Michigan does not require notification, but proper notification of your decision to home school eliminates the likelihood that a truancy officer is notified. You may notify the school in writing or verbally via telephone. Parents need not register the home school with the Michigan Department of Education; however, If your child requires special needs education, you must register every year.
Parents or guardians registered with the Michigan Department of Education may teach if they possess a teaching certificate or bachelor's degree. This requirement is waived if the parent claims an opposition to the teaching certification due to a religious belief.
Home school curriculum in Michigan must include English, mathematics, reading, science and social studies at all grade levels. Courses required from grades 10 to 12 are the Constitution of the United States and Michigan. Parents or guardians must also teach history and civil government of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the political sectors and municipalities in the State of Michigan. Students may register for elective classes at the public school in their area. Examples of elective classes include band, physical education and music.
Home school parents may choose the study materials and books of their choice. You can purchase these materials from a teacher book and supply store. Michigan school districts ado not need to provide course materials. If you are unsure of what materials you need, contact a home school support groups such as the Network of Michigan Home Educators, the Information Network for Christian Homes or INCH.
Michigan does not require parents to keep attendance records and progress reports. However, up-to-date records on attendance and progress can assist school officials should you enroll your child in a public or private school at a later date. The records can aid schools in determining the appropriate grade-level placement. Accepting home school credits is at the discretion of the school.
Michigan does not require testing for home schooled students. Administering tests to measure progress is the sole responsibility of the parent. Michigan allows home school students to participate in the Michigan Educational Assessment Program or MEAP testing and Michigan Merit Examination at a public school in the area. The MEAP examination tests students in five areas of study: math, reading, science, social studies and writing. The test goes to all students in Michigan and is designed to measure student achievement in comparison with Michigan State Board of Education standards. The Michigan Merit Examination consists of an ACT Plus Writing college entrance test, WorkKeys job evaluation in reading, math and locating information and three Michigan-developed assessments in math, science and social studies.