Search Results for: opinions about public education

When Your Child Goes from Homeschooling to Public School

by Jeanne Faulconer

...done at home. The child is no longer getting a homeschool diploma (though by the way, homeschool diplomas work just fine) -- but will be getting a public school diploma, which indicates completion of public high school requirements. Your child might be "ahead" or "behind." Your homeschool has been marching to a different drummer. Your child's skill level or knowledge might be out of sync with expectations for kids the same age at public school. It's important to remember that this is also true for students who attend public school who have never been homeschooled. There are kids who are... Continue reading »

5 Myths About Homeschool Superiority

by Mary Ann Kelley

Mary Ann Kelley

...win geography and spelling bees or make it into pro sports are representative of all homeschoolers. That is as ludicrous as suggesting that someone in public school is representative of all public schoolers. Yes, there are homeschoolers that participate in and even win spelling and geography bees. There are also public schoolers who do the same. And just like with public schoolers, the homeschoolers doing so represent a small minority of the whole. Whether it is athletics, music, art, theater, or academics, homeschoolers cover a broad range of abilities. And you know what? It's okay to be "just okay." Reality:... Continue reading »

Do Homeschoolers Hate Public Schools?

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...homeschooling parents think that the ideal of school is a fine one, that our system of public education provides important opportunities in our democracy. They may support or oppose specific aspects of public schooling or education reforms, but they actually are quite supportive of the concept of public school. Where does all this "support" and "opposition" for public education spring from within homeschoolers? In some cases, it's political or religious or economic in nature, just like among non-homeschoolers. Some people have opposed compulsory attendance since the day it was instituted, on the grounds that it violates parental rights, and some... Continue reading »

Homeschool Accreditation

by THSM Contributor

THSM Contributor

...Looking around, it’s easy to see that homeschoolers of all varieties do indeed succeed, so it must be possible therefore to succeed even without accreditation. Unaccredited Public Schools If not a guarantee of success, then what good is accreditation? You might not be aware but there are public high schools across the nation that are not accredited. I contacted the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, asking how I could determine which public high schools in my state are accredited. I received this surprising response; While most public Washington State High Schools are accredited, not all are. Each school, public... Continue reading »

Abeka Academy

by Mary Ann Kelley

...inform anyone who asked me of my experiences with them. In my honest opinion, I would look elsewhere for an educational curriculum that actually has the best interests of your child at heart. Abeka does not assist military families in any way, no matter what they promise. They do not care for the education of your child. Their curriculum is tedious and dry at best. Consider this an honest assessment and look elsewhere for an education opportunity that will ignite your child’s interest and love of learning. My son is frustrated as we believed that he would be ahead of... Continue reading »

Ask Jeanne: Money for Homeschooling My Kids?

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...educated, and there is no real choice without funding public schools may fail to meet the needs of some students, so alternatives are needed homeschooling parents pay taxes for education and should not be excluded from funding for education Those who do not favor funds for students learning at home believe homeschool freedom and effectiveness could be affected by regulations governing curriculum and resource purchases public funds could be used by families for educational materials that don't meet state standards funds for public schools could be diminished community support for public schools could be jeopardized policies that support "education choice"... Continue reading »

Unschooling

by Mary Ann Kelley

...families who identify as unschoolers but who actually don't represent unschooling accurately. They may be "anything goes" parents who let their kids run amok. Unschooling parents who are helping their children learn and who have peaceful, non-chaotic lives may be skipped over for interviews because they don't fit some stereotype a reporter has. Media stories also tend to follow a formula of always consulting an "education expert" to "balance" a positive depiction of unschooling. These experts are often experts on school-based education, and they may not have first-hand experience with unschooling families. Frequently they "know" what they know based on... Continue reading »

Ask Jeanne: Help! Should I Homeschool?

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...to homeschool feels like jumping off a cliff and finding you have wings. But I will tell you that those wings are made up of a parent's time, commitment, willingness to learn, and courage to do things in a different way. *Author's note: Negative school situations are a common reason people consider homeschooling. Homeschool advocates hear hundreds of stories and questions each year because school is not working well for specific children. Other kids go to school when homeschooling is no longer the best answer. Homeschoolers are not monolithically opposed to school, and homeschoolers have varying opinions about public education.... Continue reading »

Will Homeschooling Help ADD/ADHD?

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...of their own education," says Peter Gray, writing for Psychology Today in his article, "Experiences of ADHD-Labeled Kids Who Switch from Conventional Schooling to Homeschooling or Unschooling." Give your children as much as educational autonomy as you can stand. This doesn't mean giving up parental guidance or letting kids run amok. Instead, it means supporting your child's educational interests by facilitating learning that is important to him or her. I strongly recommend you read Gray's report of his research about ADHD-labeled kids leaving school for homeschooling. What he has found is what many homeschoolers have found: when parents are willing... Continue reading »

US Supreme Court

by Mary Ann Kelley

...Supreme Court decisions to date. You can find a summary of each case, as well as supplemental educational materials for middle-school and high-school aged students. The Supreme Court Historical Society (M, O, T) "The Supreme Court Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and communicating the history of the U.S. Supreme Court." Its website publishes articles on various historical topics, contains historical journal publications, and other educational resources. SupremeCourt.gov (Y, M, O, T) SupremeCourt.gov is the online home of the Supreme Court. You can find the Court's calendar, transcripts of oral arguments, written opinions, information on Justices,... Continue reading »

Beware this Pitfall of Crowdsourcing Education Information

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...what “must be true” or “should be true” about homeschooling. Long-time homeschooling parents have learned from experience that school administrators often do not know their state’s home education laws, the policies colleges have for homeschoolers, how homeschooled children learn at home, homeschool curricula, or how homeschoolers get a diploma. And why should public school administrators know about homeschooling? They are experts on the ways schools work and how students and teachers must meet the requirements of school. Their opinions and assumptions about education will be based on their understanding of school. Worse, sometimes some school administrators may believe they know... Continue reading »

Traps to Avoid When Transitioning from Home Schooling to a Public or Private School

by THSM Contributor

THSM Contributor

Many homeschoolers have to face that moment when their children go to a public or private school. Even though they have decided the time is right and have researched all the schools, the transition can be tough for families. Here are a few traps that some home school parents fall into after they have committed to sending their child off to school: 1. Expecting a Miracle. This is the one of the biggest disappointments for many home school families. Some expect that a child's social or academic weaknesses will be overcome in the first quarter at a public or private... Continue reading »

Here's to the New Year: Why I Homeschool Part 3

by Rebecca Capuano

Rebecca Capuano

...challenges that will inevitably arise throughout this upcoming year. Because when the foundation is secure, you can build something beautiful. Part 1 addressed the first two reasons I homeschool: 1. I want my kids to have a superior education. 2. I want to inculcate my values into my children, and raise them to be persons of character. And Part 2 tackled the “S” word of homeschooling…. 3. I believe the best socialization happens outside of an age-segregated classroom. But I can’t complete my foundation without laying out the last 2 major reasons I endeavor along this road of home education:... Continue reading »

How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum

by Jeanne Faulconer

...having ADD/ADHD, or because your child is considered behind or ahead by public education standards. You may be interested in homeschooling your large family while working. You may have limitations of time, money, technology, or your partner's expectations. You may be attempting to meet requirements or help your child prepare for future educational or career possibilities. All of these situations play into your choice of curriculum (or choice to not use curriculum). If money is in short supply, look at the ways people homeschool on a budget, including choosing free homeschool curriculum. Many people are also concerned about whether homeschooling... Continue reading »

Ask Jeanne: Speech Delay and Reading Comprehension

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...for choosing homeschooling rather than public education, which has increasingly pushed acquisition of skills to younger and younger ages, despite what we know about child development. My research indicates that in cultures (in some other developed countries with fine records of academic achievement and in some education subcultures with the U.S.), adults don’t expect children to read until age 7, 8, or later, and by then children are naturally more able to comprehend what they read, which is then a built-in incentive to encourage a child to read more. You can do a lot of research about how and why... Continue reading »

Good Reasons To Quit Homeschooling

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...are very similar to them) is best for every family. There is a lot of pride in those hearts. Jeanne Faulconer Hi Joy, I'm glad you stumbled across this article. I agree that people often end up with "near-sighted" opinions - meaning what works for them and those near them is something they want to prescribe for everyone else. Homeschooling is a big commitment. I think that people should not feel guilty if they want or need to change their child's education situation. In some circumstances, NOT doing so could mean their child is shortchanged. I wanted to counter the... Continue reading »

Ask Jeanne: Homeschooling and Immunization Law

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

...preferences. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of immunizations, some parents continue to object to required immunizations, and some parents continue to comply and support immunization policies. Differentiate Between Homeschooling Issues and Public Health Issues However, to be clear, immunization policy is not a homeschooling issue, though there may be overlap among some homeschoolers who are for or against certain immunization policies. Immunization policy is a parenting, family, and public health issue, and it is one that may affect children regardless of their educational approach. You need to check the laws of your state regarding both homeschooling and... Continue reading »

4 Things We Haven't (Consistently) Done In Our Homeschool

by Vanessa Wright

Vanessa Wright

...would. As someone who attended public school (grades K-8), private school (grades 9-12), and graduated from a four-year university, I still have gaps in my education. I'm guessing you do too. 4 Things We Haven't Consistently Done In Our Homeschool I'm sharing four things we haven't done consistently in our homeschool. Why? Because I've wanted to write about this now that my kids are older and I've had ample time for reflection. Please note that we've homeschooled in Virginia and North Carolina. The laws are very homeschool-friendly and we do not have tons of boxes to check or rules to... Continue reading »

Homeschooling a Non-Traditional Learner for High School

by Vanessa Wright

Vanessa Wright

My oldest child started high school at home this year. He's a very non-traditional learner, which can present a challenge when mom is the opposite. And while he looks very much like me, we are polar opposites. He's several inches taller than me, has opinions about everything in the world (a good quality, I keep telling myself) and is extroverted x 1000. Me? I was a textbook (pun intended) traditional school- lover. Book reports? Yes, please. Trifold projects for presentation day? Can I make two? Read all the books in the world? Sign me up! Math and Science night for... Continue reading »

Homeschooling Middle School: 8 Ways to Motivate Young Teens

by Living Education by Oak Meadow

Living Education by Oak Meadow

This post is contributed by Oak Meadow, the sponsor of our Living Education series. by Deb Velto, Oak Meadow K-8 Program Director Motivate Teens? There is no doubt that middle school students can be difficult to engage at times, and this can be especially true for home teachers who are also parents. Middle school-aged students are holding on so fiercely to their newly discovered independence, and at the same time they need some guidance while they learn to develop their own thoughts and opinions about the world around them. As your child’s home teacher, you have the difficult position of... Continue reading »

When Grandparents Don't Like Homeschooling

by Jeanne Faulconer

Jeanne Faulconer

My Ask Jeanne response to "Don't Homeschool My Grandkids" has been shared many times, generated much personal email, and garnered many comments, including questions about what to do when grandparents don't like homeschooling and criticize the decision. "Anna" recently left this comment: Hi all, so I have made the decision to homeschool my son again for his 4th grade year. He also has a two-year-old baby sister whom I also intend to homeschool. I homeschooled my son up until 3rd grade, when I made the choice to allow him to go to public school because of personal health issues. Also... Continue reading »

Before You Buy a Telescope

by THSM Contributor

THSM Contributor

Astronomy is the oldest science, and was around at the dawn of recorded history. According to Josephus, the science of the stars was first developed by the children of Seth, the son of Adam! So the sky has been studied for thousands of years. But the telescope was invented only 400 years ago, and is a relatively recent addition to this ancient science. Unfortunately, in our generation, the media and the schools center all astronomy education around the telescope. So one gets the impression that a telescope is indispensible for learning the stars. But one might wonder, what did astronomers... Continue reading »