Some states don't require any notice of intent. Others require the filing of a notice with local school officials containing specified information. In conformity with the general trend to ease requirements however, only two states, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, still require parents to obtain approval prior to homeschooling. More stringent requirements even include the need to have a credentialed teacher supervise the homeschooled child's education.
Proponents of heavier requirements argue that they are a necessity in order to achieve the societal goal of having an educated public who are prepared to participate in democratic society. There are no scientific studies, however, that indicate heavier requirements produce better results. In general, standardized test scores in states with high requirements are no better than in states with lower requirements, casting doubt on the wisdom of placing high requirements on homeschooling since higher requirements create higher administrative costs.