Home schooling is a popular method of education in Tennessee. It offers significant benefits to families who want personalized education for their children. However, you can’t just start teaching your child at home without notifying the school board. Tennessee has several homeschooling laws.
If you plan to homeschool your kid, you must know and follow the state’s regulations and requirements. Starting on the wrong foot can make your homeschooling journey hard. Many families make some common mistakes. We will highlight these in this post. If you are planning home schooling in Tennessee, avoid these mistakes. This will help your homeschooling journey go smoothly and stress-free. Let’s get started!
Why Avoid Mistakes? Why Does It Matter?
When you homeschool your child, you don’t have access to public schools’ frameworks. You are responsible for everything, from choosing curriculum and teaching to recording progress and handling paperwork.
So, it’s common to make mistakes if you have no experience. Some errors may cause frustration, while others can lead to legal troubles. On the other hand, knowing everything, from the state’s laws to the curriculum, helps you make informed decisions and confidently continue your homeschooling journey.
5 Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
The first mistake homeschooling families make is not knowing the state laws. Tennessee has some legal requirements for homeschooling parents. If you don’t meet these legal frameworks, the colleges will not validate your child’s graduation status. Here are some common mistakes many homeschooling parents make and some practical tips to avoid them.
1. Not Knowing Tennessee Home Schooling Laws
You must understand and follow Tennessee home schooling laws. For instance, you need to submit an “Intend to homeschool” notice to the local school district. Also, another requirement is to keep attendance records.
Your Tip: If you plan to homeschool your child, visit the state’s Department of Education and read the laws carefully. You can talk to local support groups or co-ops. Knowing the rules helps you stay on track and successfully complete your education.
2. Skipping the Annual Notice
Homeschooling families must notify their local school district every year about their home schooling. Unfortunately, many parents think it’s optional and skip this step.
Step to Fix: If you have trouble remembering the exact date to send the annual notice, mark the date on your calendar. This will help you remember the date and show that you are serious about home schooling in Tennessee.
3. Not Keeping Records and Portfolios
In public schools, teachers typically keep records of their students. However, as a home schooling parent, you are responsible for maintaining records of your child’s progress. Many parents think it is optional and unnecessary.
Pro Tip: You should keep copies of attendance, assignments, tests, and other relevant documents. This paperwork will come in handy when the officials ask to review the documentation.
4. Trying to Do Too Much at Once
One of the benefits of homeschooling is flexibility. You don’t need to follow the public school curriculum exactly. But some parents do the opposite, like teaching for long hours with too many subjects. This can negatively impact your child.
Balance This: You can choose your own curriculum with the mandatory subjects. Also, you can teach whenever you want. Choose the topics that interest your child.
5. Neglecting Socialization and Extra Activities
Some parents teach their kids, neglecting social opportunities and extracurricular activities.
Easy Fix: Search for local support groups and co-ops and join them. If you have no option, enroll your kids in an umbrella school like Graduates Academy. They occasionally arrange field trips, sports, and other social activities. These extracurricular activities help your kid boost social skills.
Final Thoughts
Home schooling in Tennessee can be a rewarding journey if you know the state’s laws and avoid the common mistakes. It’s about your child’s growth. So, you should look for the best guidance available. If you can’t find help, contact umbrella schools in Tennessee. They provide resources and support. Also, they handle the paperwork. So, you don’t have to worry about submitting records.