You need to provide an educational area. This should include a desk or work area with suitable lighting and ventilation. Resource and instructional materials should be available to your child.

Must the parent be the teacher or can a tutor be hired to take care of the instruction?

The Bylaw is quite clear that the parent is to be the primary provider of the instruction. Other adults can assist with a special area of interest, but not replace the parent. The teaching by another adult or group of adults constitutes a school, which must seek accreditation approval through the State Department of Education.

Am I required to be a certified teacher?

No, not under present regulations.

How much time should be spent on instruction each day?

Generally, 5 hours of instruction, Monday through Friday, for approximately 36 weeks is recommended. Parents can make adjustments to the schedule, based on the needs of the child.

Do I have to follow the public school calendar?

You need to specify the hours, days, and length of your instructional year during the portfolio review. Weekends, evening hours, and summertime may also be part of the schedule if you desire. The portfolio review should reflect a comprehensive program appropriate for the age and functioning of the child.

Should I develop a planning book for instruction?

Evidence of your planning is part of the portfolio review.

Should I keep a record of attendance and evaluations/grades given to my child?

Yes.

What areas of instruction are mandatory in my program?

Evidence of instruction in all of the following areas is required: English/Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spelling, Art, Music, Health, & Physical Education.

What samples of my child’s work should be available during the portfolio review?

Examples of the child’s writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests must be saved for the review. In addition, work should be dated as it is completed.

How often are portfolio reviews to take place?

Generally, such reviews can occur two (2) times per school year. There can be a maximum of three (3) reviews permitted by the Bylaw each academic year.

What happens if the school system personnel are dissatisfied with the Home Schooling program?

If there are deficiencies in the program resulting in the child not receiving a regular, thorough instructional program conforming with the Bylaw, the parent will be notified of this deficiency and must provide evidence within 30 days that the deficiency has been corrected. If the deficiency is not corrected the child must be enrolled promptly in a public or nonpublic school.

What would the process be if I should decide to place my child back in school at some future date?

Your child would be most welcome to enroll. At that point, a conference should be arranged with the school principal to make placement decisions. An evaluation will be made to determine proper placement. This evaluation could include review of the portfolio materials, standardized testing, and/or interviews with the student to determine grade level and ability grouping.

Will a high school diploma be issued by Baltimore County Public Schools if I elect to have my child remain on a home schooling program through grade 12?

No. Diplomas cannot be issued to students who are not enrolled in our school system.

A new Home Schooling Notification Form is not necessary. However, you will be sent an Update Form each July which asks about your intent to continue home Schooling or to enroll your child in school.

Can my child take part in some aspects of the school instructional or extracurricular programs while receiving Home Schooling?

No. Home Schooling is an “all-or-nothing” program. However, if a child has been identified through the Child Find process to be eligible for special education services, BCPS will provide services as outlined in the attached Notice of Services for Home School Students.

Will the school system provide books and materials for a child receiving Home Schooling?

No. Books and materials cannot be issued to a student who is not enrolled in our school system.

May my child participate in the standardized testing program offered by the school system even though he/she is not enrolled?

Yes. Upon request of a parent or guardian, a child receiving home Schooling may participate in the regularly scheduled standardized testing programs that are administered in the public school where the child is eligible to attend. Arrangements must be made prior to testing dates and the child must be brought to the assigned school by the parent. Parents are reminded that these tests are not administered at every grade level.