Oklahoma’s homeschooling laws are relatively flexible, but maintaining good records is important for your peace of mind and to ensure you’re prepared in case of any inquiries.

Recommended Record-Keeping Practices

Attendance Records

• Why: While Oklahoma doesn’t require you to submit attendance records, keeping track of school days shows compliance with the state’s requirement that children between the ages of 5 and 18 attend school for 180 days.
• How: Maintain a simple calendar or log to mark the days your child receives instruction. You can use a physical planner or an app designed for homeschoolers.

Lesson Plans & Curriculum

• Why: This provides evidence that you are providing appropriate instruction. Oklahoma doesn’t specify required subjects, but covering the core subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies is a good idea.
• How: Keep a folder or digital record of your lesson plans, the curriculum you’re using, and any materials or resources you refer to. You don’t have to get overly detailed; just an outline is fine.

Portfolio of Student Work

• Why: Creating a portfolio of your child’s work can demonstrate their progress.
• How: Save a selection of completed assignments, tests, projects, and other relevant work. This can include:
  • Writing samples
  • Math exercises
  • Science projects
  • Artwork or creative projects
• Consider keeping both physical and digital portfolios.

Grade Records/Report Cards

• Why: Keeping grades helps you track progress and can be useful if your child eventually transfers to a traditional school or applies to college.
• How: You can use a gradebook or spreadsheet to record grades for assignments, quizzes, and tests. Periodically generate a report card or progress report, if helpful.

Reading/Book List

• Why: Tracking what books your child has read helps to show engagement in language arts and can be useful for future reference.
• How: Maintain a list of books, articles, and other reading materials your child completes throughout the year.

Extracurricular Activities

• Why: Homeschoolers often participate in extracurriculars like sports, music, or volunteer work. Tracking these activities can show well-rounded development.
• How: Keep a log of activities, dates, and achievements or certificates your child earns.

Standardized Testing (Optional)

• Why: Oklahoma does not require standardized testing, but taking them can help assess where your child stands academically compared to peers.
• How: Keep any test results or scores in your records, if applicable.

Legal Compliance

• Why: You are not required to notify the state or submit records, but maintaining evidence that you are complying with Oklahoma’s compulsory attendance law is important in case of a legal inquiry.
• How: Keep a copy of the Oklahoma homeschooling laws and document your compliance, including your child’s birth certificate or proof of age.

Annual Summary or Assessment

• Why: Summarizing each year gives you a comprehensive view of your child’s progress and growth.
• How: At the end of the school year, write a brief assessment or summary of your child’s achievements, progress in key subjects, and areas for improvement.

These records will help you stay organized and give you peace of mind, even though you are not required to submit them to the state. You should maintain these records for at least two years.

You should also keep your student’s high school records and proof of compliance with the home education laws during the high school years (including any home education notice you file with state or local officials) on file forever.