Responsibilities as a Home Educator
Florida Statute 1002.41 outlines the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with establishing and maintaining a Home Education program in the State of Florida. Key responsibilities include the following:
Registration of Each Child
The parent or legal guardian must register each child with the school district of the county in which they reside. Registration may be completed by submitting a Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program Form to the district’s Home Education office (form can be accessed under the ‘forms’ tab) or by providing written notification to the school district superintendent or his/her designee.
Individualized Instruction
Under Home Education, students are not assigned or tracked by traditional grade levels. Instead, students advance based on demonstrated mastery and readiness which is determined by the parent/legal guardian. Additionally, parents or legal guardians are responsible for designing and delivering instruction tailored to the child’s individual learning style, pace, and academic needs. Families may select any curriculum provider, instructional resources, virtual platforms, or supplemental materials they see fit.
A portfolio of records and materials documenting the student’s educational progress must be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years. The portfolio must be made available for review annually or upon request by the school district, in accordance with statutory requirements.
Annual Evaluation Requirement
An annual evaluation must be completed for each child enrolled in Home Education to document educational progress and ensure compliance with state law. The evaluation is due on or before the anniversary date of the student’s enrollment in the Home Education program.
Florida law provides five statutory options for completing the required annual evaluation:
- A certified teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the student’s educational progress upon review of the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level;
- The student shall take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
- The student shall take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
- The student shall be evaluated by an individual holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of s.s. 490.003(7) or (8); or
- The student shall be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the district school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student’s parent.
Learn more on the Florida Department of Education’s School Choice website.
