Contentious divorces can become battlefields, with each spouse using any tactic possible to win. Unfortunately, that often includes using children as pawns at a time when they should be putting their children's needs before their own and finding ways to keep as much of the adult drama away from them as possible. A growing number of parents have found homeschooling to be a good solution, providing a secure environment with a daily routine that's as free from interruption as possible.
Not all parents agree to this. Some object because Texas does not require homeschooling parents to have any kind of certification or training to teach their children. They are not required to keep or present records concerning the child's progress, even to the other parent, and they are not required to administer state tests. Parents who either disagree with homeschooling or have no say in their child's education have three options:
- If one parent has sole authority in making decisions concerning the child's education, the other parent can only try to come to a mutual agreement with the homeschooling parent concerning some form of progress reports.
- In cases of joint custody, parents may need to see a mediator or neutral third party in order to make some kind of an arrangement.
- In either case, if a court order has been issued and no agreement can be reached, parents must return to court and have the order amended to whatever the judge says.
Hopefully, they will then be able to proceed with the original goal in mind, providing the child with a stress-free, secure environment.
In Texas, homeschooling is seen as a type of private school where the majority of instruction is given by a parent or guardian, although a tutor may be employed. Unlike public and private school, home schools are not regulated and are exempt from attendance laws. There is also no requirement for the number of hours that must be set aside per day for instruction. This flexibility can be helpful when it comes to visitation schedules that involve extended travel time. This can allow non-custodial parents to see their children more often during the school year.
It also offers stability. Although Texas does not regulate home schools, there are three requirements that must be met:
- They must be “bona fide.” - This means they cannot be a “sham.” They should have some form of regular schedule and materials with a definite purpose. This provides a consistency that children need during this emotional time.
- They must be in a written form – Curriculum must include textbooks, workbooks, or written material on a video or computer screen, or anything that can be seen.
- The curriculum must cover the basic subjects – In Texas, home schools must teach reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. Good citizenship is equal to civics, U.S and Texas history, and government in public schools. Science may be added if students plan to attend a college or university.
By definition, the majority of instruction must take place in the home, leaving homeschoolers free to take advantage of educational opportunities within the community, again taking advantage of flexible hours. Libraries, parks, and community centers often offer excellent activities. Some home school groups form co-ops. In a co-op, students meet once or twice a week in a community center, library room, even a hotel conference room, any place that can serve as a type of informal classroom. Parents take turns teaching a specific class each month, often in subjects they are particular familiar with. Some offers detailed instruction in areas such as mathematics and science, while others teach music or art. This exposes children to new ideas, helps provide instruction in areas some parents don't feel confident in, and, for parents going through a divorce, it could provide time to meet with attorneys and attend court sessions.
Divorcing parents might oppose homeschooling for fear their child will miss out on the common experiences of public schools such as sports. However, there are home school sports leagues not just in Texas, but nationwide. Programs providing instruction in band, orchestra, and choir have also been formed. Home school communities also gather together and offer proms and other social activities.
The biggest concern for divorcing parents, however, is graduation, but the state of Texas sees graduation from home schools as equal to that of public and private schools. The only legal requirement is the completion of the basic subjects outlined by the state, although students who want to go to college or universities usually add more subjects. Because the parent chooses the curriculum, they determine when all requirements have been met. They may then issue a diploma and a transcript, document templates available from such organizations as Texas Home School Coalition. Texas law says home school graduations must be recognized by universities, career colleges, and the military.
Homeschooling has helped many families who are going through the difficulties of divorce. Children know where they will be and what they will be doing every day. Flexible schedules make it possible to have more quality time with both parents. One on one and small group instruction gives parents control over their children's education, and the growing number of home schools has created a community not just in Texas but nationwide that provides programs that can enrich their social lives. If divorcing parents agree, homeschooling could provide children with much needed routine as well as flexibility when they need it the most.