Posted: 29/Oct/2009 at 5:57pm | IP Logged

Ok, wait...breathe in, breathe out.

There.

Now, tell me again what state you're in?

And I have to say that not getting stuck on curriculum is much easier with young dc than it is with dc who should be graduating in a couple of years, so don't worry about getting stuck. Just be willing to adjust if necessary.

What he "should" know depends on (1) the laws in your state regarding end-of-year testing/evaluating/reporting, and (2) what he thinks he might want to do when he graduates.

Posted: 30/Oct/2009 at 8:30pm | IP Logged

cupcakes wrote: How do I make sure he is getting all that he should?

Here's the thing: You live in a "red" state, one that requires approval. What he "should" be getting is up to the school super or the school committee. In some other less-restrictive states, you might be able to focus on, say, life skills and whatnot, but in your state...maybe not.

My two best recommendations: Join HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association), and find some experienced local homeschoolers to help you figure this out.

Quote: How does he get tested?

I'm not sure what most parents in MA do, but in other states that require testing, most parents acquire their tests from one of a number of suppliers. One of those is Bayside School Services. Of course, you may also provide officials with another form of assessment instead.

Quote: what if he falls below "grade" level when tested?

At the high school level, grade level isn't as much of an issue as it was at the elementary level. The law says the periodic assessments are "to ensure educational progress and attainment of minimum standards." What that means may vary from school district to school district, which is why I'm thinking that finding *local* homeschoolers might be so helpful for you.

Quote: I guess I am looking for a little direction like an outline of a plan of action? I don't know, I am kind of scattered!

I think your plan of action needs to include talking to the locals about legal stuff, ASAP.