Our new law has been such a blessing, and has provided great relief to homeschooling families throughout Maine during the past year. The process has been so easy that many of you have been wondering if you were neglecting something!

Under our current law, those wishing to begin homeschooling for the first time file a written notice of intent 10 days before the child's home instruction program begins.

Last year, with our new law finally in place, homeschoolers throughout Maine filed this initial notice of intent for the very first time. The notice was filed simultaneously with the local school administrative unit and with the commissioner of education.

The following information is always included in this one-time notice of

intent:

a. name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian,

b. the name and age of the student,

c. the date home instruction will or did begin,

d. a statement of assurance that instruction will be provided for at least 175 days annually and will cover the following subjects: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in at least one grade between grades 6 and 12); and that the student(s) will demonstrate proficiency in the use of the computer (in one grade between grades 7 and 12).

e. a statement of assurance that the parents will submit a year-end assessment.

This year, and for each subsequent year, Maine homeschooling families will file a simple letter telling the commissioner and the school administrative unit whether or not the child's home instruction program will continue. The letter must be filed by September 1, and should include the following

information:

a. name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian,

b. the name and age of the student,

c. statement telling the commissioner and the school administrative unit whether or not the child's home instruction program will continue.

Be sure to include a copy of the previous year's annual assessment results with your letter. Options for the annual assessment can be found at the Law Summary Page on our website, and include portfolio evaluations by a Maine certified teacher or standardized testing.

Be sure to keep copies of all items submitted above at least until the home school program concludes. They must be made available to the commissioner upon request. Also, use certified mail, return receipt requested, for all required items that you mail to your local school district or Commissioner.

Rest assured. It is as simple as that! Please thank God for the homeschool freedoms gained through this victory. Pray that He will continue to preserve homeschool freedoms in Maine for all those presently homeschooling and for all homeschoolers in the generations to come.

For more information regarding our homeschool statute, refer to www.hslda.org and our Law Summary Page.