children at home if your home is an extension or satellite of a religious day school. (Is there any faster way to throw a wet blanket on an interesting topic than to demand a thesis statement, annotated bibliography, AMA style and five sentence paragraphs? Pennsylvania students take Keystone Exams in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology as end-of-course exams, regardless of grade. The home education supervisor may select anyone to evaluate their student's portfolios, as long as that individual fulfills one of the five qualifications. Log: The log must be made contemporaneously with the instruction [and designate] by title the reading materials used . Concerns may include such things as whether the home education supervisor is qualified, whether anyone living in the home has been convicted of a criminal offense that would render the program invalid, or whether the program was conducted in English. No statutes or acts will be found at this website. Evaluators may consider keeping a record of evaluations they have completed and a list of the students for whom they have signed diplomas. Those recommendations formed the basis for Senate Bill 1095, which was passed by the General Assembly with unanimous support and was enacted into law by Governor Tom Wolf on October 24, 2018. I wont repeat the details of the basic graduation requirements in this post. I realized that she could graduate early if she finished up the credits she needed for science, social studies and math (about half a credit of each). My daughter is reviewing Dave Ramseys Foundations financial literacy course for high school students instead of pursuing another full textbook-based course to complete her math requirement. After receiving the letter of transfer, file it with the superintendent of the new district of residence. This decision will largely be influenced by the student's plans after completion of the home education program. In Pennsylvania, you have several legal options under which you may choose to operate your homeschool program. All of my children have had a varied school experience. The course not only explained these concepts in detail, it was a great springboard for discussion of them. Early Graduation For Homeschoolers in Pennsylvania; records, physician record, school health records, or other similar documents or history. Choose your state or territory to get detailed information on how to withdraw from public school, homeschooling requirements including testing & mandatory subjects, plus resources and more. You should know ahead of time what type of support or description your evaluator will require to show that the graduation requirements have been met. It does not constitute legal advice by the publisher and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the publisher and reader. **In accompaniment to the Homeschool Affidavit, 28 Pa. Code 23.81 through 23.87 require that parents conducting a home education program submit a Certificate of Immunization (HSLDA members can use our sample certificate below) or a 13-1327.1(a) as: Sustained progress in the overall program would indicate that the student is progressing through the mandatory courses such that the student will complete all mandatory courses during their current interval (elementary or secondary). Choosing electives is never an exercise in interest for the time slot thats available. Professional Education Record Management System(PERMS) webpage. The videos are practical, informative and entertaining. Submit a notarized affidavit yearly to the superintendent's office of the student's home school district (more info below). days without lawful excuse. 2284 (April 22, 2023). Apply for a diploma through one of the diploma organizations registered with thePennsylvania Department of Education. begins the program), the evaluator can consult the notarized affidavit to determine the start date of the program if questions arise.