HOMESCHOOLING IN OREGON & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling in Oregon, but don’t know where to start regarding Oregon homeschooling requirements, including Oregon homeschool laws. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own Oregon homeschool. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Oregon, current Oregon homeschool laws, required filings, curriculum options and testing choices, transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History Of Homeschooling In Oregon
In the early 1980s, families faced the task of obtaining approval from their local districts to begin homeschooling Oregon children. This changed in 1985 during a homeschooling campaign in Salem.
Their efforts led to the passage of an Oregon homeschool law stopping the need to seek approval and submit lesson plans. The compromise, however, involved annual testing for local homeschoolers, albeit within the supportive context of other homeschoolers.
The following years saw repeated attempts to undermine the established state homeschool organization laws. In 1999, lobbyists who had previously opposed such efforts for Oregon homeschool laws, aligned with homeschool parents. The resulting bill marked a significant improvement in Oregon homeschool law.
In the early 2000s, Oregon homeschooling received further support through the establishment of organizations like the Oregon Homeschool Education Network, which provided support group advocacy and a collective voice for Oregon homeschooling. Today, the Oregon homeschool is widely accepted, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 homeschoolers across the state.
Current Oregon Homeschool Laws And Regulations
State compulsory laws require schooling from ages 6 to 18. Households can fulfill this obligation by enrolling their children in a public or private school or with homeschool curriculum. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences. See reference here.
Adhering to Oregon homeschool laws is a straightforward process, involving three key guidelines.
Inform your local district of your intention to homeschool in Oregon within 10 days of withdrawal or at the commencement of the school year.
Arrange for testing at the conclusion of grade levels 3, 5, 8, and 10.
Submit the test scores as required under Oregon homeschool laws.
How To Set Up A Homeschool In Oregon
According to the Home Education Network, to start homeschooling in Oregon, follow these fairly simple steps:
Notify the Education Service District (ESD):
Submit a one-time written notice of intent to homeschool within 10 days of commencing your program or withdrawal from public school.
Include your name, the names, addresses, and birth dates of the homeschooled, along with the name of the last institution.
Receive written acknowledgment from the ESD within 90 days of submitting your notification.
If you are moving from another state, you should follow the same steps to notify the ESD of your intent to homeschool.
Here is a sample ESD Notice Letter required under Oregon homeschool laws.
Testing Requirements:
Conduct mandatory testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 by August 15th.
The administrator must score the test and report results to you; the ESD only receives the results upon specific request.
If the composite score falls below the 15th percentile, subsequent examinations may be required within one year.
Evaluate homeschoolers with disabilities for satisfactory educational progress following the method outlined in the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or privately developed plan.
Maintaining Your Oregon Homeschool
Here’s a guide on how to maintain a homeschool under Oregon homeschool laws:
Understand Oregon Homeschool Laws: Familiarize yourself with Oregon homeschool law, which includes submitting a one-time Notice of Intent to the ESD, mandatory testing in grade levels 3, 5, 8, and 10.
Submit Notice of Intent: Complete and submit the one-time Notice of Intent to homeschool Oregon children within 10 days of withdrawal or starting homeschool.
Testing and Evaluation: Schedule standardized tests for your child in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, ensuring compliance with Oregon homeschool laws.
Record Keeping: Keep thorough records of your homeschoolers’ activities, including attendance, coursework, and any test scores.
Individualized Education Plans for Disabilities: If your child has a disability, ensure compliance with the educational plan outlined in the IEP or any privately developed plan.
Stay Connected with Oregon homeschool groups: Join local homeschool groups or online communities to connect with other homeschool families.
Flexible Curriculum Planning: Design a flexible and engaging curriculum tailored to your child’s learning style and interests.
Regular Communication with ESD: Respond promptly to any communication from your local ESD.
Professional Development: Continue your own professional development as an educator.
Periodic Self-Evaluation: Regularly assess approach and make adjustments as needed. Solicit feedback from your child to ensure their learning needs are being met.
Oregon Homeschool Reporting Requirements
While Oregon homeschool laws don’t mandate recordkeeping, we strongly advise you to retain the following records for your homeschool for a minimum of two years:
Attendance Records: Maintain accurate attendance records to showcase your student’s compliance with educational requirements.
Textbooks: Document information on the textbooks your student utilized.
Samples of Schoolwork: Keep samples of your student’s work, offering tangible evidence of their academic progress and achievements.
Correspondence with Officials: Archive any correspondence, ensuring a comprehensive record of the homeschooling journey.
Portfolios and Test Results: Compile portfolios containing notable projects and achievements, along with test results, to showcase the depth of your student’s education.
Homeschool Testing in Oregon
Under Oregon homeschool laws Oregon requires a homeschooled student undergo standardized testing by August 15th in the years corresponding to grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 or at least 18 months after withdrawing from public school.
As the home educator, you have the autonomy to select the test for your child and designate the test administrator. A qualified tester must be impartial, having no familial relationship with the child, and should be a licensed teacher or someone meeting the qualifications for obtaining the test directly from the publisher of standardized testing.
Approved standardized tests for the homeschool journey include the California Achievement Test, Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills/Tests of Achievement and Proficiency, Metropolitan Achievement Battery, and Stanford Achievement Test Battery.
Should your child’s test score fall below this benchmark, a retest is required the following year. A continued decline in test results may necessitate engaging a licensed teacher to instruct your child or potentially enrolling them in public school under Oregon homeschool laws.
Funding Your Oregon Homeschool
The state does not provide any financial assistance for home schooling. All costs including curriculum and extracurricular activities, are the responsibility of the Oregon parents. However, there are various ways you can reduce the costs of education, such as borrowing from libraries, and participating in homeschool groups or co-ops that share materials and expenses.
Federal Tax Breaks
You may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Independent homeschooling individuals might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for home schooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Oregon Immunization Requirements
The regulations concerning immunization for homeschoolers differ from those who attend public school, private school, or childcare. Unlike the latter, homeschooled children are not mandated to be immunized or to submit exemption forms.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that if your homeschooled child decides to participate in extracurricular activities facilitated by the local district, additional requirements may come into play. In such cases, the district might necessitate the submission of immunization records or an exemption, even if the child is educated at home.
Oregon State Graduation Requirements
Navigating the homeschool curriculum and graduation requirements in the state provides individuals with significant flexibility and autonomy in determining when their child has successfully completed high school.
While the absence of rigid requirements alleviates some pressure for many parents, it can still be a daunting task for parents to assess when their student is ready to graduate. One helpful approach is to reference the graduation criteria set for schools in the state. For instance, traditional graduation requirements typically include earning:
4 English/language arts credits
3 math credits
3 science credits
3 social studies credits
1.5 physical education credits
0.5 health credits
40 hours of community service
While some colleges may accept a homeschool transcript instead of a diploma, it’s important to know that apprenticeship programs, trade schools, the military, and certain scholarship providers may not recognize it. To address this variability in acceptance, a recognized alternative for highschool completion among homeschoolers is the General Educational Development (GED) tests. Opting for the GED provides a homeschool student with a widely accepted credential, ensuring a reliable pathway to demonstrate their academic proficiency.
Oregon Homeschool Charters
The state does not have any homeschool charter schools. However, the state does have several virtual public schools and online charter schools. These schools may provide curriculum, classes, and support to homeschooled students, but they are not specifically tailored to home schooling.
Local Oregon Homeschooling Resources
The state has a thriving community with numerous organizations available to support a homeschool in Oregon:
Oregon Homeschool Education Network: Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN) is a non-profit organization that provides support to homeschooling families. OHEN offers a wealth of information on their website, including a directory of local support groups, educational content, and events.
Oregon Homeschool Support Groups: Oregon has numerous support groups that offer opportunities for socialization, field trips, co-op classes, and shared content.
Oregon Virtual Schools: Oregon has several virtual public schools and online charter schools for homeschooled students.
Oregon Homeschool Conventions and Conferences: Several homeschool conventions and conferences are held annually, providing opportunities for networking, curriculum fairs, and access to materials. Notable events include the Oregon Christian Home Education Conference.
Oregon Libraries and Educational Resources: The state has a wealth of public libraries, museums, and educational resources that can be utilized by homeschooling families. Many of these institutions offer programs, field trips, and resources specifically tailored for homeschooled students.
When contacting these resources, it is advisable to inquire about special events, co ops, field trips, and opportunities available for homeschooled students in Oregon. Networking with other homeschooling families and joining local support groups can also provide valuable insights for accessing the best resources in your area.
