The decision to become a home educator requires careful consideration. Have you ever thought about homeschooling your children? Have you heard of the benefits of this option but are unsure if it’s right for you?
There are many things to consider when deciding whether to switch to homeschooling, and there are also some questions you may want answered before taking such an important step.
To switch to homeschooling, follow these steps:
- Research and familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations in your state.
- Notify your local school district of your intent to switch to homeschooling by submitting a letter of intent, a notice of intent, or a private school affidavit, depending on the state where you reside.
- Provide a curriculum plan to your school district outlining the subjects and materials you plan to use for homeschooling.
- Keep records of your child’s homeschooling progress and provide them to your school district upon request.
- Meet the state’s requirements for homeschooling, which include providing instruction in specific subjects and meeting certain attendance requirements.
- Register with a homeschooling organization or program if required by your state.
- Follow any additional regulations or laws set by your local school district or state.
- Start homeschooling and keep records of your child’s progress.
- Be aware that some states require annual assessments or testing for homeschooled students.
- Remember that different states have different regulations and procedures; it’s important to check with your state’s Department of Education for specific guidelines.
- Make sure to withdraw your child from the current school before starting homeschooling, and provide the necessary documents to the school district.
This article will help answer questions for parents considering homeschooling their children.
Will You Be Able To Balance Your Work Schedule With Home Education?
The first thing to ask yourself is how much time can be devoted to your child(ren) while still holding a job outside the home. It takes approximately four years (120 credit hours) to graduate from high school.
Depending on your schedule and commitments, 120 credits could take two to four years. One way to determine how long it might take would be to speak to other families who have already done so.
Many people homeschool because their schedules allow them more freedom than public schools. However, even those schedules need to accommodate school attendance and family life.
Special needs students often require extra assistance, so paying someone else to care for your children can quickly get expensive. Also, any educational costs associated with private schooling must be considered, along with tuition fees and additional expenses incurred throughout the school year. These factors can affect your potential savings over time.
What Is A Good Fit For Me As An Individual Parent/Family?
Many people choose to homeschool instead of sending their children into the traditional public school model because they believe each parent has something unique to offer their children. They say each child learns best by listening to their teacher rather than receiving instruction through a standardized curriculum.
Another common argument against traditional schooling is based upon personal choice – allowing parents to teach subjects according to their interests and passions. While both views hold merit, ultimately, it comes down to ensuring you’re getting value for your dollar spent.
There are several ways to evaluate your options and determine what learning environment works best for your situation. Here are just two ideas.
First, sit down and list everything your child learns in school – math, language arts, science, social studies, etc. Now compare that list to the core requirements listed by the state in which you live.
As you review your list, try to narrow down exactly where you fall within the spectrum of core classes vs. the student’s interests and your state and district standards. Once you know what specific areas need improvement, start researching local alternatives that meet your criteria. Look into online programs, community colleges, independent study programs, and local education centers.
Contact educators and administrators at your child’s current school to see if they recommend anything similar. Ask around among friends and colleagues; maybe someone knows someone with a successful homeschool program.
Take advantage of free information sessions offered by organizations such as the National Association of Independent Schools and the American Association of Family Therapy Practitioners. Don’t forget to check out the internet! Plenty of resources are designed to help educate your family on the ins and outs of homeschooling.
Another idea is to reflect on your childhood memories and experiences related to the subject matter taught by your parents. Did they use visual aids, handouts, interactive games, flashcards, notebooks, field trips, maps, videos, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, computers, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, and television?
Were lessons presented in a manner that was fun and engaging? Or were they boring lectures followed by multiple tests and projects? What kind of hands-on activities did you enjoy doing most?
What Are Some Of The Benefits And Consequences Of Becoming A Home Educator?
When choosing whether to homeschool or send your children to public school, the biggest question revolves around money. After all, the average cost per student varies drastically depending on location. One recent report put the price tag at $11,000 per year per student in a public school in California, compared to less than half that in Mississippi.
Every person’s circumstances differ but homeschooled students save quite a bit of cash once accounting for inflation and taxes.
In addition to monetary considerations, parents choose to educate their children for numerous reasons. Some cite religious beliefs, philosophical convictions, and moral values as primary motivators behind becoming self-educated.
Others contend that modern society trains us to fear failure and distrust authority figures, thus leading to widespread skepticism toward formalized schooling systems. Still, others feel safer knowing their children aren’t exposed to potentially dangerous situations like drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, peer pressure, bullying, gangs, violence, and crime.
Finally, many parents homeschool their children because they believe they’ll receive better academic preparation.
Whatever your reasoning, the bottom line is that the decision to homeschool shouldn’t solely be made based on financial concerns. Parents who choose this path should weigh all possible options carefully before diving headfirst into the unfamiliar waters of educating their offspring.
Find support groups, mentors, teachers, tutors, and after-school enrichment opportunities wherever you reside. Remember to stay informed and remain flexible as your goals evolve and change over time.
Finally, it bears repeating that no single approach works for everyone. Every family is different and unique individuals deserve personalized attention. Whether you decide to homeschool your children or continue putting them in the daily grind of a public classroom setting, please never lose sight of your ultimate goal; providing the best upbringing and education possible.
Remember that you’re raising future leaders, thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, and contributors to the greater good. Never let anyone tell you otherwise!
Conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, you should be able to identify the right path for your lifestyle and budget. Ultimately, however, the final decision belongs to you alone. No one should impose their ideals onto you without fully understanding what it entails.
Before jumping straight into the pool’s deep end, thoroughly research the waters ahead. Understand the pros and cons of homeschooling versus public education. Talk to other parents and attend informational meetings. Get involved locally. Then, go forth and conquer whatever challenges lie ahead. You won’t regret it!
