Homeschool News Round Up
BevK September 17th, 2007
It’s been a while since I was able to post to this blog. Sorry for dropping out without giving any warning. Life’s been full.
Rather than post about homeschool news from the last two weeks in individual posts, I’m doing a round up here of what was notable.
Is tennis homeschooling worth the risk?
This opinion piece comes down against homeschooling for young tennis players.
” I urge all tennis parents to reconsider this homeschooling decision, as it may impair the child for years. ”
ARCH Academy, Staunton’s newest private school, is scheduled to open its doors this morning with a class of about 20 students. The non-traditional school is largely influenced by homeschool methods studied and used by its founder, Brenda Rose, a former public school teacher who educated her own six children from home.
Instead of grades, students will show their progress through portfolios. Instead of classes, they’ll work individually or in small groups. Even the floorplan is intended to encourage movement and exploration — set on the floor of an old tractor supply store, Rose’s school resembles a large, open-air classroom. Simple room dividers help carve out distinct spaces for a variety of subjects.
The concept is to create an environment for mixed-age groups to work together, much in the way a family of siblings would help each other study at home.
I hope that she succeeds. Not everyone is able to homeschool, but with small schools like this seem like the next best choice.
Do the math before you decide on home school
A good first step is to write down all the reasons you want to try homeschooling says Kay Brooks, a home-school mom and founder of TnHomeEd.com, a home-school information Web site. Brooks says getting clear about why you want to homeschool will help you stay focused on your goals and better state your case to family members. She recommends getting in touch with other home-school moms to find out pros and cons.
“The reasons should all be based in what is best for the child and the family,” says Brooks. “So while some may choose to homeschool for academics, others may do so to allow more freedom to tend to an illness, a career or a learning issue.”
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the modern home education movement was in its infancy. At that time, most Americans viewed home-styled education as a quaint tourist attraction or the lifestyle choice of those willing to endure more hardship than necessary.
What a difference a few decades makes.
Home school decision difficult
Today, parents have many resources for making thoughtful decisions on whether homeschooling is a good idea for their children. One place is the Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency, which provides a comprehensive handbook on homeschooling.
MARESA’s Betty Burke-Coduti — in charge of teaching, learning and technology services — said keeping track of the state’s curriculum requirements and following them is crucial for homeschoolers.
