Help with Special ED home school laws? Please?

Question

I have a child in Special ED and I am trying to sign him up for homeschooling. He is in the 9th grade and law requires you have a Bach. degree to homeschool 9-12. I only have an Assoc. degree but his current skills are only about 3-4 grade level. (He is capable of so much more, the reason i am removing him and wanting to school myself) I am not getting answers from the BOE about doing this, if anyone can help with some legalities on how i can remove him from school, any way possible. He is 15and we live in Tennessee if that helps. thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I would say look into the possibility of an at-home type program through a "Church related school". (See http://tnhomeed.com/HSLaw.html and scroll down to the "Three options for homeschooling".) Check with Tennessee or more local homeschooling groups to find out more about this and which schools do this.

Answer 2

I would contact your local homeschooling groups, and see what they say. You don't have to have a bach, you can also ask for an exemption. At that point, a homeschooling group would be able to tell you what you need to know and say to qualify for said exemption.
In the long run that association will be beneficial, they can often help coordinate your required testing, or know HS friendly testing services. It also will help with socialization etc.

http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/support/tennessee_homeschool.htm

Looking at legal stuff online, it says that the commissioner arbitrarily denies requests. You might be better off if you could move north or south, KY, MS, and AL all require parental notification only.

Answer 3

You can attend job training programs at the community college or other trade school. Military is also an option. Many jobs also provide on the job training. Have you talked to a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. If not, give them a call. Sorry they didn't explain this to you earlier. EM- This is not a disability issue. It's a matter if he is qualified for a job or not. Edit- You need to take hold of your life. You are 29 years old and obviously not mentally retarded. You need to go to the community college and sign up for a program that interests you. What would you want to do? Move on with your life. Find a trade based program and move on from there. There are many trade jobs like welding and auto mechanics that do not require a diploma to enter in. Look for certificate programs instead of diploma ones. If you really wanted to, test for the GED while you are at it.

Answer 4

on the HSLDA site it does mention that a person can petition for an exemption
Qualifications "For grades K-8: High school diploma or GED For grades 9-12: baccalaureate degree (or an exemption granted by the commissioner of education)"

You might try to get an exemption from the commissioner of education if you haven't already. I would think that your Associates would help you in your petition.

Go here and click on the third link http://homeschooling.about.com/od/tnlegal/Legal_Information_Tennessee.htm

Tennessee Home School Laws and Legal Help -- there might be information there that you can use.

Answer 5

First of all let me commend you on recognizing the potential in your son and not losing heart and the willingness to bring him home and do the best you can. It's refreshing.

The best site I know of to get "How to Homeschool Legally" is Homeschool Legal Defense. It's a Christian site that has really great information. They have never steered me wrong.

My brief look tells me that your best option is to find a church satellite program to operate under. The second link is the Tennessee Home Educators Association list of organizations. I would call the one in your area and ask for help. Tell them your situation and ask for advice. Most homeschoolers are ready and willing to help.

Best of luck to you!!!

Answer 6

a different perspective on hslda.org:

http://homeschoolingislegal.info/

there are those who are quite unhappy with their track record.