Unschooling or life learning can be challenging in a state with very strict laws regarding home education, but it certainly isn’t impossible. In life learning we have no curriculum; no one sits down to the kitchen table to “do school” each day; there are no tests and no grades. Learning works itself seamlessly and enthusiastically into the fabric of our everyday. We read, research, explore, and live with a sense of curiosity about the world around us. It’s truly a wonderful way to live, but it is certainly well outside the understanding of many school officials who see learning in a very different way.
Each state has varying degrees of regulation over homeschooling families, ranging from none whatsoever (for example, you don’t even have to let the district know you’re homeschooling in NJ) to portfolio/evaluation/testing requirements . We live in a state with the latter. I’m going to take what I’ve learned living in one of the most strictly regulated states in the country, and share a few tips with you all. Some of it will be specific to Pennsylvania, but I think a lot of it is relevant really to any state with strict home ed laws. Feel free to add your experiences or suggestions related to your states in the comments- I’d love to hear about it.
1. First and probably most importantly is to know the law. I know it is at best an incredibly dry read and at worst highly confusing, but it is absolutely essential that you read through the specifics of the homeschooling law in your state. There are often websites that help break down the major points of the law (Ask Pauline is an excellent resource for Pennsylvania unschoolers). They are helpful, but not a replacement for reading the law in its entirety. You cannot assume that your school district officials know or have even read the homeschooling law. Often they have not, and think you are subject to the same requirements as the children in school. Read the law and print a copy to keep on hand to find answers to specific questions. In Pennsylvania you are required to submit a portfolio, and I like to take that opportunity to put in some important quotes from PA Act 169. It ensures that we are all on the same page as they review our portfolio. I think it’s important to be friendly, but assertive when dealing with your district. There is no reason to have an adversarial relationship, but it is important to stand up for your rights as a home/unschooling family.
2. My second piece of friendly advice is to resist the urge to over-comply. You may think this would be beneficial, but the practice is harmful to the other home educating families in your district, as well as potentially your own. As I mentioned above, sometimes school districts are not familiar with the law, and if a group of families in the district are going above and beyond what is required by law, it may become the expectation. Be sure that all you submit is done well and in compliance with the law, and leave it at that. Sure, it can be tempting to want to showcase your child’s genius in his/her passionate interest, but doing this for the school district will help no one. Grandparents, on the other hand, will likely love to hear all about their pursuits. 
3. Next, keep excellent records throughout the year of your child’s work and interests (while remembering that you don’t have to submit it all). I like to keep a running list of books read, websites used, documentaries watched, and experiments done. I print copies of instruction manuals for things like snap circuits and solar power building kits. I keep brochures from places we’ve visited, and take a lot of photos. Evernote can be helpful if you prefer online record keeping, but may not be submissible to your school district. In the end of the “school year” I take all of our rich life experiences and translate them into the language of education in our country, complete with objectives met, grade level appropriateness, etc. This is by far my least favorite thing to do, albeit a necessary one. As a side note, if your child does not produce a lot of paperwork and a portfolio is required, it is important to be creative as I mentioned above by including photos etc. In our family, we do fill in perceived “gaps” with worksheets. I discuss with Josh the challenges of unschooling in our state, and explain the use of worksheets. He’s always been more than happy to satisfy the state’s requirements in order to continue living and learning the way we do. We go through the worksheets at his pace, and when he wants to do them. In PA, it is important to be aware that there must be documented teaching on fire safety-this is one area where completing a couple worksheets together is very helpful.
4. Standardized testing is required in many states, including Pennsylvania. At this point, go back and refer to my first point. Know the law of your state- inside and out. I’ll use PA as an example here. Many people think their home educated child will have to go to the school and take the PSSA’s. This is seriously panic inducing for many families. No. Only children in school are required to take that test. Homeschooled children are required to complete standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. You can also choose the test used (I highly recommend Seton CAT). They can complete the test at home, and it can be administered by anyone who is not the home ed supervisor (you can trade with another family, have a friend or family member administer the test). I’ve written more about my feelings on the standardized testing requirement here.
5. Build community. This really cannot be underestimated. As unschoolers, we’re sort of a minority within a minority. Join local co-ops or online groups specific to unschooling in your state. Plan park days or playdates with other families. Support each other. Go to conferences, and meet other people living and learning together. Have fun, and remember that while meeting the requirements of a highly regulated state can be tedious as an unschooler, this life is so so worth it.
