Supervised instruction is a homeschool compliance model where parents provide education under the oversight of a qualified professional or institution, who monitors progress and evaluates academic achievement.
What is Supervised Instruction?
Supervised instruction refers to home-based education where a qualified professional or approved institution oversees the learning process. The supervisor typically helps plan learning objectives, maintains regular contact with the student, monitors academic progress, and evaluates achievement to ensure educational standards are met. This model exists as a middle ground between completely independent homeschooling and traditional school enrollment, providing accountability while preserving parental control over curriculum and daily instruction.
Key Takeaways
- Supervision requirements vary dramatically by state—some require licensed teachers, others accept parent-led oversight
- Common supervisors include certified teachers, licensed psychologists, umbrella schools, and approved educational institutions
- Most states with supervision requirements mandate monthly or quarterly contact, not daily oversight
- Supervised instruction differs from notification-only states where parents operate with minimal oversight
- Documentation of educational plans, progress, and supervisor communications is typically required
States with Supervision Requirements
Several states require some form of supervised instruction for homeschoolers. Iowa requires instruction by or under supervision of a licensed practitioner for students age 8 and older. Maryland offers supervision through nonpublic schools or church-operated education ministries as an alternative to portfolio reviews. Washington requires parents without specific qualifications to operate under a certificated person's supervision, with at least one contact hour per week. Pennsylvania mandates annual evaluation by a licensed psychologist, certified teacher, or nonpublic school administrator. Minnesota requires instructors to be supervised by a licensed teacher if they don't meet other qualifications.
Who Qualifies as a Supervisor
Who Qualifies as a Supervisor
- Licensed or certified teachers
Must hold current certification in the state; some require recent classroom experience
- Licensed psychologists
Can evaluate student progress in states like Pennsylvania
- Nonpublic school administrators
Often require 2+ years of educational experience
- Umbrella schools
Provide supervisory structure, often with funding support and compliance guidance
- Church-operated education ministries
Recognized in states like Maryland for families seeking faith-based oversight
Supervised vs. Unsupervised Homeschooling
The key distinction lies in accountability structure. Supervised instruction requires plan approval, regular contact, and formal evaluation—monthly or quarterly check-ins are common. Unsupervised homeschooling in notification-only states lets parents create curricula independently with minimal oversight and no external approval needed. Neither model is inherently better; they reflect different state philosophies about educational oversight. States like Texas and Idaho have virtually no supervision requirements, while others like New York maintain more structured oversight regardless of the model chosen.
Common Misconceptions
"Supervised" doesn't mean a teacher watches your child learn daily—it typically involves periodic evaluation and progress monitoring. Many families picture constant oversight when the reality is quarterly portfolio reviews or monthly check-ins. Supervision also doesn't eliminate curriculum flexibility; most supervised programs allow significant customization within approved educational plans. Finally, not every licensed teacher can supervise in every state—many require current certification and recent teaching experience within specific timeframes.
The Bottom Line
Supervised instruction provides a structured accountability framework while preserving your authority over daily homeschool operations. If you're in a state that requires supervision, start by identifying your supervisor early and understanding the specific documentation requirements. Keep detailed records of educational plans, progress, and communications. The administrative burden is real but manageable, and many families find that regular professional feedback actually strengthens their homeschool program.
