Homeschooled Child Working below Grade Level

My sister's family is homeschooling their 10-year-old boy. It seems to me that he knows far less than my child who is the same age. He has never been taught how to do division and rarely does any work in social studies. Fortunately, he seems to be a good reader. Are there any laws that make sure homeschooled children are receiving a good education? Shouldn't he be taking standardized tests? - Very Worried
Answer: Individual states have their own laws on homeschooling. And they definitely are not the same for each state. Some spell out in great detail what must be taught. They may even ask for documentation that these subjects are being taught. Others list a few subjects or have no specific requirements. State laws also vary on whether homeschooled children are required to take standardized tests. If your sister's state doesn't require testing, it will be hard to know if the child is actually working at his grade level. It is very easy to find out the legal requirements that must be met by homeschooling families. Just visit the Web site of the Home School Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org) and click on the name of your state.
Rather than being critical of the schooling your sister's family is providing to her child, it might be more helpful for you to offer to let your sister look at your child's papers and textbooks so that she has a better understanding of the material that is being studied at this level. In addition, you might suggest to your sister that she take part in a homeschooling support group to share experiences with fellow homeschoolers. If your sister can find a good homeschooling group in her area, she will have more guidance about what children at her son's level are learning. Also, it will be fun for your nephew to go on field trips with other homeschoolers.