10 steps to Understanding the Tim Tebow Bill (HB547)
We at El Paso Homeschool Association strive to be inclusive of all homeschoolers. We understand there is divergence in how we all think regarding HB 547 (Tim Tebow Bill). If you believe that this is a negative for homeschoolers, we still invite you to read the following in depth explanation of the law. Likewise, if you are excited by this opportunity, please read the law and see what UIL participation entails. Misinformation surrounds HB 547 and we at EPHA are seeking to clarify, and also to pursue our local School Districts’ adoption of HB 547 for those interested in participating in UIL Activities & Events.
The full text of HB 547 can be found here.
UIL is the University Interscholastic League, the governing body of academic competitions, sports competitions, and performing and visual arts competitions in the state of Texas. UIL is currently writing its own guidelines for homeschool student participation. Our hope is that this will provide more clarity to school districts.
The following is a comprehensive breakdown of the information contained in the six pages of HB 547. This bill was authored by homeschool parents serving in the State House and Senate.
Homeschool as Private School stays Intact and cannot be changed by HB 547. Nothing in this bill may affect holdings found in Texas Educ. Agency v. Leeper, 893 S.W.2d 432 (Tex. 1994) that any homeschool will be seen as a private school and be classified as such. If you are not informed about Texas Homeschool Law, please read this.
Requirements to Meet A non-enrolled student who seeks to participate or participates in a league activity on behalf of a school is subject to the following relevant policies that apply to students enrolled in the school:
Registration for league activities
Age eligibility
Fees
Insurance
Transportation
Physical condition
Qualifications
Responsibilities
Event schedules
Standards of behavior
Performance
Where you can Participate & proof of Residency A non-enrolled student may only participate in a league activity for the school:
in the school district that the student would be eligible to attend based on the student ’s residential address
shall be required to establish minimum proof of residency acceptable to the district in the same manner as an applicant to attend a school in the district under Section 25.001
You cannot withdraw from public school and participate in UIL the same year. You cannot move to a non-enrolled student UIL participating district and participate in UIL that same year. A major point of concern was that failing public school students would withdraw and then re-enroll at a different campus or district as a homeschooler.
Standardized Test requirements: As a condition of eligibility to participate in a league activity during the first six weeks of a school year, a non-enrolled student must demonstrate grade-level academic proficiency on any nationally recognized, norm-referenced assessment instrument, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test, or Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
Results for testing must be submitted by a third party A non-enrolled student demonstrates the required academic proficiency by achieving a composite, core, or survey score that is within the average or higher than average range of scores, as established by the applicable testing service. For purposes of this subsection, a school district shall accept assessment results administered or reported by a third party
Submit verification of passing Grades each grading period in writing and on the schools grading schedule: After the first six weeks of a school year, the parent or person standing in parental relation to a non-enrolled student participating in a league activity on behalf of a public school must periodically, in accordance with the school ’s grading calendar, provide written verification to the school indicating that the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject being taught.
No state agency can exact oversight on a homeschool students course of study: no agency of this state, a public school district, or any other governmental body can exercise control, regulatory authority, or supervision over a non-enrolled student or a parent or person standing in parental relation to a non-enrolled student beyond the control, regulatory authority, or supervision required to participate in a league activity This means they cannot reach into curriculum, your parental rights, or anything not included in section #2 above.
You cannot be required to change your form of assessment or your curriculum to your non-enrolled students: Curriculum or assessment requirements, performance standards, practices, or creed of the education program provided to a non-enrolled student may not be required to be changed in order for the non-enrolled student to participate in a league activity
You are subject to vaccine requirements like any other public school student
You are not to be held to new rules or requirements requiring you to change your education program unless said rule or requirement was already in effect on January 1, 2021.