Home Schooling

As is the case with just about anything in life, with the good also comes the bad, and while the benefits of home schooling definitely outweigh the negatives, there are certainly two sides to every story.

Here are both ends of the spectrum, both the good and the bad sides, so you can make an informed decision that will be best for your precious child and your household.

The Good Side of Home Schooling

School can often be a rather stressful place for children, which doesn't exactly allow for an environment that's conducive to learning. If a child is having trouble with bullies or similar stressful occurrences and other solutions have been exhausted, home schooling may be an option to definitely consider. And, stress rears its ugly head in other forms for teens and school aged children who have homework and negative influences from their peers to also deal with on a regular basis.

Beyond the safety, security, and having an environment that facilitates learning, it also creates the opportunity to learn not only better, but faster than their traditionally schooled peers. It is certainly not unheard of for a child to complete four years of high school in only two or three years, allowing them to continue on to higher education classes much sooner. And missing a class because of injuries or illness won't ever be an issue, nor will trying to get any of the work missed or worrying about making up tests.

Children who are home schooled are able to move past the constraints of the public school system, and its curriculum, by studying a diverse number of subjects and topics. In addition to the usual language arts, math, history, geography, and science, these children can also be taught the languages of their choosing, or explore electives like dance, music, or drama, for a few examples.

The Bad Side of Home Schooling

Home schooling your children will, obviously, require that at least one parent be there full time to teach and be completely involved in their child's education. Because of this, two income families may find it to be a bit difficult to manage.

It requires many things, but one of the most vital is patience. Having plenty of patience will be extremely important throughout your home schooling endeavors. It takes careful planning and consideration as well as the motivation to persevere, and remember that sacrificing your personal time will also be necessary. Even children who are independent learners need monitoring, structure, and guidance to succeed.

Socialization is another down side of home schooling not that it isn't possible, but rather it must be actively pursued. Parents can use group settings, sporting activities, and be creative in their home schooling endeavors in order to introduce children to people of all walks of life.

When it comes to home schooling your children, the hands-on approach is definitely recommended. If you aren't willing to give one hundred percent effort toward your child's education, then it may not be the best choice for them right now.

When a friend of mine announced her decision to take her two nine year old boys out of the local public school and teach them at home many people said that she had to be out of her mind.

When you think about it this would seem like a perfectly reasonable reaction not simply because the public school system has evolved over many years and developed an expertise in teaching children, but also because my friend was simply a housewife and had no training or qualifications for teaching.

But did you know that there are currently more than one million children in the United States undergoing home schooling in just the situation in which my friend found herself.

Now the reasons for opting for home schooling are many and varied but, at the end of day, most parents choose to home school their children because they believe that it is better for their children, not simply in terms of academic achievement but also in terms of removing children from many of the bad aspects of a public school educations such as bullying, getting in with the 'wrong crowd' and a host of other problems.

In simple academic terms there is little doubt that home schooling produces better results than both the public school and private school systems in the vast majority of cases. For example, the winner of the 1997 National Spelling Bee was home schooled and four sisters, all of whom had been home schooled, gained master's degrees from an Ivy League university. Another young girl gained her master's degree at the age of just 16 and was teaching at a Texas community college by the time she reached 18.

Now you might well think that these were simply bright kids and this had nothing to do with home schooling, however, even the US Department of Education would have to disagree with this as their own studies show that by the time home schooled children reach the equivalent of the 8th grade they are as much as 4 years ahead of their public school counterparts.

Home schooling is certainly not an easy option but, as any home schooling parent knows, it works. For the parent home schooling is certainly hard work but, although the teaching profession might not like to hear it, you do not need any special training or qualifications to teach your own children. Indeed, as long as you can read and write then you'll find that, with a little help from your local home schooling support group, not only will you be able to teach your own children but you will find that it is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a parent.

It is also one of the most valuable things you can do to really draw your family together into a tight-knit, loving and supportive unit.

If you are a high school student in Indiana who is attending an accredited home school, some of your courses may be used towards college credits. If you don't already know it, your state has one of the most liberal and progressive ways to earn an education. In Indiana, there are virtually no requirements that a home school or home school teacher must meet. The only provision is that the home school curriculum is taught in English (Ind. Code Ann. § 20-33-2-4(2)). According to Indiana state law, children between the ages of 7 through 18 are required to regularly partake in some sort of academic instruction. Students are expected to attend 180 days of school per year until satisfactory completion.

There are two types of educational venues that a homeschooler may attend in Indiana. The first is a non-accredited home school, for which the state has no legal authority to interfere with the curriculum or the content of the home school, unless the program or instructors are otherwise proven negligent in their duties, e.g. child are not instructed on a regular basis. Basically, the home school must uphold standards that are equal or greater to the local public school system. A far better option, or at a least supplement option, is to take advantage of the more than 100 courses offered by Indiana University High School. Because the school does not operate on a traditional semester schedule, a student can apply and begin anytime. A student has a menu of three kinds of structured education which he or she wishes to pursue. Each is based on the child's future plans after completing high school. If a student does not plan on attending college, the standard high school program is advised. If however, a student is preparing for college, there is the dual-credit program, as well as advanced placement distance education. Courses taken during enrollment of on either of these paths will count towards college credit if completed satisfactorily. Most of these courses are offered online.

A student who is currently being homeschooled or has completed course work from a non-accredited home school and wishes to have some of their work reviewed for possible transfer credit towards their high school diploma, must submit a written learning portfolio. The written learning portfolio consists of each course completed beyond the eighth grade level. Additionally, a student may earn up to one elective credit per school year, but no more than four credits in total for qualifying life experience.

The following is required per each written learning portfolio submitted for credit consideration, and must be submitted in the likewise order:

1. Detailed description of the course or topic of study. Specific course goals and objectives must be listed. It is advisable that the applicant discuss this with their home school instructor.

2. A detailed narrative bibliography (similar to an annotated bibliography) that lists all of the textbooks read, including the publisher's name, author's name, year published, and edition number if applicable. Be sure to include other learning materials utilized, such as journal articles, newspapers, film, and software programs. A detailed written description of the tasks, e.g. reports, and activities completed, which demonstrates how the student acquired knowledge of the topic at the home school.

3. Detailed explanation on how successful the student believes he or she was in meeting the course goals and objectives.

4. Three samples of major written assignments, including at least one major test -preferably a final examination.

Current or former students who attended an accredited home school are to submit their learning portfolios with a completed admission application form. All applications must include a $40 nonrefundable application fee. However, prior to applying, be sure to call (800) 334-1011 and ask to speak to an IUHS advisor. The advisor will determine if you need to submit additional materials and answer any other questions that you may have.

Parents have every right to educate their children at home, based upon knowledge gathered throughout their lives. They should and can do so, with a fair dose of responsibility. I admire who is capable of achieving such a deed, because the amount of stress involved in the task is only comprehended by those who actually do it. However, the results are unmatched by the ones obtained by the public school system. We have the example of the Villena Family, in Brazil. This case serves to show how a country's educational system takes a long time to be updated in comparison to the advances achieved in the world as to child education and about the citizens´ right to seek the very best way to educate their children.

In 2004, I was asked to give some theoretical support to the Villena Family, defending the choice that they made to teach their 6 kids at home. In the occasion they had just entered with a judicial order, (in Portuguese, "Mandato de Seguranca" (MS 7407/DF) seeking the Superior Justice Tribunal of Brazil to evaluate the demands that the educational system had required from them. In fact, what the government was asking for went against the family's goals, since they wanted to keep home schooling their kids. The educational system intended to obligate them to enroll their children in the Brazilian formal educational system. At the time, the Minister Dr. Franciulli Netto, asked for evidence in the legal procedure, and I sent (under their family name and at their request) a theoretical justification on the importance of educating children at home. My intent was to aid in the Minister's decision, thus helping the resolution of the case.

I began my defense of home schooling by claiming that it is what's scientifically proven by all the modern education institutes of the world to be the most up-to-date. I criticized the fact that the family had seen denied their right to educate their kids at home, in the family's environment. I requested that the analysis of the legal procedure at hand should start from the evidence that had been listed in the legal proceedings, that contained documents proving the initiative's success and that these legal proofs could, in little time, open doors to new legal courses of action to improve even the quality of schooling in Brazil. This evidence could help the country's educational history to advance into consolidating the family's right to seek out what's best for their kids, acting as an initiation cell of teaching in society. I claimed that his decision could promote education in the country and clarify as to a series of prejudice that clouds the thoughts of many jurists and educators, such as "the family doesn't educate", "the children do not belong to the family", and that "the education of the Brazilian is an obligation of the constituted State".

I argued that the Brazilian State at the time wasn't responding for its obligations regarding education, letting it be seen that we had a crisis in higher learning and had data showing that we have millions of illiterates populating Brazilian territory. And that, if a family was giving a great example of dedication to their kids, the Brazilian State should exalt them and take it as reference and not, take from them the right to exercise acts of citizenship.

I argued that the success of the educational modality called home schooling throughout the world, led us to assert that the children observed, in various countries, and that were submitted to this kind of specialized education, presented behavior and/or results that I would clarify for him with great pleasure. Based upon Dr. Neil Harvey, in his book Kids Who Start Ahead, Stay Ahead (Avery Publishing Group, New York, 1994), I showed and argued, based also upon my personal experience and that of other Brazilian mothers, that most children that have experienced and/or experience Home Schooling end up being or are:

o interesting and imaginative;

o Comunicate well;

o love language profoundly;

o present advanced vocabulary and a vast knowledge regarding what they say;

o never demonstrate to be out of ideas;

o can talk to anyone about anything;

o are incredibly creative, inventive and surprise us with interesting observations;

o build their own toys;

o rationalize beyond their age level;

o are disciplined;

o are cooperative;

o are positive when establishing goals to accomplish;

o concentrate on their work;

o are persistent and complete their projects;

o are inquisitive;

o show great will to learn;

o are motivated and with tremendous thirst for knowledge;

o express a strong interest for the arts;

o manifest an expanded view of the world;

o have happy, positive attitudes;

o are friendly and charming;

o have charisma for others, knowing how to deal with others, demonstrating good manners;

o appreciate the success of other children;

o aren't critics with other kids and have tolerance with each kid's rhythm, with their individual differences;

o don't become inhibited by outside opinions;

o aren't exhibitionists and pompous;

o are spiritually and mentally well adjusted;

o lead and are well succeeded, without much effort;

o adapt easily to different situations;

o possess advanced logic and think analytically;

o have a phenomenal ability to solve problems and demonstrate different strategies of thought;

o believe that human relations are important;

o are independent and wish to try out everything;

o are responsible for their own learning;

o like to teach what they know;

o ...Among many other positive characteristics!

Aside from these theoretical arguments listed above, I witnessed my experience with my three children, 24 years before then, in which they were objects to home schooling and that the Brazilian government had recognized our efforts, giving them the right to be accelerated in school, taking into consideration what they had learned at home. I explained that we also had gone through a judicial legal procedure and that the Federal Council of Education of the period had recognized my family's right to give education within the home. The case could not have been characterized as the same, since my kids went to school and were, at the same time, helped at home, with specialized attention. However, I added that the objective had been reached by both families, mine and the Villena´s. And that, in consequence, we were both examples of success in the initiative of giving the best possible education for our children. I gathered that my kids had entered early in the university and are, today, happy professionals well integrated in society. And, given the many that went through the same process, the children of this family could also, and with absolute certainty, achieve much success and be happily satisfied in life.

I argued that my testimony, along with information itself could avoid, with the support of his positive decision, that yet another Brazilian family be discredited and discouraged in their efforts and sincerity in trying to permit a better education for their children, an education which the Brazilian State still isn't capable of providing. I also said that I expected a family not to be hindered by the official institutions´ lack of information so that we wouldn't see this same family seeking alternative means for their children's education elsewhere, outside our homeland, thus causing the evasion of intelligent minds to other scientific centers. I finalized arguing that the Villena Family, like so many others like them in Brazil, and that hadn't expressed themselves yet, mine included, and that believed firmly in their kids´ talent, believe that we are a wonderful people. They believe that the right to have their voices heard throughout all national territory should be a guarantee, a must! Voices that will echo favoring new insights for the evolution of the human being's intelligence as a whole. Voices that know how to exercise the hope of better days for our nation and for the world.

My intervention didn't help much. The Villena Family, 14 years after my family had been authorized to educate the kids in the home schooling system, could do nothing but watch their kids be impeded, in the same (memory-less) country, of continuing to study at home; and, were, by the legal means of force (the law had now been differently interpreted), forced to enroll their children in formal schooling; to accomplish, most certainly, many less interesting deeds than those they were accustomed to in the family environment.

So here's my criticism to those countries that still don't value the power of home schooling. And my protest and legitimate support to the families that have obtained success with the initiative throughout the world. What a beautiful example we've been giving society as a whole!

**For more information and free articles and ebooks on homeschooling, babies and reading, visit our website at http://www.baby-can-read.com**

For many families, home schooling children is a viable alternative to public education for several important reasons: Strengthening the family, providing adequate education, and to promote moral and religious values.

With a perceived declining in the educational quality of the public school system in America, many parents are coming to the belief that homeschooling can offer their children a better education and result in better opportunities later on in life.

Educational Effects of Homeschooling

Research on homeschooling thus far strongly supports the thoughts of homeschooling parents. An extensive nationwide study showed that home schooled students outperformed their public and private school counterparts in every category. In fact, many homeschool students are enrolled in a grade level that is higher than their counterparts of the same age.

Home schooled children have a higher rate of high school graduation, a higher rate of college attendance, and a higher rate of college graduation.

Homeschooling is About More Than the Education

But for some families, a better education isn't the only reason to homeschool. Protection from the harsh world that encourages deviation from a successful path is another, as is the opportunity to strengthen the family.

The teen years are an extremely important time in the family building process. Spending six to eight hours away from the home can be very detrimental to a teen's ability to cement family relationships. Over time, subtle changes can erode family relationships, especially during the more tumultuous adolescent and teen years. By providing a homeschool education, parents can prevent this erosion and help strengthen the family bond.

Additionally, many people believe that public education is not up to the standards that a home school education can provide. No one is more invested in a child's education than his parents and a home school curriculum can help a child's ability to learn. For instance, a school teacher may grade your child's paper and tell him which answers are correct, and which are incorrect and leave it at that. But parents who are homeschooling their children, can spend time to explain to them why the answers are right and wrong, in order to help them learn more thoroughly.

Also, many parents believe that a child's educational curriculum should include not only academic learning, but also the teaching of morals, ethics, and values. According to recent polls, about 77 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. Christian values are an important part of our functioning society and providing children with home schooling is a great way to ensure that they are social and moral values in addition to academic learning.

In many homeschooling families, there comes a time when the parents decide to enroll their children in the public school system. This can happen because the mother does not feel confident enough to teach high school classes, or because the public schools offer team sports or some other course that a home school would have a difficult time providing, or because a loss of income requires the homeschooling mother to return to the workplace. In some cases, there may have been a learning disability that the family could not handle on its own, or possibly a conflict of personalities. Whatever the reason, home schooled students may feel like they will not fit in with public school students. Here are seven tips to ease those worries

1. Listen to popular music on the radio. This goes against the grain of many conservative homeschooling families, but if home schooled students will begin to listen to Top 40 music stations and learn some of the lyrics, they will have something in common with their public school peers.

2. Watch current movies. This is not quite as essential as listening to current musical artists, but it helps students to pick up the attitudes of most American teens. Parents can watch the movies along with their children to help them with sensitive topics such as sex and values that are different from theirs.

3. Join clubs, organizations, and teams which are not affiliated with church or home education. This gives the home schooled student opportunities to meet people who are not "like-minded."

4. Read lots of "secular" books. While reading the Bible and character-building books are excellent, it is extremely important for home schooled students to have been exposed to as many different philosophies and literary themes as possible.

5. Go to the mall. Look at what young people are wearing. Go to the big name teen fashion stores and look at the display windows. Go into the stores and see what the store clerks are wearing. This will tell home schooled students what the current fashions and hairstyles are. Watch fashion, hair, and makeup videos on YouTube to discover how to wear these styles. Stay up to date, because the fashions and colors change every season.

6. Stay smart. Home schooled students are usually smarter than most public schooled students, and quickly rise to the top of the class. However, home schooled students will be in competition for the top places in class rank, and must be prepared to work very hard to get the best rankings and grade point averages. This is critical in landing big scholarship offers from prestigious universities.

7. Embrace your nerdiness. Most home schooled students come from conservative, white collar backgrounds. Automatically, the students will be labeled, but they will also be welcomed and "friended" by the other "nerds" at school.

"Home Schooling - Look Before You Leap"

Are you considering home schooling your children? While you may have focused on the advantages of this form of education, take a moment to think about possible disadvantages of home schooling. Consider the demands of home education before you take the plunge.

Answer the following questions with "yes" or "no" to see where you stand on readiness to home school your children.

1.) I am available to stay home and commit many hours to not only instructing my child, but researching subject material, curriculums, and assessments.

2.) I have effective teaching skills and know how to guide my child through the learning process.

3.) I convey accurate subject material.

4.) I understand the academic needs and abilities of my child.

5.) I can provide activities for my child to participate in that work on their socialization skills.

6.) I fully believe in home education and hold responsibility for my child's education.

If you answered "yes" to all these questions then you have tackled the major disadvantages of home schooling. These disadvantages vary in intensity based on individual circumstances, but can be overcome through local support groups and educational resources.

Expertise in each subject area and the art of teaching are among the biggest disadvantages in home schooling. Certified public school teachers take several courses on teaching methods, strategies, and learning disabilities. Heavy content area specific classes are taken as well.

In addition they must pass the Praxis examination and adhere to state standards before they can teach in the public school system. As a home school parent, you are not required to go through these rigorous courses and examinations. Therefore, you must be honest with your self and accurately assess your abilities.

Time is another factor. Although home schooling schedules are flexible, the academic work must be accomplished one way or another. It is up to you as the parent to keep the learning train running and productive.

Lastly, you will need to deal with people that view home schooling as a lesser form of education. You will need to stick by your choice and feel confident that you are doing what is best for your child.