Getting Started with Homeschooling
Practical Considerations for Parents of School-Aged Children
© Beverley Paine
Index
Homeschool
Australia
Part 2: Getting Started with Homeschooling
Introduction to Home Education Regulations in Australia
Home schooling has not been formally recognised in all Australian states as an alternative to school based education. Each Australian state has differing laws regarding the education of students and school attendance. They independently determine their own educational policies, regulations, guidelines, philosophy and curriculum, and these are revised at least every ten years.
However, most Education Acts do include reference to regulations, guidelines or policies pertaining to the legal provision of home education. There are no uniform regulations from state to state, with the most benevolent of these simply making reference to ‘regular and efficient’ instruction in a place other than school. More restrictive conditions require an educationally qualified supervisor whose role it is to monitor the learning program of children being home schooled.
Families seriously considering home schooling need to obtain copies of home education laws and regulations relevant to their own state. Copies of Education Acts are available from Government Printing Offices for a small fee. Local government members, or their secretaries, should be able to obtain this information for you. Additional information relating to home schooling regulations and procedures may need to be obtained from the relevant educational authority. There are usually local or regional offices you can contact either by phone, mail or in person. It is best to find out this information for yourself, and to obtain it in written form - information from well meaning friends or long term home schooling families may be inaccurate or out of date.
When investigating the option of home education it is essential that you become acquainted with the educational goals and objectives of your state educational authority.
Most states produce a booklet giving a brief outline of these, and will usually send out a copy on request. Copies should also be available from schools for parents. This information will give you an insight into how the state views the education process, the reasons for various practices and content, and the desired results. It will also introduce you to some of the educational terminology you will need to understand.
Not all families considering home schooling wish to seek permission or approval from the government authority to home educate. In some states such permission is not necessary to legally home school, but many families chose to pursue the approval process as it becomes a guiding process in the early months and years. Each family makes this decision based on their personal beliefs and ideologies. A thorough examination of the regulations and laws in your state will help you determine your position, and any possible consequences to your chosen actions regarding your legal status as home educators. If interpreting the law and regulations is difficult or confusing consult experienced home educators from your local or state based network, or the Home Education Legal and Information Network.
The process of investigating the legal ramifications of home education is an empowering one. Often the legal and political issues involved polarises home educating communities, and it is wise to speak to as many people as possible when determining your own position. In the final analysis whatever you chose to do will have to sit comfortably within your own family values, lifestyle and conscience.
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Excerpt from Getting Started with Homeschooling, Practical Considerations
© Beverley Paine, 1997
