More children than ever are getting quality education in the home. Families increasingly want the advantages of homeschooling, which include academic flexibility, efficient learning, and a warm family environment.
That said, homeschooling isn’t without some responsibilities. You have to plan lessons carefully and keep some detailed records. While trying to figure out what homeschool records you have to keep can seem complex and overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
Homeschool Records Requirements in South Carolina
As a parent who homeschools their children, you should keep meticulous records anyway. But the law has something to say about it as well.
Homeschooling rules vary by state. In South Carolina, you are required to keep records that demonstrate the following items:
1. Attendance
Your homeschooled children are required by law to attend “class” or lessons a minimum of 180 days in a calendar year. You don’t have to document every day that your children work on lessons, but you should document at least 180 of them. You can do this with a simple calendar or note the dates in your lesson plan to meet two requirements at once.
2. Lesson Plans
When homeschooling, it’s a good idea to have and follow a plan. If you don’t, you’re likely to get off track quickly. You can create your own lesson plans or subscribe to ones that are made for homeschooling parents. Whichever option you choose, keep copies of these plans for your records, even if they are handwritten.
3. Subjects
Lesson plans and meticulous attendance records are well and good. But the state also requires that you cover the four basic subjects in your teaching – Math, Reading/Writing, Social Studies, and Science. When your student reaches the 7th grade, the Reading/Writing subject becomes Literature/Composition.
You can add any other subjects you wish: Music, Art, PE, Bible Studies, Foreign Languages, etc. You also don’t have to cover each of the four required subjects each day, as long as you are giving them ample attention throughout the year.
4. Work Samples
You don’t have to keep every quiz, paper, and worksheet that your children complete. But you’ll want to hold onto a few samples for several reasons. First, some will have sentimental value. Second, they are excellent proof that you are teaching the required subjects and following those lesson plans you’ve saved.
5. Semi-Annual Progress Reports
According to South Carolina law, homeschooling parents must complete a semi-annual progress report. This doesn’t have to look like a traditional report card, but it can if that is how you want to structure it. You can also create a list of standards or goals and outline the progress that your student has made over the reporting period.
Learn More About Homeschool Benefits and Recordkeeping
Want to learn more about the benefits of homeschooling and what records you’ll be required to keep with this option? The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) provides educational counseling and encouragement to homeschooling parents throughout South Carolina. Contact us today for more information.