• Frequently Asked Questions

     

     

    What are the mandatory courses?

    Elementary school level (grades K-6), mandatory courses: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires; health and physiology; physical education; music; and art.

     

    Secondary school level (grades 7-12), mandatory courses: English, to include language, literature, speech and composition; science; geography; social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry; art; music; physical education; health; and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires. Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education

     

    What are the standardized test requirements for home educated students?

    Home educated students in grades 3, 5, or 8 must take, and report in their evaluation, the results of the statewide tests or another nationally normed standardized achievement test in reading/language arts and mathematics (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(e)(1)).

     

    Students may request to take the PSSA or Keystone through the Big Spring School District by contacting the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at 717-776-2403 by March 1 of the school year. 

     

    Other standardized test options approved by the PA Department of Education are available on the Home Education – Standardized Test Page of the PDE website. 

     

    What do I do if I’m transferring from another district?

    When a home education family moves from one school district to another, an official letter of transfer is required. This letter substantiates that the home education program is in compliance with the home education law.

     

    Do I need to submit a portfolio?  

    Home education students do not need to submit a portfolio to the district; however, one would be needed for the evaluator to review. Students should discuss with their evaluator portfolio expectations and requirements.

     

    What is the difference between home education and private tutoring?

    Parents may want to compare the differences between home education and private tutoring to see which best fits the way they would like their children to be educated. There are many similarities, such as in the curriculum requirements, but there are also differences. More information on both can be found in the Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide.