I've been getting those concerned questions about homeschooling as I do at the end of each year with parents considering the fall. Just like schools, we MUST plan ahead as we make decisions about our childrens' futures. I ponder and go back and forth in our own homeschool convictions. I realize more nowadays how unique each child is and what each one needs, wants, and requires.So I thought I'd post some current thoughts.
High School - I've seen this lovely lady speak at conventions. She sums up my heart in just this little YouTube video & her 5 points listed underneath. I enjoy her blog too! Her most recent "Never Compare" is so timely!http://www.thehomescholar.com/5mistakessignup.php
Homeschool/ home-based instruction vs. Alternative Learning Experience Implementation Standards
After 1 yr. in our local parent partnership - I can now have an opinion:
We were off-site with 1 child and on-site with 2 - one took 3 classes the 2nd semester, and the other quit classes after the 1st semester. We had excellent homeschool moms as teachers of the classes the boys took. We chose them for that reason! Our son who took the 3 classes has some friends he really enjoyed while there.
A student's status in the district changes once enrolled in a parent-partnership and are no longer considered BY THE STATE OF WA - homeschooled/home-based. If you were to take a class like band or choir you file the same enrollment form with them. There are other forms with our PPP, though I signed one (which I think may have changed now,) saying we homeschool 99% - it gave me home-based freedoms and we were not subjected to testing ie WASL, but children are enrolled in the school district. Parents are listed as the primary teacher and you set up a yearly Student Learning Plan including learning goals and books/materials used for each child's year of school. Then monthly you report your child's progress in each of those classes you are t
eaching, affirm that hours spent learning both on-site and off-site were met. Weekly you are under the direct supervision of a certificated teacher for each child and the individual weekly contact method that you 'surrender' to. You must meet these requirements in order to receive state funds. Those monies were appreciated but here is where my opinion becomes just that. Freedom comes at a cost. Though we pay almost $40,000 in property taxes - could I be effecting the outcome of homeschooling and it's future in the state of WA? Maybe this will have no effect to the overall changes that our SPI may have in mind. But I am reminded that we are so blessed to have the freedoms we do in our state.For us - I am glad to be "free" once again.
