The Foreign Service Journal, December 2012

70 DECEMBER 2012 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT music classes; science materials, such as microscopes or magnets; or games that promote learning using manipulatives or logic. Items that could have a non- educational application, such as personal computers or electronic readers, may not be reimbursed under current guidance, although the purchase of computer soft- ware and e-books can be covered. Homeschooling families need to keep their receipts for all education-related expenses and provide justification dur- ing the voucher process, as needed. The Family Liaison Office’s education officer can be a helpful link between families and the Office of Allowances, which makes the final determination about what expenses are allowed. Documentation. Many parents ask what sort of proof of schooling is required, particularly for middle school and high school students. The State Department itself does not require any records beyond the reimbursement voucher and confir- mation of which U.S. state’s homeschool- ing guidelines a student is following. The DSSR simply directs homeschool- ing parents to comply with the regulations of the state where they are resident or “another relevant state.” And if the state requires regular testing of the student’s abilities, the cost of testing is covered by the allowance. Documenting a child’s studies, therefore, is more focused on what his or her plans are for the future. Here, too, the Family Liaison Office can be use- ful, assisting families in figuring out the For many families, finding support for their homeschooling lifestyle can be a real challenge overseas.