1. Notification: Tennessee is a "notification" state, meaning parents don't need to obtain permission from the state to homeschool. However, they *must* notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool. This usually involves submitting a letter or form to the district office, generally before the start of the school year. The exact requirements for notification (timing, form, etc.) vary by district, so it's crucial to contact the local school district directly for specific instructions.
2. Curriculum: Tennessee doesn't mandate a specific curriculum. Parents have complete freedom to choose the curriculum that best suits their child's learning style and needs. This could include:
* Pre-packaged curriculum kits: Many companies offer complete homeschooling curriculums covering various subjects.
* Unschooling: A more flexible approach where learning is child-led and integrated into everyday life.
* Hybrid approach: Combining aspects of different methods.
* Self-created curriculum: Parents develop their own learning plans based on their child's needs and interests.
3. Instruction: While there's no prescribed curriculum, parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives a thorough education meeting the state's requirements. This typically means covering core subjects like:
* Reading
* Language Arts
* Mathematics
* Science
* Social Studies
4. Assessment: Tennessee doesn't require standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, it's crucial for parents to regularly assess their child's progress to ensure they are meeting learning goals. This can be done through:
* Portfolio assessments: Collecting samples of student work.
* Testing: Using standardized tests or other assessments (parent-created or purchased) to monitor progress.
5. Record Keeping: Parents must maintain records of their child's educational progress. These records are usually required to be presented to the school district upon request and may need to be submitted if the child intends to return to traditional schooling. The specific record-keeping requirements may vary by district, so check with your local school board.
6. Legal Compliance: Parents are responsible for ensuring they comply with all applicable state laws and regulations regarding homeschooling. This includes adhering to the notification requirements and maintaining appropriate records.
7. High School Graduation: While Tennessee doesn't mandate a specific high school diploma, homeschool graduates generally need to meet certain requirements to be accepted into colleges or universities. This might involve assembling a transcript that documents their coursework and achievements.
In summary: Homeschooling in Tennessee offers parents significant flexibility, but also necessitates responsibility for curriculum planning, instruction, assessment, and record-keeping. Direct communication with the local school district is essential to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.