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• What Is Homeschooling Online
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Home School Myths: Low Education Standards" Myth of Homeschooling

Let's be honest: When people here the term "homeschooling", one of the first images that pops into their mind is a backwards, old-fashioned, inadequate form of education. However, it is true that for centuries, children have been taught at home by their parents. This practice is in no way a new phenomenon and has helped produce many of history's greatest movers and shakers! In contemporary American society, homeschooling has received a reputation for being a poor way to educate children. This reputation, which is limited in perspective, is neither fair nor accurate.

The education that homeschoolers receive is often more dimensional and diverse than the standard means of education received in a typical classroom. One of the greatest aspects of a homeschool curriculum is its flexibility. Learning a lesson about the Impressionist Art period? Pack a lunch in a bag and the family in the car, and head to the museum to see actual work by the artists you are learning about. Learning about the wonder of birds in your science lesson? Grab a pair of binoculars and head outside. These are both incredibly valuable experiences.

In addition, there are many great homeschooling resources that exist for parents interested in taking charge of their children's education. Many of these programs are developed by professional educators and are accredited programs that are recognized as valid education curriculums. Students are encouraged to think for themselves and take ownership of their learning experience.

Some people might say that this information sounds good in theory and on paper, but when it comes down to it, how do homeschool students perform compared to students from the public school? The answer to this question would surprise many! "A 1997 study by Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) found that home educated students excelled on nationally-normed standardized achievement exams. On average, homeschoolers outperformed their public school peers by 30 to 37 percentile points across all subjects."

Finding a program with high standards and that fits the needs of you and your child is important, but as you can see, choosing to homeschool your children would in no way impair them for a bright future.

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Homeschooling Today's Youth

Everyone is striving to make ends meet nowadays. And while we recognize the primary need to educate the younger generation, the increasing cost of schooling leads to higher dropout rates every year. It is a fact that parents will think of putting food on the table first before sending their kids off to school.

 

Amidst all this comes the new trend of homeschool programs. While homeschooling is a practice that dates way back, it has become popular again due to factors such as cheaper tuition and the freedom it gives to families that are in a more unconventional set up.

 

Virtual schools certainly provided parents with a financially attainable alternative to the normal school set up. With homeschooling, parents need not worry about rising tuition, as well as money for school uniforms, books, and other miscellaneous school requirements. In addition, studies have shown that children who have gone through online academies are more bonded to their parents and other family members. They can also relate to people from varying age groups because they are exposed to them as opposed to traditionally schooled children who spend most of their time with children of their same age.

 

But of course, as the kids enter high school, it may be necessary to engage them in a more independent type of high school homeschooling system—a system where they can feel they have more freedom from the authority of their parents. There are several types of high school homeschooling programs that address this rising need for independence of teens while at the same time protecting them from bad influences which are also a strong force in this age group. One type of program is an . Students just attend the high school classroom session once a week to get modules and pass requirements. Most of the time, they are at home studying their lessons on their own. The once a week session also serves as a venue for asking questions in case students get confused while studying the modules alone.

 

The more popular type of virtual high school is the one done online, mainly due to the advent of the Internet even in rural areas. Online high school education has made non-traditional individual and family set-ups easier to cope with without compromising a proper education.

 

The character of online high school education varies on location of the student. Some of these programs offer a rigid program, complete with educational materials and computer software that are paid upon enrolment. This type of online academy basically works like a traditional one – with required number of hours to be spent online – except that children are in the house, not engaged in face to face encounters with teachers and classmates. Despite this similarity, most parents still enrol their kids to this type of learning system because of the disciplinary conditioning it entails.

 

But perhaps the more appealing type of online class is one that provides a more flexible schedule. This type of online school is pretty much like an open high school where students are free to do what they have to do outside of class sessions as long as they are able to pass the requirements mandated by the curriculum. Passing the curriculum is important in any educational program to ensure each student a diploma and accreditation so they can pursue further studies or get good paying jobs despite attaining a degree over the Internet.

 

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Misconceptions about homeschooling

Five Homeschooling Misconceptions By Asha Oshun’ Mali

When I told my mostly middle class family that I was thinking of homeschooling my children, I was met with a host of negative responses. My mother, in particular, was mortified. “Home school!” she said exasperated. “Now why would you want to do that? Don’t you know home school children don’t get into good colleges? And, how will you socialize them?”

I did not know how to respond to her then. What I did know: was that I was not crazy about the education my children were receiving at their perspective schools. I did not blame their teachers at all for this-I knew they were doing the best they could-and honestly, I feel it’s a parent’s job to ensure their children are getting a quality education.

But still, I did not know how the home school processed worked. So, I turned to what I am good at; snooping. I stalked internet websites on homeschooling for weeks- learning all that I could. I also took a trip to the library-a handy free resource-and read books on the subject as well.

Added to this, I found out through word of mouth-which of my friends knew home schooling parents. I learned a lot from my quest, and I certainly learned a lot about home schooling misconceptions.

Misconception number one:

One of the most common misconceptions is that homeschooled students will not be able to socialize with other kids.  Having my children not only socialize with other kids their age, but also participate in community service programs, was very important to me when considering the option of homeschooling.

I wanted to make sure they had hands on experience for their perspective career interest and I also wanted to make sure they understood the importance of volunteering their time to help others in need. My thirteen year old wants to be a Veterinarian. I wondered how I would be able to make sure she was able to learn more about animals.

I found out through my research, that she could not only get experience by working  at animal shelters , but that she would also be able to fulfill a community service component by volunteering her time.

And as far as socialization is concerned, there is plenty of information available on the internet. Home-school.com is just one of the many sites where you can find home school social groups for your particular state.

There are also sites that can help strengthen your child’s skills by allowing them to interact with other learners their age.  Helium.com  is one such site. Helium offers teenagers, 13 and up, the chance to display their writing and the opportunity to read the writing of others.

Misconceptions number two:

A friend was careful to advise me that homeschooling was illegal. I told her I did not think so, but she insisted. “You are going to go to jail and lose your kids if you home school girl.” She said. While the mere thought of doing something illegal-especially where my children were concerned-was terrifying for me, my research showed me that homeschooling is indeed- legal.

There are state rules that must be followed however. I was reassured after learning from Fine Homeschooling.com (www. finehomeschooling.com) that homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. I was also encouraged by the fact that there were many sites that had detailed information on the legal information regarding homeschooling for each state.

One of the most informative was the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association.( www.hslda.org) The site is very detailed in regard to the legal ins and outs of what you can and can’t do as a home school parent or guardian.

Misconception number 3:

The next misconception I was met with was that to teach children at home you needed at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. I learned that is in not true either. However, each state has different laws regarding homeschooling.

In Georgia for instance, all you need is a high school diploma. And, you have to make sure that you hand in an attendance sheet at the end of every month so that you are in compliance with truancy laws.

Teacher Certification is also not required in most states. You must be careful, however, to make sure that you are competent at the subjects you are teaching.  Your child’s education is extremely important. Don’t be afraid to enlist tutors to aide you in giving your child the highest quality education possible.

And you will need to make sure the tutors are qualified. In some states, like California, tutors must be certified.  However, you will have to do the research to find out what your states home schooling laws are.

Misconception number 4:

“Are you going to be able to afford it? I mean, the economy is pretty bad out there and you won’t be able to work full time if you home school.” This was a legitimate concern for me. I knew that I and my husband would have to work.

But, I knew too, that our schedules could be set up in a way that would allow us to offer our children the best of our time, resources, and attention.  As far as affordability is concerned, homeschooling is no more expensive than public school and far less expensive than most private schools.  Homework on your part is important.

The internet offers a plethora of websites on homeschooling.  One of my favorites is Successful Homeschooling (www.successful-homeschooling.com). This wonderful website gives useful information and links on where to find cost cutting materials such as used books, free and low cost homeschooling links, and much more. And there are many other sites like this one available on the web. Just head over to Google and do a search. You will be amazed at what you will find.

Misconception number 5:

Can home schooled children get into good colleges?  According to Karl M. Bundy they can and not just in America. Mr. Bundy (www.learninfreedom.org) , list well over 1,000 colleges that have accepted and still do accept home school students.

And, some of America’s finest colleges and universities, like Harvard, are listed as well.  If you are worried about standardized test like the A.C.T and S.A.T, you don’t have to. According to Isabel Shaw in an article written for Back to School with Family Education (school.familyeducation.com),

“On average, homeschooled kids score one year ahead of their schooled peers on standardized tests. The longer the student home schools, the wider this gap becomes. By the time homeschooled children are in the eighth grade, they test four years ahead of their schooled peers.”  (school.familyeducation.com)

Of course, you as the parent educator will have to do your own foot work where getting your child into the school of your choice is concerned. But, that would be your job no matter what system you choice for your child to attend; private, public or home.

All in all, homeschooling can be an enriching experience not only for your children, but for you as well. Don’t listen to the naysayers; do your own snooping. You will be surprised and delighted at what you will find.

• What Is The Benefit Of Homeschooling
• What Is Homeschooling Online

Home School Myths: No Socialization" Myth of Homeschooling

One of the greatest myths that exist about the homeschooling phenomenon is that children who learn at home will not develop the necessary social skills needed for later in life. This belief is due to a narrow view of the process of socialization and a misunderstanding of homeschooling in general.

Socialization can occur in many forms. Sitting in a public school classroom with 20 other children is one limited form. In fact, homeschoolers have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of social situations that a typical school setting would not allow. Homeschoolers who have siblings have a built in social environment in the family unit. They are able to learn communication skills and problem solving skills through daily interaction with their brothers or sisters. Attending church and/or a weekly Sunday school class also gives homeschoolers interaction with other children their age, in addition to adults. Children who attend homeschooling groups have interaction with other students of various ages, teaching them how to socialize with older and younger children.

The very nature of the homeschool curriculum gives homeschooling families a flexible schedule. Students are free to join groups such as the 4-H club, the Girl Scouts or the Boy Scouts, or clubs offered by the local YMCA. In fact, local homeschoolers can get together and can start their own clubs! What a great opportunity to learn about responsibility and leadership.

Parents of homeschoolers can take an active role in the socialization of their children. There are many options to pursue. The first step is to find other homeschoolers in the area. There will be a ready bond between homeschool students because of their shared educational experiences. Another step is to find out which clubs are available for their children to join. There were several previously mentioned, but organized sports can also offer a great outlet for social interaction. Many skills can be learned from playing on a local soccer or baseball team, such as maintaining a positive attitude, working well with other people, and being a responsible member of a larger group.

Taking homeschoolers to the local park where other children in the community play is an easy way to give them social interaction with peers. There are also many opportunities for volunteer activities for homeschoolers to participate in. Places like nursing homes, soup kitchens, and state parks are always looking for eager helpers. Being a volunteer teaches homeschool students that they are a part of a larger community and each community member has the responsibility to serve where they are willing and able.

The next time someone tells you that they do not think homeschooling allows for the proper socialization of children, you can just smile and explain how they are mistaken!

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