Ask Christie
• Mar. 19, 2006 - Legalities and Testing
Dear Christie,
I have really enjoyed reading about you and from you on the website. My husband and I are planning to homeschool our son in the near future. (He is 11, in a 4th grade class in public school but performs on a 1st/2nd grade level). How do we go about investigating the legality of homeschooling a special needs child? I think my concerns are about the standardized testing requirements. Our son does not have to take SATs right now in public school. What requirements would we have as homeschoolers in the area of testing or just showing accountability/proof that we are indeed schooling?
Thank you for all the work you have done to pave the way for families like us,
Jill
Hi Jill,
By Federal Law you have a right to educate your special needs child any way you choose, whether it is public, private, tutors, or church/home school. As for the legalities in your state I would have to know what state you live in... usually, tho, the requirements for home education students apply for special needs... If your state requires testing for home educated children, there is an option that you can do at home.
As for testing and accountability... we recommend the CIBS-r... This is a simple test that mom's can give through observation and can be used as both a 'standardized' test or an 'achievement' test... (also called normed referenced or criterion referenced tests in that order.) The test itself is expensive and isn't readily available to parents, however, we do have the test and can provide the training and info you need to give the test at home for your son. This informal provision of the test will provide accountability and proof that you are teaching your child... the standardization of the test is more involved and needs to be administered in a very specific way with the complete testing kit.
The training and testing booklet runs about $25 (plus postage) and we can do it over the phone and send the booklet and paperwork via USPS.
Blessings,
Christie
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