The state, we got a free copy of the same textbooks used in each grade level. The only real limitation on homeschooler was continuing to score at or above grade level on the standardized tests at the end of the year. So it was recommended that I read them in order to cover the "appropriate" material. As this only took 2-3 hours a day for 3 months there was little reason to fight it. Afterward I found out that most students never finished these textbooks and reading 2/3 of them would have been plenty, which is just sad IMO.
Edit: I also had the teacher’s editions so it was easy to self test on most of the material. I don't think most students would have been as successful with a minimally structured environment, but the standard approach is incredibly inefficient for the top 1%. I can easily see those more capable and motivated benefitting from even less structure, also for the less capable or motivated there is still plenty of room before you hit the standard top down classroom.
PS: Apparently it is fairly common for above average homeschoolers to finish by January, and for those behind the curve to spend all year "in school".
Edit: I also had the teacher’s editions so it was easy to self test on most of the material. I don't think most students would have been as successful with a minimally structured environment, but the standard approach is incredibly inefficient for the top 1%. I can easily see those more capable and motivated benefitting from even less structure, also for the less capable or motivated there is still plenty of room before you hit the standard top down classroom.
PS: Apparently it is fairly common for above average homeschoolers to finish by January, and for those behind the curve to spend all year "in school".