Homeschool Monitoring

A Branch of Regional Programs and Services

Monroe One BOCES is proud to partner with component districts to provide Homeschool Monitoring Services.  Our specialists review homeschool documentation required by the New York State Department of Education to ensure full compliance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.  

Documentation Required for Homeschooled Students

• Each school year, families must submit:
   
• • Letter of Intent
  • IHIP
  • Quarterly Reports (4 total)
  • Annual assessment

Requirements for Homeschooling in NYS

The Homeschool Year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th

Although New York state law does not require teaching credentials for parents providing home instruction, the key requirements to follow include:

LOI - Letter of Intent to homeschool - Click on your home district tab for the LOI template

• Each School Year: Submit a written notice (LOI) to the District Superintendent of Schools by July 1st
• New to home instruction: Submit the LOI within 14 days of beginning home instruction, and every year thereafter

IHIP - Individual Home Instruction Plan - Click on your home district tab for the IHIP template  

• Provide an Individualized Home Instruction plan by August 15th of each school year
• New to home instruction: Submit the IHIP within 4 weeks from the date of your Letter of Intent
• Content of IHIP:
  • The child’s name, age, and grade level
  • A list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks, or plan of instruction to be used in each of the required subjects listed in the New York State Regulations Part 100.10
    • IHIP must contain subjects required to be taught at specific grade levels (Consult the NYS Regulations)
  • Dates for submission of each Quarterly Report (4 total). These reports shall be spaced in even and logical periods
  • The names of the individuals providing instruction
    
    

Quarterly Reports - Click on your home district tab for the Quarterly Report template    

• Submit 4 Quarterly Reports throughout the school year
• Parents specify the due dates of these reports on their IHIP (Reports must be spaced in even and logical periods)
• Content of each Quarterly Report:
  • A description of the material covered in each subject listed in the IHIP
  • Evaluate the child's progress and include either a grade in each subject or a written narrative
  • List number of hours of instruction completed during each quarter
    • Complete 900 hours of school instruction per year in grades 1-6, and 990 hours for grades 7-12.
    • A substantial equivalent of 180 days of instruction shall be provided each school year
  • Maintain attendance records throughout the school year

Annual Assessment  - Click on your home district tab for the Annual Assessment template  

• At the time of filing the fourth Quarterly Report as specified in the IHIP, the parent shall also file an Annual Assessment
  
  

Annual Assessment in Grades 1-3:

• A written narrative shall certify that the child has made adequate academic progress or that the child has failed to make adequate progress.  In the event that such child has failed to make adequate progress, the home instruction program shall be placed on probation pursuant with the New York State Regulations Part 100.10  
  
  

Annual Assessment in Grades 4-8:

• The Annual Assessment shall include the results of a commercially published norm referenced achievement test.  Parents may select one of the following:
  
  
  • The Iowa Test of Basic Skills
  • The California Achievement Test
  • Stanford Achievement Test
  • Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
  • Metropolitan Achievement Test
  • A State Education Department Test
    
    
• A written narrative may be used no more than every other year. A written narrative shall certify that the child has made adequate academic progress or that the child has failed to make adequate progress.  In the event that such child has failed to make adequate progress, the home instruction program shall be placed on probation pursuant with the New York State Regulations Part 100.10    
  
  

Annual Assessment in Grades 9-12:

• The Annual Assessment shall include the results of a commercially published norm referenced achievement test.  Parents may select one of the following:
  
  
  • The Iowa Test of Basic Skills
  • The California Achievement Test
  • Stanford Achievement Test
  • Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
  • Metropolitan Achievement Test
  • A State Education Department Test

NYS has very specific requirements to homeschool your child. The regulations listed here are a summary to help parents get started. Check out the NY Department of Education’s website for the latest information on staying compliant.