Ohio Home Education Regulations

1. Ohio Home Education Regulations “They aren’t all that tough!” CHESCA Notification Web Version

2. Definitions • “Home Education” means education primarily directed and provided by the parent or guardian of a child…of compulsory school age and is not enrolled in a nonpublic school. • “Parent” means a parent, guardian or other person having charge or care of a child. • “Superintendent” means the superintendent of schools of the city, county, or exempted village school district in which the parent resides. OAC 3301-34-01 CHESCA Notification Web Version

3. Statement of Purpose • To prescribe conditions governing the issuance of excuses from school attendance, • To provide for the consistent application thereof throughout the state by superintendents • To safeguard the primary right of parents to provide the education for their children. OAC 3301-34-02 CHESCA Notification Web Version

4. Notification vs. Application “A parent who elects to provide home education shall supply the following information to the superintendent:” OAC 3301-34-03 CHESCA Notification Web Version

5. Notification • School Year • “2002-2003” • This does not mean you must strictly adhere to the school’s calendar. CHESCA Notification Web Version

6. Notification • Name and Address of Parent • Telephone number is optional. • Only one parent’s name is required. CHESCA Notification Web Version

7. Notification • Name and Address of Other Teacher(s). • Telephone number is optional. • For most, this will be blank. CHESCA Notification Web Version

8. Notification • Full Names and Birthdates of Students • You do not need to include: grade level, shot records, social security number, etc. CHESCA Notification Web Version

9. Notification • Subject Areas • Not an exhaustive list. • You do not have to provide equal amounts of instruction. • You do not have to indicate your religious beliefs. CHESCA Notification Web Version

10. Notification • Curriculum Outline • For informational purposes only. • Not lesson plans, just a brief outline. • You are not required to adhere strictly to this outline. CHESCA Notification Web Version

11. Notification • List of Texts and Other Resources • For informational purposes only. • Text name and publisher, not chapter headings or page numbers. • Include memberships, etc. CHESCA Notification Web Version

12. Notification • Nine Hundred Hours • Does not have to be 180 five hour days. • Does not have to be documented. • Does not have to be directly supervised time. CHESCA Notification Web Version

13. Notification • Assurance of Qualification • You do not have to indicate which one you have. • You do not need to send copies of diploma, transcripts, etc. CHESCA Notification Web Version

14. Notification • Signature CHESCA Notification Web Version

15. Where Do I Send This? • “Exempted Village” school districtExempted Village Schools Superintendent • “City” (or “Community”) school districtCity Schools Superintendent • “Local” school districtCounty / ESC Superintendent CHESCA Notification Web Version

16. How Do I Send This? • Certified Mail • In Person (get a signed receipt!) • Regular Mail • FAX • E-mail CHESCA Notification Web Version

17. I Forgot Something! • Don’t worry! • The Superintendent must inform you in writing within 14 days of the exact information you have left out. • You have 14 days to supply the info. OAC 3301-34-03 (C) CHESCA Notification Web Version

18. What Will I Get? • A letter stating that your child is excused from attendance. • Signed by the Superintendent. • Within 14 calendar days. CHESCA Notification Web Version

19. Academic Assessment • Must be reported with a subsequent notification. • Three options are available, at the discretion of the parents. CHESCA Notification Web Version

20. Academic Assessment Options • Standardized Testing • Portfolio Review • A mutually agreeable alternative CHESCA Notification Web Version

21. Standardized Testing • Must be a nationally-normed test • Administered by a teacher, someone authorized to administer the test, or someone else mutually agreed upon • Composite score at or above the twenty-fifth percentile CHESCA Notification Web Version

22. No cost to parent Time and location determined by the school district School receives all results Results may not demonstrate proficiency Parent must pay Time and location determined by the parent School receives only the submitted composite score Parent may opt not to submit score Standardized Testing Administered at School Administered Privately CHESCA Notification Web Version

23. Ohio Proficiency Tests • Do *NOT* qualify as a nationally-normed standardized test • May be mutually agreed as an alternative academic assessment CHESCA Notification Web Version

24. Portfolio Review • Consists only of a signed statement that samples of the student’s work have been reviewed, and that the work is in keeping with the student’s abilities • The reviewer must be a certified teacher, or someone mutually agreed upon • Any fees are the responsibility of the parent CHESCA Notification Web Version

25. Re-entering Public School • May not be denied simply because the student has been home educated • Grade placement is at the discretion of the superintendent; considering academic assessment, requiring nationally-normed tests, and/or interviews with child and/or parents CHESCA Notification Web Version

26. Questions and Answers • If you have additional questions, please email or call a Nurture Group Leader or CHESCA Council member • Purchase Diana Fessler’s book, Home Education – Answers For Ohio Parents CHESCA Notification Web Version