| Reporting to the School District. . . Hopefully, by this time you have gotten very familiar with the NYS Home School Regulations. One home school support group leader in NY suggests that folks new to our state, or new to home schooling should read the regs every day for a month, so that they know them inside out. That's a great idea! Within the regs you will see that there are several requirements for paperwork that is to be submitted to the school district. The first thing you need to do is file a "letter of intent" according to the time frame set up in the regulations. You will next need to provide the IHIP. After the IHIP is submitted you will need to file quarterly reports throughout the year and an evaluation (testing or written evaluation) at the end of the year. Again, you should know the regulations well, and follow them exactly. It is also wise not to give more information than is necessary, or to make these forms elaborate. It's a good idea to keep it simple and stick to only exactly what is required. Examples of the documents you will need to file are available through the HENCNY online support group - simply join and send a note asking for them. You can also e-mail the HENCNY support group with any questions you may have. Or not . . . There are those home schooling families in NY who have chosen not to abide by the regulations of the State Education Department. Most of these families are not reporting because they believe they are guaranteed the right to direct the education of their children by the state and/or federal constitution. If you are considering not reporting, you need to be well informed on the risks of taking this route. |