My 9th grade son has many medical issues, and his pain has helped put him back into a major depression. The demands of high school and all the absences and makeup work are to the point where he cannot cope (on top of having serious pain daily), even with some special ed accomodations (he's normal intelligence). I am very seriously considering pulling him out to homeschool, so that we can work around his illnesses and doctor's appointments. If not that, we'll need to put him in some kind of alternative or private school. Has anyone else pulled out their Texas high schooler mid-semester? I'm not sure how that would work. I would love to be able to wait until the school year is over, but he just cannot continue like this. He is always going to have a lot of absences, so I anticipate that we may have to continue this way to get him through high school.
I did homeschool his older sister for a while, so I know what's involved, and I have a PhD and my husband has a Master's Degree; I'm strong in the humanities, and he's strong in math and science, and I telecommute so I'm able to be home every day. I will work hard to provide social opportunites for him.
Have you asked about having him enrolled as "Homebound"? The schools frequently do that with students with medical issues... a teacher comes by at certain times to check on how he is doing on schoolwork, and brings the assignments, and turns them in. I don't know all the details, but you could ask your HS.
Here's another alternative, also... UT Online High School.....
http://www.utexas.edu/ce/k16/ut-high-school/overview/
I know you asked for Texas answers specifically, so sorry, but I hope maybe it will apply there. When my daughter was having similar issues here in DC her principal and vice principal arranged for home tutoring. Different teachers came for different subjects and we had flexible scheduling. Like you, of necessity we started mid-semester. She did most of her junior year this way. Since I had to be so involved in all her medical stuff it was really nice not to have to be her teacher too. Maybe it's an option. Sorry you all are going thru this, it is so hard....
I'm avoiding answering HS'ing Q's right now out of grief... But had to chime in here:
Add 2 words together
"Texas & Homeschool"
& you have a chorus of angels singing from on high amidst the backdrop of millions of envious homeschoolers. Or, to quote:
The Governor of Texas says: "In Texas, we view home schooling as something to be respected and protected - respected for the energy and commitment of parents; protected from the interference of government. Texas does not index or monitor home school programs."
What's involved?
Nada.
You simply inform the school you'll be homeschooling (but are not even legally required to do so).
That's it.
Finis.
Done.
If you're looking at reentry later... Its fairly easy. Although, Id personally homeschool via dual enrollment & get 2 years of collehe under my son's belt & get to apply to colleges later under the AWESOME homeschool track (unfairly advantageous to homeschoolers, honestly, since the portfolio system allows for MAJOR bragging / "why you want me" AND so many schools are recruiting homeschoolers the way that sports schools recruit athletes. I'm not joking about GRIEVING giving up homeschooling. My son's future prospects dimmed dramatically when he had to re-enter public school.)
Here's a link to Ann Zeiss's collection of Texas homeschool links
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/extras/Search.htm?cx=...
And... As always... The Secular Homeschoolers Group (as well assny others) on yahoo groups, is an outstanding resource.
I'm sorry for your son's troubles, but envious of his opportunities!
All my best,
R.
Talk to the school. There are options for medically fragile students in public school. If you qualify, they will send tutors to your home and adjust the curriculum.
The school year is almost over. I imagine it's as simple as unenrolling him, but again, the school can assist you with that information.
It doesn't sound like you are going in blindly. There are many homeschooling resources available to help you navigate.
If you haven't already talked with people at his school, I'd do that. They'll know best how their school can handle your situation.
I have a friend (substitute teacher) who tried to help a kid who had been out of school for medical issues. He was seriously behind and school district did not provide enough of the right kind of help for him. I am thinking you might have to home school.
Of course, they are doing the kind of flipped classrooms these days. Where the teacher does a podcast of the lecture and the kids view that at night. The next day they do homework in the classroom. That might help your situation if the modified that somehow.
I have my last HS senior this year. He would have had a very tough time keeping up if he had to be absent a lot.
It sounds like this is your best option and that you and hubby can definitely handle the teaching part.
Sorry that your son has these issues and daily pain. I will pray for him.
