Homeschoolers living in states with court rendered decision need to read the final judgment, but also understand how the judgment is interpreted. In all states it is best to find more than one source of information for a full understanding. Homeschooling information given by the state is not always accurate. Local support groups will have the most current and location specific information. Again, because much can be determined by interpretation, a new homeschooler should seek out more than one source of information.
Some states are much more restrictive than others.
Yet, in Alabama the only way to legally be out from under state control is to become or be affiliated with a Church School, sometimes called a covering school. This option is very difficult for families who choose to homeschool for reasons other than religion. Covering schools, also at times called umbrella schools, are basically buffers between the state and the homeschooling family. Most provide basic administration services, i.e., transcripts and other records, grading, and testing and reporting to the state. Two states, Tennessee and Alabama mandate their use by law.