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HAWAII
Hawaii LRB Library
http://www.hawaii.gov/lrb/lib.html
Submitted by Kathleen Sheets (TGthrngPlc@aol.com):
Hawaii Homeschool Association- serving the island of Oahu. HHA is an inclusive group of homeschooling families. We are a diverse group from many backgrounds, with many different approaches to homeschooling. Our newsletter "The Gathering Place" is published bimonthly. A one year subscription is $10.00. For more information contact us via email at TGthrngPlc@aol.com or at HHA P.0. Box 3476, Mililani, HI 96789. The DOE will send a copy of the chapter 12 rules, Form 4140 and a list of Hawaii homeschool association; Hawaii Dept. of Education, Student Personnel Services, 2530 10th Ave., Room A10, Honolulu, HI 96816, (808)733-9109.
Hawaii State Laws - Summary
Hawaii has a state-run public school system. Compulsory attendance age is 6 through 18, on or before December 31 of any school year. The complete rules for homeschooling are spelled out in Chapter 12 Compulsory Attendance Exceptions of the state Department of Education's adminstrative rules. A free copy of the rules may be obtained from the Hawaii State Department of Education, Student Personnel Services 2530 10th Ave., Room A10, Honolulu, HI 96816; (808)733-9109 A brief summary of some of the rules is given below.
Any parent may homeschool his or her child by filing a notice of intent with the principal of the local public school. The notice may be given on a department-developed form OIS-4140, or in a letter containing the required information. No approval is needed. The rules say that parents shall have "a written record of the planned curriculum" but this is not ordinarily shared with the school.
An annual progress report is required. You have a CHOICE of showing progress via: standardized test scores, an evaluation by a teacher certified in the state of Hawaii, OR a parent-written report providing statements of progress in each subject area and samples of the student'swork.
Standardized test scores are normally required in grades 3,6,8, and 10. If test scores are submitted for the progress report that would satisfy thestatewide testing requirement. The rules allow for alternatives to standardized testing: "Parents may request and principals may approve other means of evaluation..." In practice, this has meant that parents wishing to use other means of evaluation such as a portfolio may do so, but the exact alternative which the school will accept is to be negotiated with the principal. Testing can be done at the local school or at the parents expense.
The State Department of Education has taken the position that, under the existing administrative rules, homeschooled students are not allowed to participate in school classes or extra curricular activities. No credit towards high school graduation is awarded for time spent homeschooled.