[Peaceful Meadows]

You know this is why I hate labels. It get's way too confusing and they tend to put people/groups into boxes.

In PA we need to :
Keep a record of attendance - 180 days per year or 900 hours at the elementary level or 990 hours at the secondary level

Teach the following subjects - Elementary level: English spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, U.S. and Pennsylvania history, civics, health and physiology, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety and fire prevention Secondary level: English language, literature, speech and composition, science, geography, civics, world, U.S., and Pennsylvania history, algebra and geometry, art, music, physical education, health, safety, and fire prevention

"Teacher" qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Give notice - File a notarized affidavit with the local superintendent prior to start of home school and annually by August 1st thereafter

Keep records - Maintain a portfolio of materials used, work done, standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8, and a written evaluation completed by June 30 of each year

Testing - Administer standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8; submit results as part of portfolio


So we have lots of hoops to jump through but it doesn't mean I am any less a homeschooler than those in states with less strict laws and people manage to unschool here in PA. The strict laws don't mean nobody is fighting for less government regulation. We are fighting, fighting, fighting but the NEA is also fighting to keep the laws in place and it's hard to take on the NEA because they are one huge organizion with and the homeschoolers are many little groups coming together and unfortunately sometimes they have differeing opinions on certian wording etc and well at times that can cause disunity.

Edit to add:
When reporting, I just give the government/school district the bare min. I wish all homeschoolers did that. Over compliance can cause stricter laws. Giving the bare min. reduces the school district's expectation and makes reporting easier.